Carroll Community College Awarded Workforce Development Grant from EARN Maryland Program

Westminster, MD – Carroll Community College has received a grant for over $148,000 from the Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland program. The College will work in partnership with industry and community stakeholders to offer High-Tech and Electric Vehicle (HT/EV) automotive pathways that prepare workers to work on all automobiles, including gas-powered and growing EV models.

EARN Maryland is a state-funded, competitive workforce development grant program that is industry-led and regional in focus. It is a proven strategy for helping businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete. It is flexible and innovative, designed to ensure that Maryland employers have the talent they need to compete and grow in an ever-changing 21st-century economy.

“Maryland’s economy thrives when there is more access to job opportunities across all sectors,” said Gov. Wes Moore in a press release from the Department of Labor.  “Expanding the EARN program provides yet another opportunity to help businesses cultivate a skilled and competitive workforce and to connect Marylanders to good jobs in vital industries.”

EARN Maryland invests in strategic industry partnerships (SIP) from key economic sectors in every region.  The SIP for Carroll’s grant includes Carroll County Workforce Development, Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll Technology and Innovation Council, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

These partnerships use the power of coordination across education, workforce, and economic development initiatives to address the multiple needs of companies, starting with the training of skilled workers. Once formed, the partnerships will develop plans to train and educate workers – and place them in meaningful employment.

“Flexibility is woven throughout our workforce training plan at the College, offering multiple pathways targeted to new workers and vetted technicians wishing to scale up certifications and advance within the career industry,” said Kelly Koermer Vice President of Workforce, Business and Community Education. “We offer scholarships and stipends within each pathway to create possibilities and promote access.”

Workers can opt-in at various stages depending upon experience, offering entry-level and advancement opportunities. The College will leverage its existing Automotive Technician certification program, including a partnership network that forms the foundation of its industry partnerships.

Since the start of the EARN program in 2013, nearly 9,000 individuals trained through EARN have obtained employment, and over 11,000 incumbent workers have participated in training for in-demand careers and employment opportunities, according to the Department of Labor.

“EARN makes a meaningful difference to the lives of residents and the success of businesses across our state,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “It brings an opportunity for residents to acquire the skills they need to advance to a high-wage career and for employers to gain access to a trained workforce that can grow their business.”

Partnerships funded through EARN provide in-demand, relevant training to unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers based on industry-identified needs.

-END-

##

Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.