In Charles County, a group of high school seniors is stepping into the workforce with confidence, thanks to the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP). This career and technical education (CTE) initiative, designed for juniors and seniors, offers students a chance to “earn and learn” by combining classroom instruction with hands-on work experience. For the 2025-2026 school year, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students are diving into diverse career fields, from engineering to education, setting the stage for their future careers.
The AMP allows students to split their school day between academics and work. Participants take a few classes at their high schools before heading to job sites, where they gain practical experience in industries that align with their interests. The program requires at least 450 hours of supervised work-based training with an eligible employer and one year of related instruction. This structure ensures students develop both technical skills and workplace professionalism, preparing them for life after graduation.
Sandy Rooney, CTE content specialist with CCPS, emphasized the program’s value. “Students participating in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program leave with a toolbox of skills they can use whether they pursue full-time work, trade school, or a four-year degree,” she said. “For some, the apprenticeship solidifies their career choice, and for others, it is a way to explore a field before committing to it.” Her words highlight the program’s flexibility, catering to students with varied post-graduation plans.
This year’s AMP cohort, who applied by a mid-June deadline, includes students placed in roles with CCPS and the Charles County Government. The career pathways are diverse, reflecting the region’s economic needs. For example, Morgan Davis from North Point High School is working as a planning and growth management engineering apprentice with the county government, while Jacob Golder from La Plata High School is training as an HVAC technician apprentice. Others, like Kathryn Good and Natalie Moore from Maurice J. McDonough High School, are serving as education assistants with CCPS, gaining insight into the education sector.
Additional participants include Marcus Jones from Thomas Stone High School, who is a meter technician apprentice with the county government, and Maria Marquez from St. Charles High School, a human resources apprentice with CCPS. Denzel Peter-Thomas from Westlake High School is honing skills as an instructional technology apprentice, while Jason Rodriguez from McDonough is learning the ropes as a food and nutrition apprentice. James Smith from Thomas Stone is a computer analyst apprentice, and Madelyn Sopher from Henry E. Lackey High School is an education assistant apprentice. Rounding out the group are Anthony Williams from North Point, an electrical technician apprentice, and Joshua Wilson from La Plata, another education assistant apprentice.
The program’s roots trace back to a collaboration between the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Labor (MDoL). Together, they created AMP to bridge the gap between education and employment, offering students a structured pathway to explore careers while still in high school. For Southern Maryland, where industries like government, education, and skilled trades are vital, AMP provides a local solution to workforce development. Employers benefit, too, gaining access to motivated young talent while mentoring the next generation.
Students typically begin the program in the summer or fall of their senior year, balancing their academic schedules with workplace demands. The 450-hour work requirement ensures they gain substantial experience, often leading to job offers or clearer career goals. For instance, a student like Anthony Williams, working as an electrical technician apprentice, could transition into a full-time role with the county or pursue further training in the trade. Similarly, students like Maria Marquez in human resources may discover a passion for administrative careers they hadn’t previously considered.
The variety of career pathways—information technology, health and biomedical sciences, manufacturing, construction and design, and banking and finance—reflects the program’s adaptability to student interests and regional job markets. In Charles County, where the population relies on a mix of government, education, and technical jobs, AMP aligns with local economic priorities. The county government and CCPS, as participating employers, demonstrate a commitment to fostering homegrown talent, ensuring students are equipped to contribute to the community.
For students unsure about their future, AMP offers a low-risk way to test career paths. A student exploring health and biomedical sciences, for example, might work in a medical office, gaining exposure to patient care or lab work. If the field isn’t the right fit, they can pivot without the commitment of a full-time job or costly education. This exploratory aspect is particularly valuable in a region like Southern Maryland, where students may face pressure to choose between immediate employment and higher education.
Employers interested in joining the program or students seeking more details can find resources on the CCPS website. The site outlines eligibility criteria for employers, application processes for students, and program expectations. Becoming an eligible employer involves meeting state guidelines, ensuring workplaces provide meaningful training and mentorship. For students, the application process requires planning, as deadlines like the mid-June cutoff for the 2025-2026 cohort demand early preparation.
The Apprenticeship Maryland Program is more than a resume-builder; it’s a launchpad for Charles County students to enter the workforce with confidence. By blending classroom learning with real-world experience, AMP equips young people with skills that translate across industries. Whether they stay in Southern Maryland or venture beyond, these students are building a foundation for success, one apprenticeship at a time.
