Frederick Community College’s (FCC) newest of their five registered apprenticeship programs was announced today. Hospitality Management and Restaurant Manager apprenticeships will now offer employees opportunities to advance into management level careers while earning an associate degree at FCC.

FCC partnered with Plamondon Hospitality Partners, LLC as a sponsor for the first Hospitality Management registered apprenticeship placements. Students in this inaugural program will begin earning an associate degree in Hospitality Management in the spring 2025 semester, while working full-time at a Plamondon hotel property.

FCC is one of six community colleges registered with the Maryland Department of Labor to sponsor apprenticeships in the Hospitality industry. Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction and on-the-job training, enabling participants to earn a wage while they learn. These opportunities provide students with crucial skills for high-quality career fields and increase their potential for long-term success.

"We are incredibly proud to see an apprenticeship program in hospitality come to life here in our home community," said Plamondon Hospitality Partners Executive Vice President of Operations Michael Henningsen. "It’s a meaningful step toward creating real career pathways in our vibrant industry. We’re excited to set the standard and invest in the future of our workforce. This initiative embodies our commitment to both excellence and community development, a value our founder, the late Peter Plamondon, Sr., instilled over 25 years ago. We can’t wait to see the impact these apprentices will make."

Through apprenticeships, employers can create a pipeline of diverse, highly-skilled and educated hospitality and culinary managers for their prospective workforce. Participants in apprenticeship programs have a 91% retention rate, helping businesses reduce turnover and increase the stability of their workforce. Apprentices report high levels of motivation, job satisfaction, and loyalty, leading to improved profitability.

"I am thrilled to announce the signing of our first apprentices for the Hospitality Management program with Plamondon Hospitality Partners, LLC,” said Ray Maldo, FCC Hospitality Apprenticeship Recruiter. “Our partnership with Plamondon as an employer is a testament to their commitment and faith in both our Hospitality Management apprenticeship program and in their employees.”

For additional information about the Hospitality Management apprenticeship, contact Ray Maldo, FCC Hospitality Apprenticeship Recruiter, at [email protected] or 240.629.7911.

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.