Electrical Apprentice - Department of General Services, Operations & Maintenance

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking. What are we looking for? We ae looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. What you'll like most about working at

Howard County Government:

We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged! We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is beginning level and semi-skilled work in an apprenticeship program during which an employee develops the knowledge, skills and abilities required to become a journey level Electrician, Plumber or HVAC trades-person. Employees in this class participate in a formal, state approved apprenticeship program and receive frequent written and verbal instruction through on-the-job training and attendance of formal classes.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Initially, work is frequently checked during progress and upon completion and performed under very close supervision of a journey level trades-person. As the employees' knowledge of and skill in their specific trade increases, the employees are expected to perform semi-skilled and skilled work with a view towards becoming a journey level trades-person. Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Performs semi-skilled trades work (Electrician, Plumber or HVAC). Performs semi-skilled trades work under close supervision (e.g. reads blueprints, repairs electrical motors, installs wiring, replaces leaking pipes, fixes clogged drains, balances air/water flows, welds pipe, tests electrical circuits use of proprietary computer software to diagnose HVAC operations. Receives on-the-job instruction and training from a journey level tradesperson and/or supervisor to accomplish a variety of tasks and to develop and acquire skills of the chosen trade. Attends formal and informal shop classes to learn the skills, tools, and knowledge of the trade; to have explained and discuss regulations and procedures relative to applicable local and State codes; and to create an awareness of safety rules and practices. Uses mathematics to learn how to plan and lay out work. Performs bench and shop work within capabilities and skills, using hand and power tools of the appropriate trade. Cleans, sharpens and repairs hand and power tools of the appropriate trade. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to learn standard practices, methods, tools, instruments and equipment in a specific trade. Ability to learn all phases of shop mathematics needed in performing trade work. Ability to learn applicable trade and building codes. Ability to learn to read blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams and other specifications. Ability to learn how to diagnose electrical, mechanical and plumbing defects/problems/issues. Ability to climb and work from scaffolds, ladders and catwalks. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors. Ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Ability to maintain satisfactory grades in classroom training and to pass written aptitude tests of classroom training. Ability to understand and act on oral and written instructions in English. Attends formal and informal shop classes to learn the skills, tools, and knowledge of the trade; to have explained and discuss regulations and procedures relative to applicable local and State codes; and to create an awareness of safety rules and practices. Uses mathematics to learn how to plan and lay out work. Performs bench and shop work within capabilities and skills, using hand and power tools of the appropriate trade. Cleans, sharpens and repairs hand and power tools of the appropriate trade. Performs related duties as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

May be exposed to hazardous conditions; extreme heat, fire fumes, asbestos, burns and oil and gas fumes. Exposure to plumbing odors and dirt and hazards of the trade. Exposure to electrical shock; works on power related problems in all types of weather. Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.