The Apprenticeship Program maintained by the Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter of ABC has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, and the Veterans Administration. The program is periodically reviewed by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council and receives consistent "outstanding" ratings.
ABC offers a four-year training program in the carpentry, electrical, sheet metal, plumbing, sprinkler fitting, and HVACR trades. Once accepted, apprentices attend classes two nights a week from 6-9p.m. and work during the day performing construction duties in their selected trade to earn on-the-job training hours (OJT hours). Although classes are only held from October to May, apprentices work year-round for their employers. The curriculum was developed to ensure that the apprentices learn the latest in construction techniques and technology, through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Upon graduation of the program, an apprentice is eligible to earn up to 24 hours of credit with the Community College of Baltimore County.
Once you are accepted and employed, you can begin earning On-the-Job Training hours (OJT hours). You will work on the jobsite alongside highly skilled people who will help you learn the appropriate skills for your trade. The apprentice is responsible for reporting his or her own OJT hours to our office on a monthly basis.
The number of earned OJT hours determines the apprentice's rate of pay. Each apprentice begins at a starting wage determined by the employer and receives increases throughout the program. Upon completion of the program, the apprentice will be earning the equivalent of a journeyperson's wage.
Actual classroom instruction will begin the October following your acceptance into the program. You will attend classes at one of three locations throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan area.
Those applicants accepted into the Apprenticeship program are placed on an eligibility list and referred to participating employers for employment. Applicants are also encouraged to seek employment on their own. Any job accepted must be with an employer who participates with the ABC Apprenticeship Program for the apprentice to remain in the program.
