Modern Apprenticeship Programs: The Evolution of Earn-and-Learn Pathways
In recognition of National Apprenticeship Day | April 30, 2025
Apprenticeship programs have long been a trusted bridge between training and employment, but that bridge is being rebuilt for the future. Across Carroll County and beyond, modern apprenticeships are reshaping how learners enter the workforce, how employers develop talent, and how education aligns with the real world.
“In recent years, apprenticeships have evolved beyond their foundational roots in the skilled trades,” said Steve Berry, Dean of Workforce, Innovation, and Community Advancement at Carroll Community College. “They now include industries like technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and finance, and are more inclusive and strategic than ever before.”
Students benefit from financial support from their employers, industry-focused career counseling from the College, and professional mentorship from industry leaders.
Meeting Learners Where They Are
This shift isn’t just structural—it’s philosophical. Today’s apprenticeship programs are designed to meet a broader range of learners where they are. As Berry explains, “The biggest difference lies in flexibility and scope. Modern apprenticeships are competency-based, open to youth and career changers, and often incorporate academic credentials, digital skills, and soft skills training.”
At Carroll Community College, this shift is happening in both traditional and emerging fields. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 135 electrical apprentices received related instruction, with 29 expected to graduate as Journeymen. Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) programs also continue to grow, alongside exciting new areas like Millwright apprenticeships, plumbing, and hospitality management. The College’s new Hospitality Management Apprenticeship program is a prime example of how innovative design can open new doors. This three-year program blends on-the-job training at hotels, restaurants, and senior living centers with a Technical and Professional Studies A.A.S. degree—offering students a direct path to management roles in a field experiencing rapid national growth.
During the Carroll County Commissioners’ Apprenticeship Day Proclamation, Dr. Rose Mince, President of Carroll Community College, highlighted the College’s new Hospitality Management Apprenticeship program, which provides students with real-world experience while earning a college degree. “Students benefit from financial support from their employers, industry-focused career counseling from the College, and professional mentorship from industry leaders,” she said.
Recognizing Carroll’s Apprenticeship Pathways
This community-wide commitment was recently recognized through an official proclamation by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, designating April 30, 2025 as National Apprenticeship Day in Carroll County. The proclamation celebrates the collaborative efforts of local businesses, educators, and workforce organizations in strengthening apprenticeship pathways across sectors. It highlights the 206 apprentices currently engaged with Carroll Community College in electrical, HVAC, and millwright trades, and the 20+ local businesses that support 17 registered youth apprenticeships.
These advances are only possible through strong partnerships. Employers, industry groups, public agencies, and educators are coming together to co-create apprenticeship program models that serve the needs of both the workforce and the region. These collaborations ensure programs remain aligned with real-time labor demands and offer meaningful, long-term career paths for learners.
In short, apprenticeship programs offer high-value outcomes for both learners and employers. For students, they provide career clarity, financial stability, and hands-on experience. For employers, they deliver a skilled, loyal, and invested workforce. And for communities like Carroll County, they foster economic growth and opportunity at every level, building a workforce that’s not only job-ready but future-ready.