Apprenticeships Overview
An Opportunity to Earn While You Learn
Frequently used in trade occupations, apprenticeships combine an education with paid, on-the-job training. You receive valuable, real-world experiences while earning a certificate in your chosen field. In many cases, employers support the costs associated with the education.
Ultimately, apprenticeships chart a course to secure, high-salary employment. Apprenticeships open the door to:
- Lower debt
- Expanded skill sets
- The pursuit of a college degree
How Apprenticeship Works for Employers
Registered apprenticeships have been utilized to meet workforce needs nationwide for decades. These programs offer employers the opportunity to build and enrich a company’s high-quality talent pipeline while bolstering its bottom line.
The goal of our apprenticeship programs here in Howard County is to provide employees with advanced skill sets to meet your specific needs. You can sponsor an existing employee or hire a candidate based on your hiring criteria.
Employer Benefits & Information
How Apprenticeship Works for Students
As an apprentice, you must be highly committed and able to work full time under the direction of a seasoned professional while completing rigorous study in the pursuit of certification in your chosen field.
Howard Community College is proud to offer unique apprenticeship programs as part of its curriculum.
Construction Management Apprenticeship
Maryland’s only construction management apprenticeship prepares you to succeed in architectural, engineering, and general contracting jobs.
Take two years of courses at HCC while working full-time at a local construction company. Upon completion, you will have received a total of 4,000 on-the-job training hours and earned a Construction Management Certificate from HCC. You will then be able to take the Construction Manager in Training (CMIT) exam to become a Certified Construction Manager.
Construction Management Apprenticeship Program
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVACR) Apprenticeship
Interested HVACR professionals or those who are currently employed by a licensed HVACR company can train to become a licensed journeyperson through HCC’s partnership with the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland. The four-year program includes classroom study, and 8,000 hours of on the job training.
IT Apprenticeships
Maryland’s only IT apprenticeship program that enables you to earn a security clearance while preparing you to succeed in IT professions including:
- IT Field Support Specialist
- Network Field Support Specialist
- Information Systems Security Specialist
Work for a national employer while you take to two years of courses at HCC. Upon completion, you will have received on-the-job training, industry certifications, and earned 18 to 24 credits from HCC. Additionally, your employer will sponsor your security clearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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 five apprenticeships: an apprenticeship in Construction Management, an apprenticeship in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) in partnership with the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACC), and three Information Technology apprenticeships.
How long are the apprenticeship programs?
Each program is different. The Construction Management apprenticeship is a two-year program. Apprentices work Monday-Thursday and attend class at HCC all day on Friday, year-round. The HVACR apprenticeship is a four-year program. Apprentices work full-time and attend class at HCC two evenings per week between September and May.
The IT apprenticeships are, 8 – 24 months and usually two evenings per week; however, the schedule is subject to change.
When do the apprenticeship programs start?
The Construction Management apprenticeship begins with a new class each June. Applications are due by early January.
The HVACR apprenticeship begins in September. Applications available July 1st and are due by mid-August.
The IT Apprenticeship applications are due in March for a Fall start and September for a spring start.
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 journeyman license upon successful completion of the 4-year program.
In the IT program, apprentices earn 18 – 24 academic credits.
How much does it cost to be an apprentice?
You are responsible for the $25application 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 and IT apprenticeship program 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?
TTo 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 life 50lbs, 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.
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
Who do I contact for more information?
Contact the apprenticeship coordinators at HCC for more information at apprentice@howardcc.edu.