Workforce Development
The State has a variety of programs that can help your business identify and train new workers, or upgrade the skills of your existing workers. Maryland's Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, part of Maryland Jobs Now workforce organizations, coordinates job seeker services and training, business services, adult learning programs, and labor market information.
Locally, Garrett College offers training in almost any subject area desired by local businesses, agencies, and groups. Garrett College's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers a number of programs and services designed to meet the needs of small business, as well as provides entrepreneurship training to people seeking to own and manage those organizations. Garrett College's Career Technology Training Center (CTTC) offers a variety of non-credit training courses and programs designed to help students develop employability skills needed for the current job market. The CTTC works with businesses to develop training for their specific business needs.
The Western Maryland Consortium, the WIOA referral agency serving Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties in Maryland, offers a wide range of services for those seeking employment, including resume development, skills training, and job search assistance, and can assist business owners in filling available positions with qualified job seekers.
Local Programs
Garrett College offers training in almost any subject area desired by local businesses, agencies, and groups. The College's Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division will customize training tomeet an employer's specific employment needs.
Garrett College's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation ICEI) offers a number of programs and services designed to meet the needs of small business, as well as provide entrepreneurship training to people seeking to own and manage those organizations. Coaching and consulting, workshops and seminars, and credit and non-credit classes are all offers at the CEI.
The College's Career Technology Training Center (CTTC) offers a variety of non-credit training courses and programs designed to help students earn industry-recognized certificates or credentials and develop employability skills needed for the current job market.
Garrett College also offers the opportunity for up and coming leaders to participate in Leadership Garrett County. Leadership classes are held each year. Individuals can apply for themselves or be sponsored by a local business, non-profit, or government agency. For additional information, contact Kaitlyn Glotfelty, Director of Community & Professional Education at Garrett College, at 301-387-3770 or [email protected].
Regional Programs
The Western Maryland Consortium is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) referral agency serving Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties and is a part of the Maryland Workforce Investment Works network.
In addition to the wide range of services for those seeking employment, the Consortium can assist business owners in filling available positions with qualified job seekers through its various programs.
On-The-Job Training
On-the-Job training allows workers to become skilled at a position while working on the job. In the end, your business has an experienced worker.
If an applicant is found eligible, the Consortium will reimburse your business for a percentage of the wages paid:
- For adult workers: 50% of wages
- For youth aged 18-24: Up to 75% of wages
Workers must be full-time, working at least 32 hours per week. Reimbursement time will vary depending upon the job and the employee's skills at the time of hire.
The OJT program generally runs from 4 to 26 weeks, until the employee is proficient. Pending satisfactory evaluation, the employer agrees to hire the worker permanently.
Work Experience
Work experience allows an employer to teach a worker how to do a job at the actual job location before being hired.
For six weeks, the employer can train the eligible employee at the Consortium's cost. The Consortium pays for everything, including wages, workers' compensation, and taxes for the worker to train full-time. Afterward, pending satisfactory evaluation, the employer agrees to hire the employee permanently.
In some instances, On-the-Job Training can be combined with Work Experience.
For additional information, contact the Western Maryland Consortium at 301-334-8136.
State Programs
Maryland offers a myriad of training programs to support a strong workforce.
Maryland WorkSmart is an employee training program offering customized, relevant workforce training solutions to Maryland businesses. Training takes place at Maryland WorkSmart Centers located at Maryland's 16 community colleges or onsite at a business.
The Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) encourages companies, especially those in the manufacturing and technology industries, to invest in incumbent worker training for job-specific skills to upgrade or retain full-time employees. PWQ offers reimbursement grant funds of up to 50% of qualified costs.
Maryland Business Works (MBW) offers matching funds for incumbent worker training. Training funds can be used to upgrade the skills of current employees, while creating opportunities for new hires in in-demand occupations and skills. Training will be industry-focused and employer-based, targeting small businesses.
EARN Maryland is a competitive workforce development grant program that is industry-led and regional in focus. EARN MD invests in strategic industry partnershps from key economic sectors. Addressing the multiple needs of companies, the partnerships start with training skilled workers by developing plans to train and educate workers and place them in meaningful employment.
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) regulates state-approved apprenticeship programs and helps to connect employers with Maryland residents seeking a skilled occupation. The apprenticeships combine supervised, structured, on-the-job training and technical instruction to teach individuals the skills necessary to succeed in an occupation.
Maryland's Department of Labor Business Services can help grow your business and talent pipeline. Free business services are available at any of Maryland's American Job Centers.
Maryland's Workforce Exchange is a solution for your businesses' recruitment needs. This online tool provides maximum exposure for your job openings, current economic trends and real-time labor market information, and seamless connections with popular job search sites.
