Northwest High School

College Career Exploration

| MCPS Apprenticeship Program Information |
| Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program | Naviance Student | 
| The ASVAB | Discover Majors and Interest with the Montgomery College Career Coach |
 | High School Career Programs:  Automotive | Construction | IT | Thomas Edison High School of Technology |
| Additional Apprenticeship Programs |

MCPS Apprenticeship Information:

For rising Grade 11 and 12 students, MCPS offers the Apprenticeship Maryland Program that allows students to complete a paid Work Based Learning experience with an employer during the school day and earn high school credit that counts toward graduation. Details can be found on this MCPS page.

For seniors getting ready to graduate, MCPS is building the post-secondary apprenticeship page on the MCPS website for students getting ready to graduate, as well as alumni. The apprenticeship opportunities and organizations on this page are for students getting ready to graduate or have already earned their high school diploma.

The MD Department of Labor has a Apprenticeship Locator site where post-secondary apprenticeship opportunities are available for students to review and complete application.

Maryland Corps/Service Year Option:

From the Maryland Department of Serice and Civic Innovation website:  Maryland Corps/Service Year Option offers a year of professional growth and career exploration where you can earn a salary, gain new skills, and identify where your talents and purpose intersect, all while serving your community with your fellow Marylanders.  Service roles will provide you with job training, an on-site mentor, and resources to be successful (personal money management training, career exploration, etc.) all while earning at least $15 an hour in your role. Upon successful completion of the program, members earn $6,000 toward tuition costs or as a cash stipend.​  View the Maryland Corps/ Service Year Option Prospective Member FAQ Sheet. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. | post 17 SEPT 2024 |

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Additional Apprenticeship Opportunities:

• NEW!  UA Local 486 Apprenticeship OPEN HOUSE Announced!  Plumbers - Steamfitters - HVACR Techs - Welders.  January 18, 2025.  Applications accepted now. Apply now! | 14 November 2024 |

• MCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program - Apprenticeship Maryland - Apprenticeship Maryland is a youth apprenticeship program for students, ages 16 and up, that is designed to lead to sustainable employment and further education based on a student’s selected career.  This program was developed in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Labor (MDoL).

  • Apprenticeship Opportunities - search opportunities on the MCPS Apprenticeships Page

  • MCPS IEC Chesapeake 'Electrical-School-to-Apprenticeship Program' - MCPS and IEC Chesapeake are partnering to offer Junior students the opportunity to start a Registered Apprenticeship training program in Construction Electricity during their Senior Year.  (Flyer - English)  (Spanish / Español)

    • Students accepted into the program will begin their 450 hours of on-the-job paid employment with an electrical contractor in July and Year-1 of the Electrical Journeyman coursework at IEC Chesapeake in September. 

    • During the school year, apprentices will work for an electrical contractor and complete journeyman training in the morning. Then return back to their home high school in the afternoon to complete their courses to graduate. 

    • Once registered apprentices graduate, they transition to Years 2-4 of their Journeyman Training and full-time employment. 

• Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) - Find apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs.

• ABC Metro Washington - Our Mission is to develop construction trade professionals through innovative educational programming that provides the metro Washington region with the most highly-skilled workforce. If you are a student considering your initial career path or graduate that wants to change careers, our programs are a viable option for you.

  • ABC CraftMasters Apprenticeship and Skills Training - explore different trades, opportunities, and register to become an apprentice.

• Mid-Atlantic Sheet Metal Industry (ChooseBigger.com) - min 18 years old; must be able to obtain a security clearance; final selection contingent on ability to pass a drug screen and background check.

  • Baltimore Sheet Metal Workers (JATC Local 100)

• NABTU.org - North America's Building Trades Union apprenticeship & training page.

• Association of Air Conditioning Professionals (AACP) - min 18 years old; high school diploma or G.E.D. required; applicants must apply his/herself industriously in learning the HVACR trade.

• The Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACC) - The HACC of Maryland Apprenticeship Program was established in 1996 to train technicians to work in the HVACR industry. Well-trained, reliable technicians are in constant demand in the industry. 

• International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (Local 24) - min 18 years old; high school diploma or G.E.D. is preferred; good physical condition; no respiratory problems; 5 year apprenticeship with 4 years of schooling.

• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeake Apprenticeship Programs - applicants must have the following: have graduated high school or earned their GED; have a valid State Driver's License; internet access and a valid email address; be able to pass a basic Math and Reading Assessment; be able to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Electricians & Telecommunications Technicians (Local 26 IBEW - NECA) - min 18 years old; high school diploma or G.E.D.; must have a passing grade in Algebra 1 or G.E.D. equivalent; must take an aptitude test.

  • Baltimore Electricians JATC (Local 24 IBEW)

• American Line Builders (IBEW - NECA) - min 18 years old; high school diploma or G.E.D.; must have a passing grade in Algebra 1 or G.E.D. equivalent; submit a copy of Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brakes or copy of Valid Driver’s License along with a Copy of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License Temporary Permit with air brakes.

• Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (Local 1 - MD, VA, & DC) - min age 17; preferably a high school graduate or G.E.D.; must be physically able to perform the work of the trade on a regular workweek schedule; have a valid State Driver's License & reliable transportation; must have a Social Security card.

• Plasterers & Cement Masons (Local 891) - must be at least 18 years of age; 11th grade education or equivalent; have reliable transportation; be in good physical condition.

• Mid-Atlantic Carpenters' Training Centers (MACTC) - min 18 years old; high school diploma or G.E.D. required; eligible to work legally in the U.S.; must be physically able to perform the work of the trade; must pass a substance abuse screening; may require a medical examination. 

• Maryland Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors, Inc.

• Plumbers & Gasfitters (Local 5) - min 18 years old; high school diploma or G.E.D. required; final selection contingent on ability to pass a drug screen and background check.

• Plumbers and Steamfitters (Local 486) - Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent or be a graduating senior; must also successfully complete a math test. 

• SteamFitters (Local 602) - Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent or be a graduating senior; must also successfully complete a math test; 2022 Application.

• International Union of Elevator Constructors - min 18 years old; high school diploma or G.E.D. required; applicants who earn a 70% or better Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT) will called for an interview for the apprenticeship program.

• Iron Workers (Local 5) - min 18 years old; birth certificate; High School Diploma or GED Equivalency; High School Transcripts; Must have a Driver License; Proof of Transportation; Social Security Card; 2022 Application.

• Sprinkler Fitters (Local 669) - min 18 years old; high school diploma or GED; Must be physically fit to do the work of the trade; Must pass appropriate drug test.

• WMATA’s Elevator/Escalator Department (ELES) - The Elevator/Escalator Apprenticeship Program is a nationally recognized and accredited program that train technicians to become certified Journeyman. The Elevator/Escalator Apprenticeship is a student level position leading to graduation and assignment as an ELES Journeyman. Upon completion of the four year program, graduates will become certified Journeyman and will earn up to 16 college credits. 

• Baltimore Operating Engineers - We represent both Operating Engineers working as heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and welders in the construction industry, and stationary engineers working inside buildings performing all types of facility maintenance.

• Baltimore City Joint Apprenticeship Program - the purpose of the program is to ensure that the City of Baltimore has a qualified pool of journey persons who have been trained in the traditions of the craftsman. Offer the following programs: Automotive Mechanic, Electrical Mechanic, Housing Inspector, Instrumentation Technician, Maintenance Technician, Operations Technician, Tree Trimmer, Utilities Installer and Repairer. 

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Naviance Student:

This Internet-based program is designed to assist students in all grades with their high school curriculum planning and postsecondary research. Students can compare colleges, career and tech schools, build resumes, research careers, set a game plan for the future and manage college application deadlines. Student and parent registrations are welcome. See a glimpse of the features of Naviance Student below!  Access the Northwest platform of this program here.

Naviance Student features include:

• A plan for the high school curriculum
• College and career research
• College searches that include student GPA/Test Score comparison with college admissions requirements
• Track applications & transcript requests
• E-mail updates from Counseling and the College Career Information Center
• View the latest high school visit schedule
• Research scholarships
• ...Build resumes and more

NWHS Parents and Guardians - Here's how to get REGISTERED with Naviance Student:

An e-mail account is recommended to use this tool. If you do not have an e-mail account, you are welcome to use Naviance | Student as a guest (limited features are accessible). If you have an e-mail account, please ask your student to add you to their account or send a message to the College/Career Information Center with the following information for Naviance Student access:

• The student's full name, home address and grade
• The parent or guardian full name and e-mail address

Registration information, including the Naviance Student web site, user name and password will be sent electronically to the e-mail address you provide!  Click here for direct access to the Northwest Naviance Student site.

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THE ASVAB & Career Exploration: Armed Services Aptitude Battery:

The ASVAB is administered FREE to interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students and is an excellent career exploration tool. It can help identify the student's interests and aptitude in the following areas: verbal, math, science and technical skills. When a student's score is interpreted, the student will learn how their interests and skills relate to the demands of more than 400 occupations, helping students to identify suitable career options. ASVAB results are released only to the student and not to the armed services. Students who wish to use their test results as part of an enlistment post-secondary plan will need to have a conversation with military recruiters.  The student can provide their scores to the recruiter. Taking the ASVAB at MCPS high schools in no way involves a commitment to the military.. 

Anticipated dates for ASVAB testing at Northwest High School for the 2024-2025 school year are January 28 and February 14.  Parental consent is required for a student to test at Northwest High School.  Parental consent will be granted by submission of a Google Form.  Testing will be during the school day.  ASVAB scores will be interpreted approximately three weeks after testing.  Score interpretations will be scheduled virtually.  Date and time TBD. Students who tested can pick up scores in Room 126 prior to or on the day of the interpretations. Visit the ASVAB Career Exploration Program web site HERE.  To learn more about the ASVAB and enlistment, click HERE and enter as an applicant for more information on testing and resources. 

NEW for the 2024-2025 school year:  Each school determines the information released to the military services as a result of participation in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program.  Northwest has selected Option 8; ASVAB test results released to schools; but NOT to military recruiters.  In addition to the Google Permission Form (linked below), an Opt-Out Release Letter must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned on test day. 

Northwest HS ASVAB Permission Form
ASVAB Opt-Out Letter
| update 11 September 2024 |

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