Newark, MD, January 12, 2024– Local and regional employers are invited to attend an interest meeting to become a Youth Apprenticeship Partner with Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS).
On February 14, 2024, from noon to 1:30 p.m. representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL), WCPS, and Worcester Technical High School will host an interest meeting for employers to learn more about the Youth Apprenticeship Program (AMP). Interested employers can register to attend by visiting https://tinyurl.com/WTHSBreakfast.
AMP is a partnership between the Maryland Department of Labor and local educational agencies in Maryland. Employers work with the school system to become approved employers for the AMP program. Students complete related instruction - either with the employer or through the school system - to receive education related to the apprenticeship. As an example, students working in a local restaurant may complete the Culinary Arts program at WTHS before their apprenticeship as their related instruction.
Once approved as an AMP employer, employers can begin hiring students through an interview process. Hired students must complete a minimum of 450 hours to successfully complete their apprenticeship experience, which includes mentorship and on-the-job training by the employer and wages no less than the federal minimum wage. Students may work during the school day if their schedule allows and may continue to work with the employers on nights and weekends, if needed. Students can even complete this program during the summer when school is not in session.
“A big piece of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is ensuring at that at least 45% of our students earn an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) or complete an AMP apprenticeship,” said Coordinator of Instruction Brian Phillips. “It’s essential that we have willing partners in our business community to be able to offer our students these pathways to successful employment.”
Approved AMP employers could also be eligible to receive a $1,000 tax credit for every student the organization employs through the AMP program. Representatives from MDOL will address these incentives as well as outline those occupations not normally permitted to hire under the age of 18 but could receive a waiver as an approved AMP partner.
“We hope that our business and non-profit community take advantage of this incredible opportunity to help build our upcoming workforce through the AMP program,” Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said. “Our students gain invaluable experience, and our employers can build a pipeline for future qualified employees.”
Phillips added, “We hope other employers join the ranks of Seaside Plumbing, Fish Tales, and Burley Builders to provide a memorable and valuable work experience to our students while fulfilling the needs of their company, ultimately making our community a better place to live and work.”
