NORTH EAST, MD — Cecil College, in collaboration with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IECC), has announced the launch of a four-year paid apprenticeship program targeting aspiring electricians. The program will begin in Spring 2025 and aims to address the growing demand for skilled electricians in the region.
This apprenticeship program combines hands-on training with classroom instruction, equipping participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to earn professional electrician status. Apprentices will work full-time while attending classes two evenings a week, fulfilling the 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training required to qualify for a journeyman electrician license. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training certifies the program, ensuring participants receive nationally recognized credentials upon completion.
“This program represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled electricians in our region,” said Miles Dean, Ed.D., Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Cecil College. “By combining classroom instruction with hands-on training and paid employment, we’re giving students the opportunity to build a rewarding career while supporting the workforce needs of local industries.”
The program, scheduled to accept new cohorts each fall, is designed to prepare apprentices for success across multiple sectors of the electrical industry, including residential, commercial, and industrial work. Participants will also gain exposure to emerging technologies such as solar energy, electric vehicle charging, and low-voltage systems.
Grant Shmelzer, CEO and Executive Director of IECC, highlighted the significance of the partnership. “IEC Chesapeake is excited about the opportunity to expand the organization’s footprint further north into Maryland. For the last 40-plus years, the organization has been offering the electrical apprenticeship program in Maryland. As a partner with Cecil College, we are pleased to offer a Four-Year State and Federally Approved Electrical Apprenticeship Program to Electrical Contractors and residents looking to enter the electrical industry in the Cecil and Harford Counties in Maryland in addition to New Castle County, DE.”
This collaboration builds on IECC’s partnerships with institutions such as Germanna Community College and the Community College Workforce Alliance in Richmond. With its rigorous curriculum and comprehensive training approach, the program is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the workforce pipeline in the electrical industry.
The first cohort is set to begin training during the fall 2025 academic year.
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