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Charles County public high school students can explore career pathways and earn college credits or industry certifications through Charles County Public Schools’ CTE (Career and Technical Education) program. The CTE program is an important part of the local workforce pipeline, preparing high school graduates for further education or direct entrance into the workforce.
CTE Director, Rebecca Brandt, explains, “Charles County offers 33 CTE pathways where students can explore their areas of interest, identify strengths, and learn the content and skills necessary in those fields. The goal is, when they graduate high school, they’ll have industry-recognized credentials and apprenticeships or college credits that make them one step ahead in their career field.” Students can also decide what they like and what they don’t like in high school before going on to secondary education or the workforce.
Apprenticeship Maryland
Apprenticeship Maryland is another program available to high school students. Juniors must apply to do the apprenticeship their senior year, and their apprenticeship is a part of their school day. This opportunity is for anyone, regardless of their CTE program. Apprentices must complete at least 450 hours of paid work-based training under the supervision of an eligible employer and one year of related instruction. CCPS is actually taking applications now, with a deadline of May 15.
CCPS has also applied for a grant that, if won, will allow for more staffing and also funds to support some of our small businesses who take on apprentices. The funds could also support a “go-between” staff to work with both schools and employers.
Partnering to Prepare a Smart Workforce
Charles County Public Schools are only one of several organizations concerned about building our workforce pipeline. They are a part of a Smart Workforce coalition centered around the work of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head and are looking at what specific content or career pathways could be built into the CTE program to prepare students to support the work at the naval base, including apprenticeships. One obstacle with apprenticeships on the base, is that students under 18 aren’t allowed because of the nature of the work there—like explosives. They are exploring opportunities with contractors and businesses outside the base.
A natural next step for students interested in STEM careers after high school is the College of Southern Maryland. They are also a part of the Smart Workforce coalition, as well the Charles County Economic Development Department, Charles County Military Alliance Council (MAC), and the NSWC IHD. Brandt says, “We meet monthly and are trying to get everyone in the same room so we’re not duplicating efforts.”
More About the CTE Program
By going through the CTE program, Charles County students can finish preliminary coursework for college or get the introductory courses they need for a career pathway they chose. Or, they can graduate with a certification such as an auto mechanic and go directly to work. Opportunities exist to even create new CTE pathways that support our local workforce, specifically meeting the needs of the growing NSWC IHD.
For more information about the CTE program, the many career pathways it offers, or how to get involved, click here.
Photo: CTE Director, Rebecca Brandt
