How Youth Apprenticeship is Improving the Economy in Frederick, Maryland

By:

McKinzie McGuire

May 8, 2024 - (5 min read)

Co-authored by Allen Etzler, Communications Manager, City of Frederick

May 5^th – 11^th will mark the first national Youth Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of earn-and-learn programs that benefit youth, employers, and cities. Apprenticeship programs allow youth to earn competitive wages while obtaining the relevant training and experience to start their careers. The City of Frederick, Maryland, is launching youth apprenticeship programs aimed at connecting young people with opportunities to transform their lives and build a more resilient and sustainable community. City leaders can implement programs like these to proactively address economic inequality, close employer skills gaps, and reduce youth unemployment to create a thriving future.

Good Jobs, Great Cities: Examples of Community-Led Workforce Development

Through its participation in Good Jobs, Great Cities (GJGC), a partnership between the National League of Cities and the U.S. Department of Labor, the City of Frederick has committed to investing in the skills and futures of its most precious resource – its people. Cities participating in GJGC have worked to leverage the opportunity to connect their residents with good jobs created by new major federal investments in infrastructure and technology.

The City of Frederick has leveraged GJGC to develop the Building Resilient Frederick framework in collaboration with workforce services, education, business, and non-profit partners to develop a workforce development pipeline that provides employment opportunities for young people and future leaders.
Source: City of Frederick, MD Official Website

This framework centers around four pillars, including promoting fair wages and good jobs, supporting re-entry adults, prioritizing youth ages 14-24, and implementing strategies to support apprenticeships and career-connecting learning. Recognizing the importance of integrating work-based learning opportunities into the education system, the City of Frederick is expanding apprenticeship opportunities and collaborating with local employers to provide real-world work experience for youth. This approach equips them with the skills they need for in-demand jobs and promotes a smooth transition from education to the employment sector.

Expanding Youth Apprenticeship within the City of Frederick

Building on its commitment to youth development, The City of Frederick launched its youth apprenticeship program in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor and Frederick County Public Schools. Starting in the City’s Human Resources Department, this program provides high school students with academic and on-the-job training in professional work environments. By giving young people real-world work experience in partnership with businesses, the program equips them with the skills they need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow.

Beyond just facilitating apprenticeships in Human Resources and other trades, the Office of the Mayor has committed to expanding the program to other professional career fields, such as Communications, starting this summer. This approach aligns with the initiatives of other cities like Baltimore, which offer apprenticeships in healthcare, plumbing, HVACE, construction, technology, transportation, telecommunications, and more.

The City of Frederick’s Mayor, Michael O’Connor, is committed to developing apprenticeship pathways across municipal government. By making the city a model and competitive employer, Frederick is attracting new, fresh perspectives and contributions from young people through apprenticeships. This approach not only benefits the city’s operations but also aligns with the goals of building resilient communities and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Youth Apprenticeship Week: An Opportunity for Cities to Get Engaged and Learn More

As part of its commitment to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, the City of Frederick is participating in Youth Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of youth apprenticeship programs, taking place from May 5-11, 2024. By showcasing the experiences of young apprentices and the positive impact these programs have on individuals, communities, and the economy, Youth Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity for any municipality to lead and invest in the future of their young people.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s website includes resources for Youth Apprenticeship Week, including templates for public proclamations, resources for hosting events, program examples, and social media resources.

The innovative approaches taken by the City of Frederick and other cities participating in Good Jobs, Great Cities offer a powerful model for other cities seeking to build more resilient and sustainable communities. As Youth Apprenticeship Week highlights, the future of work is here, and cities that invest in the skills and potential of their young people will be best positioned to thrive in the future.

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