Partnership Opportunities for Growing Businesses
Businesses today face many challenges, including the ongoing need to recruit and hire skilled workers. Through HCC’s apprenticeship program, employers can address current workforce needs, and be proactive in cultivating future workforce needs.
Employers who hire HCC apprentices can customize education and training programs for the students they hire, tailored to the jobs they are filling. Participating in an apprenticeship program can help your business:
- Build a team of committed and skilled workers
- Reduce recruiting costs
- Boost productivity and profitability
- Reduce employee turnover and increase employee retention
- Develop customized training programs
- Foster an environment of personal and professional growth within the team
- Become eligible for special tax incentives (up to $3,000) as well as expense reimbursements from state and local funding sources
A Program Tailored to Your Needs
We can work with you to create an apprenticeship program that will benefit your business. Send an email to apprentice@howardcc.edu to begin the conversation.
Case Study
Learn how participation in HCC’s apprenticeship program has benefited a Columbia-based construction company.
FAQ
Wondering if one of HCC’s apprenticeship programs is a good fit for your company? We’ve developed a list of questions we are frequently asked, along with the answers you need to know, to help you make an educated and informed decision.
-
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship offers college students an “earn while you learn” model, which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. In tandem, apprenticeship program provides an excellent platform for businesses in growth mode to recruit and hire new employees.
-
What apprenticeships are available at HCC?
Howard Community College’s apprenticeship program is registered with the State of Maryland and currently offers the following apprenticeship curriculums:
- Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET)
- Construction Management
- Electrical
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVACR)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Software Development
-
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 91% retention rate.
-
Does my apprentice earn a degree or certification?
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.
-
What financial commitment is required of employers who choose to participate?
Employers typically pay for tuition, books, fees, and all administrative services associated with their apprentice’s college education. In tandem, apprentices are paid a progressive wage, often with opportunities to earn periodic wage increases as training requirements are completed.
-
Are there financial incentives available for hiring apprentices?
Yes! Employers can claim a one-time, $1,000 tax credit for each apprentice after they have been employed for seven months. Additionally, if your company has fewer than 500 employees in the State of Maryland, you may apply for funding from the Maryland Business Works Fund. This fund reimburses up to 50 percent of training dollars for employers who qualify. More information on financial incentives can be found here:
-
I have an existing employee who would like to participate. Can they be an apprentice?
Yes! We will work with you to become a registered apprenticeship employer, and we will guide your employee on how to enroll in our apprenticeship program.
-
Does my business need to be located in Howard County in order to participate?
No, you do not need to have an office in Howard County or even in the State of Maryland to take part in our program. However, regardless of location, employers must abide by apprenticeship rules and regulations outlined by the State of Maryland.
Ready to Learn More?
Interested in getting involved? Begin the conversation by sending an email to apprentice@howardcc.edu.
Thank you for requesting more information about our apprenticeship programs.
Please submit the form and we will be in touch shortly!