Last week was the National Apprenticeship Week, and several students here at Fallston High School are participating in the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program with a variety of different programs: Management & Finance, Construction, Human Resources, Hospitality, and many more. This apprenticeship program in Maryland offers a unique opportunity for students to “earn and learn:” a good chance for students – and anyone interested in a specific career field – to gain experience while getting paid to learn.
Anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to participate, even students who take dual enrollment too. The benefits of this program are endless, starting from earning high school credits, entering the workforce while in high school, earning a salary, and receiving a Maryland State Skill Certificate and graduation cord upon program completion.
Luke Jester, a senior in the environmental pathway apprenticeship, is in the process of managing turf and grass at Winters Run. “I’ve learned to do outdoor work that you wouldn’t normally do,” Luke explained. His usual schedule with this program alternates between A and B days, where he would go to school as usual one day, but work the next.
Another student, Alyssa Curry, a junior working at Fast Eddies in the hospitality program, says, “It was just a good opportunity when [Mrs. Becker] told me about it, so I decided to take it.” She continues, “I definitely would recommend it, especially if you’re already working because it just opens up a lot to talk about.”
“I work with the businesses to connect students,” says Mrs. Anna Becker, the instructor for this program. “There are lots of good chances for students to get offered something full time at the end of the position.” Mrs. Becker helps students link with businesses and helps set up a course to help them learn and gain knowledge.
Interested applicants should jump at the exciting opportunity because it provides an informational blueprint for many job and career fields. Doing so will help you realize the duties and responsibilities that these career fields have and will help you acquire “valuable career skills and build a professional network.”
To get started or for additional questions, you can contact Mrs. Becker at [email protected].
