Ocean City, MD
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) proudly participated in the Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) Summer Conference, held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. Adam Tolley, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for QACPS, spoke as a featured panelist during the session titled “Charting the Course: A New Vision for the Last Years of School.”
Tolley highlighted the progressive apprenticeship initiatives, career counseling programs, and opportunities to earn Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) currently available to students within QACPS. These programs provide students with vital skills and certifications that are immediately valued in the workforce, enhancing their employability and ensuring they are both college- and career-ready upon graduation.
“Building a strong and dynamic workforce is crucial to the future of Maryland,” Tolley stated. “By offering students in Queen Anne’s County opportunities to gain real-world experience through apprenticeships and earn Industry Recognized Credentials, we are not only helping them secure stable and rewarding careers but also supporting the local economy with well-prepared, skilled professionals.”
Tolley also highlighted the critical role of QACPS’s partnerships, including collaborations with Chesapeake College, and with the Queen Anne’s County Office of Economic and Tourism Development, where Connie Dean serves as a key liaison. These partnerships are expanding access to workforce training, apprenticeship opportunities, and IRCs, ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive in a competitive job market.
The session was part of a broader discussion on how Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future is shaping career readiness and vocational training, with a focus on innovative partnerships and resources. Panelists, including representatives from the Maryland Association of Community Colleges and the Maryland State Department of Education, explored success stories and challenges in building pathways for young professionals across the state.
For more information on apprenticeship opportunities, Industry Recognized Credentials, and career counseling within QACPS, please contact:
Adam Tolley – adam.tolley@qacps.org
Supervisor of Career and Technical Education
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
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~Queen Anne’s County Public Schools
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools is committed to providing a world-class education for all students, preparing them for college, careers, and life. Through innovative programs, apprenticeships, and opportunities to earn Industry Recognized Credentials, QACPS ensures students are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
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