FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) -- In an effort to bridge the gap between education and industry, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is working with local business owners to both fulfill the needs of local businesses and give students hands-on experience. "They gave me the chance to go to school to learn, and I'm getting all this education with hands-on experience, and I just can't get enough," Dynamic Automotive Apprentice, Dakota Thrasher, said. Frederick County deputy receives Maryland’s Deputy of the Year Thrasher is working on becoming a master technician. "It's all I've ever wanted to do and coming through dynamic to get that hands-on experience was what I was chasing, and the apprenticeship program kind of made that a reality," Thrasher said. Michael Brown is the coordinator of the program. He said the apprenticeships can go a long way in preparing students for the future. "To get involved with local industry and businesses to explore or potentially work their way into a long-term career," Brown explained. But there is also a benefit gained for the businesses involved like Dynamic Automotive, by helping to fill vacant technician spots. "We have a national shortage of technicians in this country, and the career and technology program does help us draw from this pool of talent that they provide us, and we're able to grow technicians through their program," Owner of Dynamic Automotive, Jose Bueso, said. Seniors welcome new first-ever senior community center in Middletown Thrasher said with the knowledge he has gained from the program, he looks forward to one day working full-time at the shop. "Since I took that leap of faith and everything I've gotten so far out of the program, I love it," Thrasher said. "There's nothing that I can say that I don't like, everything I've learned, everything I've seen, is just phenomenal." FCPS is currently looking for more local businesses to take in more students through the program.