June 17, 2019
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — This week, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) welcomes the first participants in this summer’s Youth Apprenticeship Program, giving students on the job training for in-demand trades.
Starting Monday, the program — the first of its kind in Maryland — allows approximately 20 juniors and seniors to work alongside PGCPS Building Services employees to gain paid, structured workplace learning in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry and HVAC repair. The students attend Bladensburg, Crossland and Suitland high schools.
“This is a unique opportunity for our students to learn valuable skills through real-life experience with our Building Services team,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, Interim Chief Executive Officer. “We are truly ‘growing our own’ by providing a pipeline from our classrooms to jobs within the school system.”
The apprenticeships will continue part-time through students’ senior year. After graduating from the program, participants can continue their studies at Prince George’s Community College and earn industry certification with eligibility for preferential hiring in the school system or participating county agencies.
Last fall, the school system received approval from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to serve as an eligible employer for the Apprenticeship Maryland Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Maryland requires eligible employers to hire Apprenticeship Maryland participants, facilitating their entrance into high-skill, high-growth STEM-related industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, information technology, construction and design, banking and finance, and advanced manufacturing.
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