Skilled Trades Education Pathways
Get valuable vocational training while you’re still in high school, or as a recent high school graduate.
Pathways
Trades Development Program
The Trades Development Program is a one-year program for high school graduates with little to no experience in multiple trades.
You will:
- benefit from on-the-job training
- receive in-class instruction by craftsmen or trade professionals
- earn while you learn
- gain valuable professional skills
Learn more about the Trades Development Program
Professional Development Partnership
The Professional Development Partnership is for high school students interested in learning construction trades.
You will:
- benefit from on-the-job training
- earn while you learn
- gain valuable career skills
- network with trade professionals ahead of graduation
Learn more about the Professional Development Partnership
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of STEP?
Skilled Trades Education Pathway (STEP) works to remove barriers to high-quality career
opportunities in the skilled trades for underrepresented youth while strengthening
the regional skilled trades workforce. STEP provides high school seniors and post-high
school graduates with paid, hands-on training in carpentry, electrical, plumbing,
and paint shops on Towson University’s campus. By combining real-world experience,
professional mentoring, and soft skills development, STEP prepares students to successfully
transition into apprenticeships, technical training, or immediate employment after
graduation.
Is STEP an apprenticeship program?
STEP is a paid, work-based learning program for high school seniors and recent graduates.
It provides hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and painting at
Towson University. Students work with TU facilities staff to learn basic trade skills
and get ready for apprenticeships, technical training, or skilled trades jobs after
graduation.
STEP is not a registered apprenticeship, but it helps students prepare for one. The
program gives students real work experience, mentoring, and a chance to try different
trades so they can choose the right career path.
What are the benefits and outcomes of participating in the STEP Program?
Paid work experience
-
- Students get paid while learning about skilled trades on the job.
- Paid positions remove financial barriers that often prevent underrepresented youth from accessing career opportunities.
- Hands-on technical training
- Rotations through multiple trade shops help students explore different career options.
- Students build foundational skills aligned with industry expectations.
- Professional mentorship
- TU Facilities Management staff serve as mentors, providing coaching, guidance on workplace expectations, and career-readiness support.
- Soft skills development
- Students improve important skills like communication, teamwork, professionalism, and problem-solving.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
There is no cost to participate in STEP.
Are there prerequisites to participate? Do I need prior trades experience?
- High school students interested in work-based learning or youth apprenticeship opportunities through the Professional Development Partnership must meet the prerequisites set by their high school career counselor and/or the State of Maryland.
- Trades Development Program participants must possess a high school diploma or GED. Previous experience in the trades is not a requirement.
What is the timeline for each program? When would I start?
STEP is a year-long program where students rotate through four trade shops: painting, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. Each rotation lasts three months. Start dates depend on program availability.
How can I apply to the Trades Development Program or Professional Development Partnership?
- Space is limited. To join the waitlist for the Trades Development Program, please contact Michelle Joyce, Workforce Development Coordinator, at michellejoyce AT_TOWSON.
- If interested in becoming a Work-Based Learner or Youth Apprentice, please contact your school’s career counselor or your guidance counselor.