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HCC collaborates with business and civic leaders to prepare students for in-demand careers, encourage entrepreneurship, and offer workforce development resources. HCC supports businesses in various ways:
Registered Apprenticeship: Employers can hire apprentices and tailor training programs to specific job roles. Complete the Employer Interest Form or contact us at Apprentice@HowardCC.edu to discuss your needs.
Employers who hire HCC apprentices can:
Recruit and develop a committed, skilled workforce
Improve employee retention and reduce turnover
Foster professional growth within your team
Access tax incentives and reimbursement from state and local funds
Career Services: HCC’s Career Services office organizes career fairs, job listings, recruitment, and co-op/internship opportunities, connecting employers with HCC students and community members.
Customized Training: We offer training and consulting services, certified coaching, specialized staff training, team building, leadership seminars, management strategies, and advanced technological training. These services provided by Training & Development Solutions (TDS) are designed to meet the evolving needs of individuals and businesses.
Workforce Development Training: HCC provides certification and licensing courses, along with training programs to enhance workforce skills across various industries, including business, healthcare, childcare, technology, and trades. Courses are offered through the Division of Workforce Development and Community Education.
Watch this short video to discover how Howard Community College connects you with qualified apprentices who can grow with your company.
Registered Apprenticeships (RA) Offered
Biomedical Equipment Technology (BMET)
In approximately 2 years, apprentices complete 46 college credits and 4,000 hours of paid, on-the-job learning, with healthcare employers across Maryland.
Graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
BMETs install, maintain, and repair medical equipment and devices used in clinical environments, including hospitals, clinics, and other locations where patient care is administered.
HCC is the only college in Maryland that offers this program.
Child Care Professional
In approximately 18 months, apprentices receive 32 college credits and 3,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training with guidance from HCC’s Pathways to Teaching Center.
Apprentices complete the program certified as a MSDE Lead Teacher in the following age groups: infant and toddler, preschool, and school age children. They also receive a CPR/First Aid certification.
Apprentices are eligible to become Child Care Directors if they have an AA degree or above. Additionally, they are eligible to pursue the Child Development Associate credential, which is nationally recognized.
Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, apprentices are eligible to apply to the Maryland Child Care Credentialing Program, which awards stipends to early childhood educators based on their education credentials.
Construction Management
In approximately 2 years, apprentices complete 4,000 hours of paid field work and a series of courses and lab work.
Once completed, apprentices are awarded a Construction Management Certificate and are eligible to sit for the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT®) exam.
HCC is the only college in Maryland that offers this program.
Cybersecurity Support Specialist
In 12 months, apprentices complete 23 on-the-job training work competencies.
Graduates will earn certifications in Google IT Support, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) 4, and Project Management Institute (PMI) - Agile Certified Practitioner.
Key roles and responsibilities might include troubleshooting computers, installing cables and software, providing technical support, and resolving IT tickets.
Electrical
In approximately 4 years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training.
Graduates are eligible to receive journeyperson licensure through the State of Maryland’s Apprenticeship and Training Council and earn 27 college credits towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Skilled Building Trades.
HCC provides the related instruction in partnership with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeake.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVACR)
In approximately 4 years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training.
Graduates are eligible to receive journeyperson licensure through the State of Maryland’s Apprenticeship and Training Council and earn 24 college credits towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Skilled Building Trades.
HCC provides the related instruction in partnership with Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors of MD.
Hospitality Management
Food Service Manager Apprenticeship
In 24-36 months, apprentices receive paid, on-the job training in addition to theoretical and practical related instruction.
Graduates earn an Associate of applied science degree in Culinary Arts Management.
Hotel and Lodging Manager Apprenticeship
In 24-36 months, apprentices receive paid, on-the-job training in addition to theoretical and practical related instruction.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Event Management.
Information Technology
In approximately 2 years, apprentices receive up to 32 college credits and 4,400 hours of on-the-job training.
Graduates receive certifications in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security + and CompTIA Network +.
Apprentices are placed into one of the following occupations IT Field Support Specialist, Network Field Support Specialist, Information Systems Security Engineer, and Linux Systems Administrator.
Licensed Practical Nurse
In approximately 2 years, apprentices complete 39 on-the-job training work competencies.
Graduates are eligible to receive their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Apprentices receive instruction in an innovative state-of-the-art medical assisting skills lab.
Plumbing
In approximately 4 years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training.
Graduates are eligible to receive journeyperson licensure through the State of Maryland’s Apprenticeship and Training Council and earn 24 college credits towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Skilled Building Trades.
Surgical Technologist
In approximately 12-16 months, apprentices will complete 40 on-the-job training work competencies.
Graduates are eligible to receive the nationally recognized Surgical Technologist certificate through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Apprentices receive instruction in an innovative state-of-the-art surgical technician skills lab.
FAQ
Wondering if one of HCC’s apprenticeship programs is right for your company? We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to assist you in making an informed decision.
What is an apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship (RA) is an “earn while you learn” model, which combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction at the college. RA is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers candevelop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, andprogressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential. In tandem, apprenticeship programs provide an excellent platform for businesses in growth mode to recruit and hire new employees. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and are approved and validated by the MarylandDepartment of Labor.
The length of the apprenticeship varies by program and typically ranges from 1–4 years.Depending on the program, apprentices have the potential to earn college credits, degrees, certifications, and/or a security clearance. These credentials are earned in tandem, as apprentices are pursuing paid on-the-job work experiences with local employers who are part of our program.
Why an apprenticeship?
A Registered Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to invest in your business bydeveloping a workforce tailored to meet the needs of your company. It is a great option when an organization is having difficulty finding qualified employees or when a high level of technical knowledge is required. Shaping an employee from the start reduces turnover and can increase team loyalty.
Apprenticeships offer employers the opportunity to:
Train and mold a model employee from the start.
Retain loyal, motivated employees.
Reduce recruiting costs.
Access employees with up-to-date industry knowledge and training.
Close existing or predicted workforce skill gaps.
Diversify your workforce.
Build a talent pipeline of highly skilled employees.
Create a career pathway for employees.
What is the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?
Internships are typically short-term, less structured, and typically have no long-term employment attachment.
Apprenticeships are longer-term, highly structured and customized to employers’ needs. They involve formal mentorship, and in many cases, steady, ongoing employment during and after the program. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor demonstrates that employees who have completed apprenticeships have a 93% retention rate.
What is the cost and financial incentive for the employer to hire an apprentice?
Employers hire an apprentice and pay the wages/benefits while the apprentice is on the job with periodic wage increases as training requirements are completed. Apprentices typically work 2,000 hours per year and are therefore considered full-time employees and entitled to the same benefits as other employees. They are also subject to the same rules and requirements as traditional employees.
Employers also pay for tuition, books, fees, and all administrative services associated with their apprentice’s college education.
There are often financial incentives for Maryland employers. In addition, many local workforce offices offer additional funding opportunities. See below for additional information on Maryland Department of Labor financial incentives:
Your employee can become an apprentice. Complete the Interest Form, and we will connect with you to get your company registered and your employee enrolled in our apprenticeship program.
How do I become a participating employer in the program?
Complete the Interest Form for individualized assistance in becoming a participating employer partner.
Howard Community College has a history of working closely with business leaders to educate and prepare students for today’s in-demand careers. We can work with your company to become a participating employer partner in an established program or explore establishing a customized apprenticeship program that matches your specialized needs.
Employers, Did You Know?
Businesses earn $1.44 back for every dollar invested toward their apprentices in a RA program.*
93% of apprentices retain employment after completion of RA program.
Approximately 41 percent of the current construction workforce will retire by the year 2031.*
HCC is recognized as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship and the State of Maryland, continuing our longstanding commitment to advancing registered apprenticeship opportunities.
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