Benefits for Student Apprentices
Through apprenticeship programs, you will have the opportunity to achieve applicable workplace experiences while being paid to earn the skills and credentials that employers value. Apprenticeship programs can be completed within one to four years.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “91% of apprentices remain on the job one year after employment.”
(Source: Maryland Department of Labor)
Key Benefits for Student Apprentices:
- Earn while you learn
- Hands on learning
- Earn an industry credential
- Graduate with little to no college debt
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Increases future earning potential
Eligibility Requirements
Frederick Community College (FCC) offers unique apprenticeship programs with rigorous curriculum. An apprentice must be committed to working full-time while also working towards completion of their program of study within the structure and time frame designated.
Student Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older*
- High School Diploma or GED*
- Eligible to work in the USA (Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Meet all academic requirements for admission into FCC
- Existing FCC students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Possess a valid driver's license*
*Requirements vary based on occupation.
Apply to the Registered Apprentice (RA) Program
Step 1: Complete Interest Form
Students interested in the (RA) Program should complete the interest form below. You will be contacted for the next step in the process.
Student Interest Form
If you are an existing employee interested in participating at your current place of employment, your employer must notify FCC of their desire to have an existing employee participate in the (RA) Program.
Step 2: Apply to Frederick Community College
Apply to FCC if you are not an existing student. If you are an existing student, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Step 3: Take Placement Tests
All apprentices must place into college-level writing, reading, and math. In special circumstances, the College may exempt placement test requirements for students with previous college credits, grades, or test scores that meet specific criteria. Visit the Testing Center for more information.
Step 4: Apply, Interview & Start Program
College-ready candidates will be invited to upload their resume for review by Registered Apprentice Employers. Resume & interview assistance is available for free through Career Services.
Non-college-ready employees will be directed to take appropriate development classes.
Existing employees participating in the RA program through their current place of employment will start the apprenticeship program immediately if they are college-ready, or they will be directed to take appropriate development classes if non-college-ready.
Employer Benefits
Frederick Community College Apprenticeship programs are created in consultation and collaboration with industry specific business and organizations.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor:
- 91% of apprentices remain on the job one year after employment.
- Apprentices report high levels of motivation, satisfaction, and loyalty.
- For every dollar spent on apprenticeships, U.S. employers get $1.47 back in increased productivity.
(Source: Maryland Department of Labor)
The state of Maryland offers businesses valuable support to build a reliable pipeline of qualified workers by offering generous tax credits and financial incentives.
Key Benefits for Employers:
- Customized training
- Higher employee retention
- Systematic approach to training
- Structured development & preparation of their skilled future workforce
- Tax incentives
Grants & Tax Incentives
The Maryland Business Works program pays up to 50% of your eligible training costs, up to $4,500 per apprentice and $40,000 per company, per program year, if eligible. Depending on availability, the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund offers businesses grants of up to $50,000 for innovative apprenticeship solutions.
Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit:
- Eligibility
(Note: This link is only available during tax credit time frame)
- Application Form
Note: The Maryland Tax Credit webpages are removed temporarily when the tax credit time frame is not open.
Explore tax incentives for your business:
Hire an Apprentice
If you are interested in becoming a Registered Apprentice Employer, please submit the Employer Interest form below.
We can connect you with students who have shown interest in your industry or work with you to have an existing employee participate in the program.
Employer Interest Form