Anne Arundel Community College

Anne Arundel Community College – Arnold, MD

Program Information

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is one of Maryland’s most established workforce-focused community colleges and plays a central role in apprenticeship and skilled trades education throughout Anne Arundel County and the greater Baltimore–Washington corridor. The college is widely recognized for integrating formal education with registered apprenticeship pathways, allowing students to earn credentials while gaining paid, real-world experience in the trades.

AACC offers apprenticeship-aligned training in HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical trades through partnerships with industry organizations such as Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), local contractors, and regional employers. These programs are structured to support both traditional students and working adults who want to enter the trades without pausing their income. Apprentices typically work full-time with an employer while completing required classroom instruction through the college.

The HVAC apprenticeship pathway at AACC prepares students to work with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems commonly used in residential, commercial, and light industrial settings. Coursework includes electrical fundamentals, refrigeration cycles, system controls, diagnostics, airflow, and energy efficiency. Students gain hands-on experience aligned with EPA Section 608 certification requirements, which are essential for HVAC employment.

AACC’s Plumbing apprenticeship training focuses on residential and commercial plumbing systems, including piping materials, drainage systems, water supply, fixtures, and code-compliant installation practices. Instruction emphasizes safety, blueprint reading, and troubleshooting techniques used in modern plumbing work. The program supports long-term progression toward journeyman-level licensing and continued advancement in the plumbing trade.

The Electrical apprenticeship pathway provides foundational and advanced instruction in electrical construction and maintenance. Students learn electrical theory, blueprint reading, conduit bending, wiring methods, and National Electrical Code (NEC) concepts. Classroom training is designed to complement on-the-job learning with licensed electricians, ensuring apprentices meet Maryland’s experience and education requirements for licensure.

A defining feature of AACC’s apprenticeship model is its strong employer network. Students benefit from direct connections to contractors and employers across central Maryland, increasing access to job placement, mentorship, and long-term career opportunities. Apprentices earn college credit while completing their training, allowing them to work toward certificates or associate degrees alongside their apprenticeship.

Program Length

• Apprenticeship-related programs typically range from 1–3 years
• Length varies by trade and licensing requirements
• Programs combine paid on-the-job training with scheduled classroom instruction

Hands-On Training

Students enrolled through Anne Arundel Community College gain practical experience in:

• HVAC installation, maintenance, and system diagnostics
• Residential and commercial plumbing systems
• Electrical wiring, conduit installation, and troubleshooting
• Blueprint reading and construction documentation
• Jobsite safety and industry-standard work practices

Program Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completed admissions and apprenticeship application process
• Basic math, reading, and communication skills
• Ability to meet the physical demands of hands-on trade work

Certifications & Career Opportunities

• Preparation for EPA 608 and trade-specific certifications
• Aligned with Maryland licensing and apprenticeship requirements
• Career paths include HVAC technician, plumber, electrician, and licensed journey-level tradesperson

Location

Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD

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