Accelerated Workforce Education (AWE) is an affordable program for young adults seeking guidance in planning their education and career after high school. AWE is offered through a partnership between FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) and FCPS K-12 programs. AWE students work toward certification in Apprenticeship, Health Science, or Business and Information Technology pathways by attending subject specific courses learning real-world, practical skills. At the same time, students enroll in a seminar designed to support in-demand employability and professional skills.

AWE focuses on three industries with strong employment prospects: Health Sciences, Business, and Trades.

Seminar

In addition to specific classes, all students are automatically enrolled in the AWE Seminar. The goal of the Seminar is to help students enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed, a job-ready portfolio, and the confidence to take the next step. Students will learn resume tips, interviewing skills, basic financial information, and more.

AWE Learning Pathways

Students in the AWE program select a learning path that leads to a credential. Tracks are highly focused to ensure students have all the skills they need to be successful.

Trades Apprenticeship Pathway

Like working with your hands or doing something different every day? Then Apprenticeship is the track for you. Apprenticeship students “learn while they earn” as learning on the job is an essential part of this AWE track. As a full-time employee of the sponsoring employer, a Registered Apprentice completes a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and 144 hours of related technical instruction during each year of the apprenticeship. All areas of study lead to a nationally recognized credential:

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC

Business & Information Technology (IT) Pathway

The Business & IT track is good for students who like working with computers, think they would prefer a traditional office setting or who want to gain general workforce readiness skills to move into a variety of industries. Both programs are online and self-paced. We recommend students set aside daily “classroom” time in order to complete the material within the allotted time. The certifications available are:

• CompTIA A+ (performance-based exams that certify foundational IT skills)
• Certified Administrative Professional/Microsoft Office Specialist

Health Sciences Pathway

This track offers both hybrid (in-person and online) classes and fully self-paced. Health sciences is ideal for students who want to get into a booming industry, are ready to earn a specific credential, and like routine processes. The certifications available are:

• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant