What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is an “earn while you learn” model which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. In a traditional apprenticeship program, apprentices complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year, a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction per year, and they earn a progressive wage.
What apprenticeships are available at HCC?
Howard Community College is a registered apprenticeship sponsor with the state of Maryland. We currently offer nine apprenticeships in ten occupations across six programs:
- Construction Management
- Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET)
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) in partnership with the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACC)
- Information Technology in three field occupations
- Software Development in three field occupations
- Electrician in partnership with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeake
How long are the apprenticeship programs?
- The BMET apprenticeship is a three-and-a-half year program.
- Software Development is a two-year program.
- The Electrical Apprenticeship is a four-year program.
When do the apprenticeship programs start?
The start dates vary by apprenticeship program.
Do I earn a degree or certification?
In the Construction Management program, apprentices will earn a Certificate in Construction Management upon completion of the two-year program. This certificate consists of 34 academic credits. You will also be eligible to sit for your Construction Manager in Training (CMIT) certification.
In the HVACR program, apprentices are automatically awarded their Maryland journeyman license upon successful completion of the four-year program.
In the IT program, apprentices earn 18 – 24 academic credits and three of CompTIA’s Core Series Certifications:
- CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and 2)
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Apprentices in the BMET program will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in biomedical engineering technology, the only associate degree of its kind in Maryland.
All Software Development apprentices will earn at least two Microsoft (MS) Certified Professional Certifications for MS Azure. Those certifications include:
- Entry-Level: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- SD: MS Azure, Developer Associate
- CSE: MS Azure, Administrator Associate + DevOps Expert
- DE: MS Azure, Data Engineer Associate
Apprentices in the Electrical Apprenticeship will obtain advanced standing in pursuing an Electronics Technology Associate in Applied Science or Electrical Engineering Associate in Applied Engineering degree as chosen by the apprentice.
How much does it cost to be an apprentice?
You are responsible for the $25 application fee to become a student at Howard Community College. There may be an additional fee to apply to your specific apprenticeship program. Beyond that, your employer is expected to cover all your costs, including tuition, books, and fees. Exact details of how your employer will pay for the program will be negotiated between you and the employer when you accept a job.
If you decide to begin the apprenticeship before being hired by a participating employer, you will be responsible for the cost of tuition, fees, and books.
For information on costs for the construction management, IT, BMET, software development, and electrical apprenticeship programs, contact apprentice@howardcc.edu.
For information on the cost of the HVACR program, contact sanderson@haccmd.org .
Do I make money as an apprentice?
Yes, you will earn a wage as an apprentice. You will start at a lower wage – typically half of what you will earn at the end of the program. You’ll receive regular salary increases as you complete more training and related instruction.
What are the requirements to be an apprentice?
To be a construction management apprentice, you must be 18 years or older, have a high-school degree, a driver’s license, and three references. Additionally, you must be college-ready in math and English, and you must be able to work legally in the United States.
To enroll in the HVACR apprenticeship, you need to have a driver’s license, three references, and a doctor’s note clearing you to work in the HVACR industry. You must also provide a high school diploma or transcript of your last grade completed, and you must obtain your Maryland State HVACR apprentice license.
To be considered for the IT apprenticeships, you must be 18 years or older by program start, a U.S. citizen, able to lift 50 lbs, demonstrated enrollment and success in computer technology course work, and capable of achieving and maintaining a Federal security clearance. You may not be eligible for this apprenticeship if you have completed more than 50% of the approved coursework.
To be considered for the Software Development Apprenticeship, you must:
- have a high school diploma or GED
- have a valid driver’s license OR access to reliable transportation.
- be eligible to take or will have completed MATH-181 and ENGL-121 or an equivalent prior to the start of the program.
To be considered for BMET, you must:
- be 18 years of age or older by program start
- have a high school diploma or GED
- have a valid driver’s license OR access to reliable transportation
- be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
- be college-ready in math and English
- be able to work legally in the United States
To be considered for the Electrical Apprenticeship, you must:
- Have a valid driver’s license/Government-issued ID
- One letter of recommendation from a personal reference (non-family)
- Take and pass a drug screening
- Have a high school diploma, GED Certificate, or be a dual enrolled HCPSS senior
- Be able to successfully complete an OSHA 10-hour training course prior to program start
I’m already working for a company, how do I get my employer to sign up?
If you think your employer would like to sponsor you as an apprentice, have them contact the apprenticeship coordinators at HCC at apprentice@howardcc.edu, or 443-518-4972. Our coordinators will discuss their role in an apprenticeship and how they can participate.
How do I apply to be an apprentice?
Applications for the Construction Management apprenticeship program are due each year in early January, for a June start date. You can find the application online here: https://www.howardcc.edu/programs-courses/academics/apprenticeships/const-mgmt-apprenticeship.html
Applications for the HVACR program are due each year by mid-August, for a September start date. You can find the application online here: https://haccmd.org/page/AA1
Applications for the software development apprenticeship will be available under the “How to Apply” section of the program information page.
To apply for the Electrical Apprenticeship, please send an email with your interest to apprentice@howardcc.edu for application instructions. Applications will be available in early November.
Who do I contact for more information?
Contact the apprenticeship coordinators at HCC for more information at apprentice@howardcc.edu.
