by Staff Writer
Carroll Community College has officially launched its new Plumbing Apprenticeship Program, a four-year training initiative developed in partnership with the Plumbing Apprenticeship of Carroll County. The program blends classroom instruction with real-world, on-the-job experience, preparing students for a variety of careers in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing.
The inaugural class features 16 apprentices—twice the initial enrollment goal—representing 10 local plumbing businesses. Participants are employed full-time while completing the program and, upon successful completion, will earn a Journeyman license through the Maryland Department of Labor.
Tammi Ledley, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Carroll Community College shares that each apprentice is employed full-time by a licensed plumbing company, allowing them to earn a paycheck while gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction.
Classes are held two evenings per week from September through April. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and be employed full-time by a licensed plumbing contractor. The curriculum includes hands-on training and covers key industry topics, from plumbing codes and diagnostic repair to basic plumbing techniques and math.
Joel Galford, an apprentice employed with Burgan Plumbing, shared his enthusiasm for the program: “I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the College Apprenticeship Program. I feel the ability to combine learning a trade while working full-time as a plumbing apprentice will help me be successful in any economy.”
Local industry leaders are also supporting the initiative. Kevin Nottingham, CEO and Co-Founder of First Class Mechanical Plumbing & HVAC Services, said, “Giving direction and additional knowledge to the participants helps to develop them into valuable members of our industry. Participating in the apprentice program provides insight into all aspects of the trade, from general service to new construction, building well-rounded members of our team.”
College officials and local businesses alike say the program is a win for the community—creating a skilled workforce pipeline while helping apprentices build lasting, well-paid careers.
For more information about the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Carroll Community College, please visit their website carrollcc.edu/programs.
