New Apprenticeships and Workforce Development
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND SKILLED TRADES CENTER
The college is embarking on an ambitious plan to bring a sorely needed trades center to Howard County. The state of the art center will be crucial in supporting the professional growth of learners in evolving job markets such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, manufacturing, automotive technology, cybersecurity, and more. The new building will feature corporate partnerships and prepare students with hands-on experience to increase stable growth of employment and economic outcomes for Howard County residents across diverse areas of our community. HCC is the largest community college sponsor of registered apprenticeships in Maryland (MD Department of Labor, 2023). The college’s dedication to apprenticeships is evident by the new programs that continue to offer students diverse opportunities to “earn while they learn.”
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Howard Community College now offers a Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program, giving aspiring healthcare professionals the essential skills needed for hospital operating room roles. The program also serves as a talent pipeline for local hospitals, ensuring the recruitment and retention of skilled employees. Apprentices complete HCC courses while working full time and earning wages at local hospitals as entry-level surgical assistants. HCC is partnering with University of Maryland Medical Center, MedStar Health, and Johns Hopkins for this initiative, with these healthcare institutions funding apprentice tuition and offering paid positions. Apprentices receive training at our on-campus skills lab, which provides hands-on training in various core competencies related to surgical care.
CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL
The HCC Child Care Professional Apprenticeship provides a learning pathway for individuals passionate about working with children and aspiring to leadership roles in the child care and early learning industry. Supported by a grant from the Maryland State Department of Education, the program aims to prepare professionals for higher-skilled and higher-paying positions while focusing on nurturing children’s development in a positive and supportive learning-based care environment. HCC is collaborating with established program employment partners like United Way of Central Maryland, the Community Action Council of Howard County, and the Goddard School of Columbia to facilitate apprenticeships and provide valuable learning experiences in child care centers. The apprenticeship program aligns with the need to cultivate new talent in the child care industry, addressing workforce challenges and offering apprentices an opportunity to build their skills while providing valuable services to local organizations.
PLUMBING
The demand for professionals who are trained to install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems is constant and rapidly growing. HCC’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of skilled technicians to work in both residential and commercial environments. Apprentices acquire a diverse skill set while working in partnership with Associated Builders & Contractors of Greater Baltimore. Students enrolled in ABC Greater Baltimore’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program complete 8,000 hours of paid field work over four years, while completing required coursework at HCC. In tandem, apprentices can pursue Maryland State Plumbing journeyperson licensure.
HELP DESK TECHNICIAN
HCC’s IT Help Desk Support Technician Apprenticeship Program is designed for apprentices who will work as entry-level help desk technicians for local companies, progressively gaining new skills and IT certifications. Apprentices complete 23 on-the-job training work competencies over the course of one year. Upon successful completion, apprentices will be eligible to earn certifications in Google IT Support, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) 4, and Project Management Institute (PMI) - Agile Certified Practitioner.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
HCC’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Apprenticeship Program is a pathway for aspiring or current professionals to excel in the healthcare industry. Through a partnership with Ascension St. Agnes, apprentices will work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. Apprentices will complete 39 on-the-job training work competencies over the course of two years. Upon successful completion, apprentices will be eligible to receive their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing.