Celebrating National Apprenticeship Day: Highlights from Apprenticeship Fest 2025

Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce at Apprenticeship Fest 2025

In a remarkable celebration of National Apprenticeship Day, the Employ Prince George's Apprenticeship Innovation Program welcomed over 400 participants to its Apprenticeship Fest 2025, conducted on April 30 at the Building Trades Career Center in Largo, Maryland. This two-part event was pivotal in emphasizing the transformative impact of apprenticeships on the future job market. Students from Prince George's Public Schools (PGCPS) were given exclusive access to an enriching career exploration experience alongside leading regional employers and training programs.

During this festive day, young attendees had the chance to interact directly with industry experts, discovering various career paths and potential job opportunities. Importantly, individuals could explore career options that promised tangible salaries and skill development without incurring the traditional costs associated with college tuition.

Claudia Marin, the Director of Talent Acquisition at Employ Prince George's, stated, “We empower the youth to seize this opportunity—earning while they learn from day one. With diverse pathways in areas such as graphic design, web development, and healthcare, we broaden their horizons to embrace a multitude of career possibilities.”

As the day transitioned into an open event for the general public, numerous job seekers actively engaged with premier apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship providers across various expanding sectors. This segment of the fest saw vibrant interactions with employer partners and apprenticeship programs, facilitating connections that could lead to fulfilling careers.

Brian Courtien, the Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 51, highlighted the significance of these events: “Such initiatives are crucial in closing essential employment gaps, especially with the increase in upcoming infrastructural projects throughout the DMV region. Federal investments are finally translating into major developments, including significant works on the Frederick Douglass Bridge and airport enhancements.”

The Employ Prince George's Building Trades Career Center, a collaborative effort established in December 2023 with the Prince George's County Workforce Development Board and District Council 51, represents a state-of-the-art training facility designed to equip county residents with skills necessary for prosperous careers in construction. The center also offers career coaching, job readiness training, and organizes various apprenticeship programs catering to all unions within the building trades sector.

Through events like the Apprenticeship Fest 2025, Employ Prince George's continues to play a crucial role in cultivating a skilled workforce, nurturing local talent, and steering the community toward a thriving economic future. For those interested in viewing footage from the Apprenticeship Fest, additional resources can be found on their dedicated website.

About Employ Prince George's
Employ Prince George's (EPG) focuses on providing workforce solutions and intelligence for both job seekers and businesses alike. Their mission revolves around enhancing the economic vitality of Prince George's County by delivering a demand-driven framework that meets the needs of businesses while opening doors for employment in high-demand and high-growth fields. To learn more, you can visit their official website.

About the Prince George's County American Job Center Community Network
The network combines community resources and government funding to offer high-quality career services and training throughout Prince George's County, aiming to empower individuals to achieve meaningful employment. This collaborative model is centered on the principle of partnership for the betterment of the community’s workforce.