Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP)

Program Description

Apprenticeship Maryland is a youth apprenticeship program for students, ages 16 and up, that is designed for students that want to gain experience in the workplace with plans to continue in that industry after graduation. This program was developed in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Labor (MDoL) to provide students a unique opportunity to “earn and learn." 

The program focuses on career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations. The STEM-related occupations include those in: 

Information Technology 
Health and Biomedical Sciences 
Manufacturing  
Construction and Design 
Banking and Finance

Participating students start the program in the summer or fall of their junior or senior year. Students must complete at least 450 hours of work-based training under the supervision of an eligible employer and at least one year of related instruction. 

What is AMP?

Course Sequence

Sample High School Schedule

	9th Grade	10th Grade	11th Grade	12th Grade
1	Technology Education Requirement	Elective	Apprenticeship I	Apprenticeship II
2	Health/Fitness For Life Requirement	Elective	Elective	Apprenticeship III
3	Fine Arts Requirement	Financial Literacy	Elective	Apprenticeship III
4	Science Requirement	Science Requirement	Science Requirement	Apprenticeship IV
5	History Requirement	History Requirement	History Requirement	Apprenticeship IV
6	English Requirement	English Requirement	English Requirement	English Requirement
7	Math Requirement	Math Requirement	Math Requirement	Math Requirement

*Note: The schedule above is a sample only. Students should always review course selections with school counselors and refer to the current Charles County Public Schools High School Program of Studies.*

High Schools that offer the Program

Employer Information

The Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) gives your business a unique opportunity to train, influence, and shape high school students into top-performing employees who are invested in your business.

Benefits of the Program

Build your workforce. Youth apprenticeship trains workers in the specific skills needed by your company.
Connect to the talent of the future. Youth apprenticeships are a great way to develop a pipeline of talented, high-skilled workers to help your business grow.
Contribute to your bottom line. You will see a noticeable contribution to your company through these highly productive and motivated employees.
Plan for employee succession. Youth apprenticeships help you successfully facilitate the transfer of knowledge from experienced employees to new recruits.

To participate in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program, employers must submit an application and be approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship Training Council (MATC) through DLLR, prior to hiring apprentices.

Become an Eligible Employer
Requirements

Become an Eligible Employer

Requirements

Get approval as an Eligible Employer
Schedule interviews and hire from students applications provided by the Charles County Public Schools Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) Coordinator
Work with the AMP Coordinator to coordinate the youth agreement and develop a training plan for the apprentice
Provide a mentor
Commit to employing and training the youth apprentice for at least 450-hours (about 20 + hours a week) within a specified period (not to exceed 14 months)
Pay the youth apprentice no less than minimum wage for all work performed during the program
Authorize the mentor to complete quarterly progress reviews for WBL
Instruct the youth apprentice in the required competencies provided for this program
Comply with applicable child labor and employment of minors laws with regard to number of hours worked, prohibited occupations and equipment, and time of day employment for youth apprentices
Provide safety instruction in work practices
Provide safe equipment and facilities in compliance with OSHA requirements

MD Dept. of labor eligible Employer Application

MD dept. of labor Apprenticeship website

Apprenticeship Maryland brochure

MD Minor Fact Sheet

Business with questions or interested in partnering with Charles County Public Schools, contact the Career and Technical Education department below:

This form is not currently accepting submissions.

Student Information

Benefits of Youth Apprenticeships

Enter the workforce while still in high school.
Earn a salary while you are learning.
Earn 4 high school credits for completing the apprenticeship program.
Youth apprenticeship is an approved CTE pathway that will meet the CTE completer requirement.
Gain marketable industry skills.
Career Discovery - Students are able to confirm that a certain industry is a good fit, saving time and money in pursuing costly higher education or technical training after high school.
Youth apprentices have an advantage over other candidates as they develop valuable career skills and a professional network.
Confidence - Students gain self-assurance by working independently under the tutelage of a mentor.
By meeting all the State program standards, you'll receive a Maryland State Skill Certificate.

General Requirements

Student applicants must be juniors or seniors, age 16 years or older, and have reliable transportation.
A student must complete the program by graduation from high school.
One year of related instruction is required. Each posting lists the pathways of approved instruction.
Applicants must be students in good standing and on track to graduate with good grades and attendance.
Students must complete 450 hours of work-based training and one year of related classroom instruction by graduation.
A student must submit a complete application packet to their school counselor.

Application Steps

Download and print the application here
A resume and cover letter are required. Visit the Resource Center on this page for templates.
Submit your completed application, cover letter, and resume to your school counselor.
Have two current or prior year teachers fill out and return the recommendation form to your school counselor.
Be sure to indicate the position(s) you are applying for.
The employer will contact you directly if you are chosen for an interview.

FAQ

How do I apply?

See application steps above.

What is the deadline for completing an application?

A listing of open apprentice positions at area businesses are published on the "Current Openings" tab above in the spring for the summer and following school year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until opportunities are filled. A student must have the ability and time in their schedule to complete the required 450 hours of work prior to graduation.

What is the work schedule?

Work schedules are determined by the employer. A student must be able to work within an employer's hours of operation. Open hours are listed on each posting. Most employers are flexible within these times. Please see your school counselor to determine if your schedule can accommodate the employer's hours. Some employers have evening and weekend hours and do not require a schedule change.

Can I work only during the summer?

No, you will not be able to complete the required number of hours only working during the summer. Your school schedule must allow for work during the school year.

Do I need a work permit?

Yes, Work permits are required for all minors under the age of 18 to work in the State of Maryland. Visit MDOL to apply.

Is the program targeting students who want to go directly in the workforce? What if I want to go to college?

The Maryland Youth Apprenticeship program allows students to “earn while they learn”. Some careers will require advanced degrees and certifications while others will not. However, this program is intended for students who may want to remain in the area to continue working within the industry. Students could work and attend a local college.

How are wages determined?

All wages are paid by the employer, therefore they set the wage. Under the guidelines of the program, it must be at least minimum wage.

What is required during my apprenticeship in addition to working 450 hours?

Apprenticeship is a CTE program of study. In addition to the stipulations outlined in the Apprenticeship Agreement, the following requirements apply:
- Employers report apprenticeship progress to the Apprenticeship Coordinator monthly.
- Apprentices are required to submit timesheets.
- Apprentices are required to attend bi-monthly check-in meetings with the Apprenticeship Coordinator.
- Apprentices and employers are required to participate in site visits from the Apprenticeship Coordinator to the workplace.
- Apprentices complete additional assignments throughout their apprenticeship as assigned.

Who can I contact for program questions or application assistance?

Contact your school counselor or Sandy Rooney, Apprenticeship Coordinator, at srooney@ccboe.com or 301-392-7501 for questions and/or assistance.

April 19, 2023 Virtual Info Session for Students and Families

Applications are not being accepted at this time.

MD Minor Fact Sheet

Resource Center

Cover Letters

If you have very little or no work experience, finding a job might seem challenging. However, a well-written cover letter is a great way to convince employers that you’re worth hiring.

This is an opportunity for you to highlight your work ethic, passion, and the valuable skills you acquired from other real-life experiences, such as school courses, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.

Your cover letter should include the following:

Why you want to be a youth apprentice,
How do your career interests relate to the apprenticeship program for which you are applying,
Description of how you think any related high school courses you are currently taking or have taken in the past (Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, mathematics, English, etc.) will help you succeed in your apprenticeship; and
Why you should be considered as a participant in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program.

Sample Cover LEtter

Resumes

Resumes are about showing an employer that you are the right person for the job.

You want to show them that you’re a competent, passionate, and responsible individual, with the right skills to get the job done.

One thing to keep in mind is work experience isn’t the only way to convince employers of that.

All resumes should include:

#1. Contact Information - This is where you provide your personal and contact information, to include:
- first and last name
- phone number
- professional e-mail address
  (something like: firstname.last name@gmail.com, not something that will leave a bad impression)
- address
#2. Resume Objective - In 3-4 sentences, describe your career goals and aspirations. Think of it as a short summary of why you’re applying for this specific position and why you’d be a good candidate for it.
#3. Education - This is not just listing your high school but also includes any courses or training you have completed that support your qualifications and interest in the Youth Apprenticeship Maryland Program.
#4. Extracurricular Activities - These include participation in high school clubs, competitive events, and volunteer work.
Even if you have a not-so-special GPA, extracurriculars can turn your resume around.
Involvement in such, especially in leadership positions like club president or team captain, shows you are sociable and active in your pursuits.
#5. Work Experience (optional) - If you don’t have any work experience, you can mention internships, apprenticeships or volunteer work instead.
#6. Personal Strengths
(encouraging others; working as part of a team; being accurate or precise; visualizing colors, shapes, and concepts; fixing, repairing, building and using tools; keeping deadlines, etc.)
#7. Hobbies & Interests - These offer some insight into your personality and can show that you’re passionate and interested in the industry.

Sample REsumes

Interview Tips

Current Openings

At this time, there are no openings for youth apprenticeships.
We will provide opportunities for next school year in the spring.

To complete an application,
click on the Student Information tab above
and clock on the application link.