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Anne Arundel and MSDE highlight apprenticeships, career counseling pilots
Summary
For CTE month MSDE and Anne Arundel County showcased apprenticeship pathways and a career‑counseling model emphasizing 6‑year plans, employer partnerships, and youth registered apprenticeships; Anne Arundel reported hundreds of internships and apprenticeships in the county.
Maryland education officials and Anne Arundel County Public Schools presented apprenticeship highlights and a career‑counseling rollout at the State Board on February 1, describing how registered apprenticeships and career‑connected learning align with the state’s blueprint goals.
Richard Kinkade of MSDE outlined the distinction between registered apprenticeships (federally registered, multi‑thousand‑hour programs with a 250‑hour high‑school floor) and state youth apprenticeships (a 250‑hour floor plus related instruction). He cited the Maryland Works playbooks and a $12 million Maryland Works investment that informed best practices.
Anne Arundel officials described their career‑connected learning rollout, career coaching beginning in middle school, and a 6‑year plan approach that students own and review annually. The county said it currently has roughly 140 apprentices and 679 interns and partners with employers including University of Maryland Medical System, the U.S. Coast Guard Yard and private sector firms.
Student apprentice Michelle Fadel described on‑the‑job learning and transferable skills gained through her apprenticeship with the county, and district leaders said the model reduces silos among CTE, AP/IB and other pathways.
MSDE emphasized that career counselors are the point where the system meets students, coordinating planning, work‑based learning and transitions to postsecondary education or employment. The department is standardizing MOUs among LEAs, workforce boards and community colleges to ensure consistent implementation statewide.
Board members praised the student testimony and discussed funding, transportation, and employer engagement as ongoing implementation challenges.
MSDE said it will continue pilots and expand supports for districts to scale apprenticeships and career counseling in the coming school years.
