Workforce development in Maryland is a major priority post-pandemic. In 2020, Maryland’s real GDP decreased by 4.5 percent, ending a trend of steady economic growth over the past decade. The state responded by investing in workforce development programs such as Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland, Maryland Business Works, and Maryland’s Workforce Exchange.
When it comes to education and training, the state maintains strong collaborative partnerships between educational institutions and other workforce partners to create a job-driven education and training system. These connections support a cohesive, integrated workforce system that prepares workers with the in-demand skills that Maryland’s employers need.
Below is a breakdown of some of the workforce resources that are available to businesses and jobseekers in the state.
Workforce Education
Through higher or continuing education, these Maryland programs can help employees maximize their potential in the workforce and guide them toward a fulfilling career.
Adult Education
The state’s Adult Education and Literacy Services division provides instruction and services in: basic academic skills, adult secondary education, English language acquisition, integrated English literacy and civics, workforce preparation, career pathways, integrated education and training, and family literacy.
There is an online directory of local adult education programs funded by the Department of Labor. Services offered vary by community. For example, at Baltimore City Community College, learners can take classes in subjects like reading, writing, math, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and GED® Preparation. Wor-Wic Community College offers college prep classes, and Allegany College of Maryland offers a Workplace and Career Readiness Skills course to enable the student to learn the skills necessary to improve employability.
Correctional Education
The mission of Correctional Education (CE) within the Maryland Department of Labor is to provide incarcerated individuals with high quality services that facilitate successful transition into Maryland’s workforce and communities. Over 5,000 inmates are provided educational opportunities annually around skills like reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science from basic literacy to adult secondary levels.
CE also offers occupational programs in 10 correctional facilities taught by 45 instructors. The courses, which include Architectural CADD, Automotive Collision and Repair, Graphic Arts and Design, Electrical Wiring, and more, are for those with a high school diploma or GED. Students must be within 24 months of release to participate. View the full list of courses here.
Career and Technology Education
Maryland CTE programs provide the opportunity for students to earn industry-recognized certificates, acquire college credit, and gain work experience. The programs are organized around career clusters such as Arts, Media, and Communications, Environmental, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology, and are designed to prepare students for the rapidly changing needs of the workforce.
Through Maryland CTE programs, students can participate in programs like SkillsUSA. A Worcester Technical High School student describes how the Skills USA program prepares students to enter college or a career by teaching valuable technical and leadership skills. Students also have the option of earning industry credentials, such as an Automotive Service Excellence certificate in autobody/collision repair as part of the Transportation Technology career cluster, or university credits through Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences or Engineering.
Community Colleges
Maryland’s 16 community colleges are open-admission institutions with affordable tuition that are located throughout the state. Academic programs at the colleges can lead to an associate degree, certificate, or letter of recognition and can help students transfer to a four-year institution or prepare them for immediate entry to, or advancement in, a career.
Continuing education programs are offered in a variety of formats to support community needs, and allow Maryland students to seek career training, boost basic skills, or pursue a variety of interests. For example, Community College of Baltimore County students can choose to study professional development and job skills, including Building and Industrial Technology, Health and Human Services, Hospitality and Casino Training and more.
University System of Maryland
Maryland’s 12 public universities provide affordable access to higher education while offering career readiness programs and workforce training on campus. For example, Towson University’s Career Center offers self-assessments and online resources to help students identify their interests and passions. Career Coaches assist with writing resumes and cover letters, practicing interviewing, finding internships and developing job search strategies.
Some institutions like University of Maryland, Baltimore County provide professional and technical training on campus. The UMBC Training Centers offers training for individuals or organizations on subjects like cloud computing and DevOps, leadership and innovation, programming, and more.
On-The-Job Training and Talent Acquisition
Learn more about apprenticeships, internships, and externships that can connect local businesses with the up-and-coming workforce.
Youth Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Maryland is a youth apprenticeship program for students, ages 16 and up, that is designed to lead to sustainable employment and further education based on career pathways in manufacturing, STEM occupations or other occupations within the CTE Career Clusters.
The work-based training program is supervised under an eligible employer and aims to prepare students to enter employment in high-skilled, high growth sectors in manufacturing and STEM occupations such as healthcare, biotechnology, information technology, construction and design, and banking and financing. There are 24 participating school systems in Maryland, including Washington County Public Schools, which was a pilot site for the program.
Registered Apprenticeship
A Registered Apprenticeship (RA) allows workers to earn a progressive wage while receiving on-the-job training from a skilled mentor, plus related instruction, which benefits both the employer and the employee. When training is completed, participants are on a pathway to a career.
RA’s are jobs where participants receive one-on-one full-time training from a skilled craftsperson as well as related classroom instruction. An apprentice is “sponsored” by an employer or association and is paid according to a progressive pay scale. The full list of Registered Occupations is available online here, but includes: additive manufacturing technician, CNC specialist, electrician, machinist, welder, and more.
Maryland Workforce Exchange
This site provides job seekers, students, employers, and workforce professionals with free access to a comprehensive set of job search functions and employment tools and services.
The system is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. There are services for both individuals and employers, and readily available data about Maryland’s job market is available to aid in searching.
Features for job seekers and students include:
- Use a professional format to create and send résumés and cover letters to employers.
- Assess your job skills, set goals, and research training providers.
- Review available jobs and apply online.
- Set up a Virtual Recruiter search agent to automatically review job postings and notify you of jobs that match your skills.
- Track your job search efforts and résumés sent in a personal profile folder online.
- Learn about services and benefits for which you may be eligible.
- Determine a budget and plan for training.
- Research regional labor market information, such as salaries.
- Use the email/message center to contact employers and your case manager.
Helpful features for employers include:
- Define skills and post job orders to find potential candidates.
- Research labor market information on salaries and economic data.
- Set up a Virtual Recruiter search agent to automatically find candidates within the system that match the job skills of the job order.
- Communicate with job seekers, case managers, training providers, and others within the system email and message center.
Workforce Training Grants
These Maryland grant programs allow businesses to create and maintain a skilled workforce.
EARN Maryland
EARN Maryland is a state-funded, competitive workforce development grant program that addresses the needs of both businesses and workers through strategic industry partnerships from key economic sectors in regions throughout the state. EARN aims to:
- Address the demands of businesses by focusing intensively on the workforce needs of a specific industry sector over a sustained period.
- Address the needs of workers by creating formal career paths to good jobs, reducing barriers to employment, and sustaining or growing middle class jobs.
Employers or industry partners eligible to receive funding include higher education, non-profit or community-based organizations, local workforce development boards, and local government. Examples of current EARN industry partnerships vary by region. In Prince George’s County, there are two current construction partnerships through the Suburban Maryland Construction Initiative and the Architectural Metal and Glass Initiative, and a healthcare initiative through the Healthcare Partnership of Price George’s and Charles Counties.
As of October 2022, more than 11,000 incumbent workers have received training, attained new credentials, certifications, or other skills. In addition, over 8,000 individuals have obtained employment through EARN.
Maryland Business Works
Maryland Business Works is a matching fund incumbent worker training program that partners with Maryland businesses to support employer strategies for retention, growth, and expansion.
Training funds can be used to upgrade the skills of current employees while also creating opportunities for new hires in in-demand occupations and skills. Participants completing the program gain transferable skills or industry-recognized certifications or credentials, leading to potential career growth and increased wages. Projects are industry-focused and employer-based, targeting local small businesses.
The program funds classroom-based training, in-house staff training, apprenticeships, and other opportunities for Maryland’s businesses as they create and foster their talent pipeline.
Maryland is continually investing in their workforce, making it simple for companies in need of skilled laborers to benefit from a variety of programs to find and train workers.
