Maryland Secures Nearly $10 Million USDOL Workforce Training Grant

Press Release

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that Maryland was awarded $9,995,047 as part of the $170 million Ready to Work Partnership initiative to support and scale innovative collaborations between employers, nonprofit organizations and federal job training programs to help connect ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be-filled jobs.

Maryland was recognized for its innovative approach to workforce development, particularly the state-funded, demand-driven EARN Maryland initiative. Led by the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC), Maryland Tech Connection has designed a comprehensive training program that provides strong industry engagement and specialized career services to help long-term unemployed return to work. The services will be driven by a robust outreach and assessment component.

"There is no progress without a job, and job-driven training programs like the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation's Maryland Tech Connection help drive our efforts to achieve our strategic goal of increasing skills training by 20 percent by 2018," said Governor O'Malley. "We're doing the things that work to connect more Marylanders with the skills training they need to get un-filled, in-demand jobs. This award from our federal partners validates our work and will boost our efforts to strengthen and grow our economy."

"This federal grant award reflects the progress we've made building the strongest workforce in the nation, but there's still work to be done," said Lt. Governor Brown. "Through initiatives like EARN Maryland, we'll continue partnering with our business community to help more Marylanders get the skills and credentials they need to qualify for quality jobs, while ensuring our companies can compete in a 21st century global market."

"Through EARN Maryland, the state invests in employer-led skills training initiatives in some of our most high-demand sectors. We're thrilled to see additional job-driven training opportunities coming to Maryland to further cultivate skilled workers needed by Maryland employers," said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Leonard Howie.

"Maryland Tech Connection will use a job-driven system and a comprehensive wrap-around services structure to address the unique barriers of Maryland's long-term unemployed. The program will give participants the necessary technical skills and industry certifications employers are looking for paired with hands-on experience through our twenty-two business partners to ensure they are competitive when entering the workforce," said Kirkland J. Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation.

Maryland Tech Connection (MTC) will serve 975 individuals through intensive coaching and job placement services, short-term occupational training, and career pathways skills training. 85 percent will be long-term unemployed, 10 percent will be individuals unemployed over 19 weeks, and 5 percent will be incumbent workers.

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