National Apprenticeship Week is November 17-23, 2024, and Frederick Community College (FCC) proudly joins the celebration by highlighting its commitment to advancing hands-on, industry-driven training through Registered Apprenticeship programs.
 
Apprenticeships offer a powerful “earn and learn” model that integrates paid work experience with classroom instruction. Through these opportunities, students are able to earn a wage while being equipped with essential skills for high-quality career fields, and employers are able to develop and prepare their future workforce. 
 
FCC sponsors five apprenticeship programs that are registered with the Maryland Department of Labor: 
 
Accounting Technician
Biological Technician
Emergency Management Specialist
Hospitality Management
Restaurant Manager
 
FCC recently signed an agreement with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IEC Chesapeake) that will award 25 college credits to individuals who have completed an electrical apprenticeship and hold their journeyworker license. This noteworthy agreement provides students with a significant head start toward earning an associate degree.
 
"We’re thrilled to recognize the hard work, dedication, and skill demonstrated by electrical apprentices,” said Dr. Molly Carlson, FCC Associate Vice President and Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “By awarding college credit for their commitment to mastering a trade, we’re not only honoring their achievements but also empowering them with valuable credentials that open doors to further educational and career opportunities.”
 
“IEC Chesapeake is excited about the opportunity to work with Frederick Community College,” said Grant Shmelzer, CEO/Executive Director of IEC Chesapeake. “As a partner with FCC we are pleased to offer a four-year State and Federally Approved Electrical Apprenticeship Program to Electrical Contractors and residents looking to enter the electrical industry in Maryland. This program includes hands-on training as well as exposure to all aspects of the electrical industry including residential, commercial, and industrial. Also included in this program is exposure to emerging technologies such as solar, electric vehicle charging, low voltage, and systems.”
 
FCC partners with apprenticeship sponsors like IEC Chesapeake to offer the classroom training for apprentices. Each of FCC’s apprenticeship programs reflects the College’s dedication to workforce readiness and development.
 
Apprenticeships are traditionally associated with the trades, but are making their way into a number of industries. In August 2024, FCC recognized the first apprentice to complete its Biological Technician program. The Biological Technician apprenticeship is a three-year program where the apprentice is hired full-time and attends FCC part-time, and employers pay all related educational costs.
 
“National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity for us to highlight how FCC’s apprenticeships are preparing students to succeed in today’s dynamic job market,” said Dr. Anne Davis, FCC Vice President and Provost of Teaching, Learning, & Student Success. “We are committed to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the economic growth of our community by building a skilled workforce through these essential partnerships.”
 
For additional information about FCC’s apprenticeship opportunities, contact Carla Milan, FCC Apprenticeship Coordinator, at [email protected] or 301.624.2724, or visit our website.
 
For additional information about the electrical articulation agreement, please contact Nick Morgan, FCC Institute Manager, Construction and Applied Technologies Institute (CATI) at [email protected] or 240.629.7902.
 
Photo (L to R): Dr. Amy Parks, FCC Associate Provost for Strategic Operations; Dr. Anne Davis, FCC Vice President and Provost of Teaching, Learning, & Student Success; Dr. Molly Carlson, FCC Associate Vice President and Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development; Grant Shmelzer, IEC Chesapeake CEO; Nick Morgan, FCC Construction & Applied Technologies Institute Manager