Tech-Frederick To Offer Free Training For Candidates Pursuing Careers in IT

Tech Frederick is proud to partner with Leadership Techniques to offer a free array of classes within IT to allow people to strengthen their skill sets to make themselves more qualified candidates within IT-related fields.

Tech Frederick is proud to partner with Leadership Techniques (co-founded by David Newman and Lisa Hammer), to offer a free array of classes within IT to allow people to strengthen their skill sets to make themselves more qualified candidates within IT-related fields.

The Tech Frederick program is especially geared towards candidates who are unemployed or underemployed due to outdated skill sets. It is ideal for candidates actively searching for a position within IT networking, website development, systems administration, website application, and are seeking to improve professional communication and project management skills.

Cross-Functional Training is the first offered through this program and will be offered in five full-day sessions for candidates who are seeking employment in IT. These are skills identified by area businesses as being desired across all IT specialty areas. Training is free for candidates selected to participate. Seats are limited and selection may be competitive.

Cross-Functional Technical Training
Training sessions are scheduled as follows and will be held at the BEC -Tuesday, 10/20; Friday, 11/6; Thursday, 12/10; Tuesday, 1/12; Thursday, 2/4
Attendance at all five sessions are required for Professional Management Techniques Certification that validates the recipient has received 35 hours of formal management training in the following areas of competence:

• Customer Service
• Leadership and Communications
• Integrative Negotiations
• Project Management
• Performance Management and Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving

Additional Technical Training will be offered staring in the spring of 2016 and will focus on the following tracks:

• Modern Web Application Development
• Front-end/ Back-end Website Development
• Systems Administration
• Marketing Automation
• Sales Training

Individuals have the opportunity to sign-up to receive email notifications when new classes are added to this program. Additional information and registration is now available online at www.techfrederick.org/earn-grant

This project is funded by the State of Maryland’s EARN Maryland Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

About Tech Frederick
Tech Frederick is a joint venture of The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, and the local tech community. The organization supports local IT business owners providing advocacy, communication, networking and developing partnerships. Tech Frederick is a peer group for people in the IT industry to bring area experts together to work towards a common mission and set of objectives. There is no membership fee; anyone in the IT field is invited to participate.

Best Places to Work in Frederick County Honored

The best places to work in Frederick County were honored this evening in front of a standing room only crowd at the Delaplaine Visual Arts & Education Center.

The Best Places to Work Campaign is a partnership of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and Frederick County Workforce Services. Now in its 13 year, the survey opens up every spring to all Frederick County businesses and employees and winners are selected based on employment size, median salary, voluntary turnover rate, benefits, leave options, charitable contributions, professional growth opportunities, diversity and sustainability practices.

Taking home the major category awards were:

Small Employer (1-10 employees)

Winner - Antietam Technologies

Honorable Mention - United Way of Frederick County

Medium Employer (11-50 employees)

Winner - NASW Assurance Services (ASI)

Honorable Mention - Go Ape

Large Employer (51-200 employees)

Winner - Nymeo

Honorable Mention - U.S. Silica

Major Employer ( 200+ employees)

Winner - AstraZeneca

Honorable Mention - Plamondon Companies

From L to R: City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, Tony Benedetto - NASW Assurance Services (ASI), Michelle Michael - AstraZeneca/MedImmune, Victoria Johnston - Nymeo, Richard Fouke - Antietam Technologies, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner

In addition to category award winners, six businesses were recognized with the “Unsung Hero in the Workplace” award. This award recognizes owners or presidents of companies who go above and beyond to connect with their employees. The 2015 Unsung Heroes in the Workplace are:

• Business Management Company, Inc. - Brett Hess
• Regent Education - Randy Jones
• SoldierFit - Danny Farrar and Dave Posin
• Clagett Enterprises - Galen Clagett
• Essential Systems Solutions - Michael Tash and Jason Thompson
•  Olde Towne Title - Peach Lapkoff

From L to R: City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, Danny Farrar - Soldierfit, Michael Tash - Essential Systems Solutions, Inc, Peach Lapkoff - Olde Towne Title, Galen Clagett - Clagett Enterprises, Brett Hess - Business Management Company, Inc, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. Not pictured: Randy Jones - Regent Education.

Two surprise awards were given out this year for "Best Entrepreneurial Opportunity" and "Most Creative Workplace Environment". Winning the "Best Entrepreneurial Opportunity" this year was Edward Jones with 10 locations throughout Frederick County. The "Most Creative Workplace Environment" Award went to CAS Engineering.

From L to R: City of Frederick Mayor Randy McClement, Jay Wandalowski - Edward Jones Investments, Linda Hobbs - Edward Jones Investments, Curt Schreffler - CAS Engineering, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner

Helen Propheter, Director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development said, "These companies join an elite group of businesses committed to retaining exceptional employees and their success. We are proud of the 2015 Best Places to Work recipients and proud that they chose Frederick County as their place to call home."

To view additional photographs from the evening's event, please click here.

No Interest Loans Available for Military and Veterans in Maryland

The Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program (MPVSBLP) was created in 2006 and is administered by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development in consultation with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). The program accepts applications from small businesses that employ military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, as well as companies employing service-disabled veterans. Veterans who own a small business are also eligible to apply for funding.

The Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP) provides no interest loans of up to $50,000 from one to eight years. Eligible applicants include businesses owned by military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, and small businesses, with fewer than 50 employees that employ them.

For more information about the program​, eligibility details and how to obtain an application contact:
Mark Hendricks​, Grant Administrator/MD Veterans Trust for the Maryland Department of Veterans ​​Affairs at 410-974-2399.

Please note that applications for this program will not be accepted again until October 1, 2015.

Maryland and Frederick County are Leading the Way in a STEM workforce

Maryland is leading the nation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Frederick County Public School's advancements in STEM training are preparing a workforce of the future.

Dr. Daraius Irani, Executive Director of the Regional Economic Studies Institute, spoke about the importance of STEM training and jobs during the annual Economic Outlook Conference at Towson University yesterday.  He stated that Maryland ranks first in the nation in STEM job concentration, 42 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded in Maryland from 2012-2013 were in STEM fields, and 47 percent of job openings in the State require STEM skills.

Dr. Irani attributed the State’s achievements in STEM to an increase in quality educational programs. ”There has been a real purposeful effort by State schools to introduce students to STEM. That makes a difference,” he said. There are seven STEM Standards of Practice set by the state: 1) Learn and Apply Rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Content, 2) Integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Content, 3) Interpret and Communicate STEM Information, 4) Engage in Inquiry, 5) Engage in Logical Reasoning, 6) Collaborate as a STEM Team, and 7) Apply Technology Strategically.

The Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) vision is that students will graduate STEM proficient and be prepared for post-secondary study and the 21st Century workforce. As a result, the STEM office of FCPS has programs designed for the elementary, middle and high school levels. During the school day, students engage in the seven STEM Practices as part of their ongoing classroom instruction. 

Outside of FCPS, the C.Burr Artz Library is home to the STEM Lab to meet the needs of area students and to support the goals of local and statewide education initiatives and the library hosts a series of monthly STEM educational classes for all ages.

FCPS reported that 99% of nearly 900 employers surveyed in 2014 indicated that FCPS students met or exceeded job requirements at their place of business, indicating that FCPS are preparing a strong workforce of the future.

Frederick Works! One Job at a Time

The Frederick Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) yesterday announced a new initiative to boost the local economy from Frederick County Workforce Services and the Frederick County Workforce Development Board.

The county will partner with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, City of Frederick Economic Development Department and Frederick County Economic Development Office to launch Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time, an initiative that encourages businesses to be part of the unemployment solution by filling at least one new job in 2012.

Championed by the Board of County Commissioners, Mayor Randy McClement of The City of Frederick and local municipality leaders, Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time is modeled after similar programs in communities throughout the United States that have been successful in generating new job opportunities and getting the unemployed back to work. According to economists, each new employee added to the workforce increases the gross domestic product on average by $100,000. Impact at the local level has the potential to be substantial and lasting.

Board President Blaine Young commented, “If each business in Frederick County were to hire just one person this year, the economic impact would be enormous. Even if only a small portion of our businesses hired just one person this year, there would still be a significant and measurable impact on our local economy. We commend Workforce Services and our partners for launching this initiative and furthering this board’s ‘business-friendly’ strategic goals.”

By publicly recognizing employers that have hired or plan to hire in 2012, Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time partners hope to bring attention to the fact that businesses are hiring in Frederick. “This can serve to boost the local economy in yet another way through a shift in perception – a positive momentum – that can begin to increase overall consumer and investor confidence,” Director Laurie Holden of Workforce Services explained.

Workforce Development Board President Terry O’Malley, vice president of Human Resources at Frederick Memorial Hospital, is eager to recognize companies that want to make an impact on the local workforce and economy. “There are approximately 8,500 businesses in Frederick County. The goal of this campaign is to have at least 1,000 of those businesses participate – about 12 percent of all Frederick County businesses,” stated Mr. O’Malley.

Businesses that would like to join the One Job at a Time initiative and become a part of the solution can complete and submit a simple form through the Frederick County Workforce Services website at www.FrederickWORKS.com/onejob.

The general public is also welcome to visit www.FrederickWORKS.com/onejob to learn more about this effort, including program updates and a list of participating employers. All are invited to follow the initiative on Twitter: @FredWORKSOneJob and on Facebook by searching for the “Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time” Community Page.

OJT: Earn While You Learn!

If you are unemployed and interested in earning a paycheck while you learn new skills at work, then you won't want to miss this SPECIAL EVENT:

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Information Session
To be offered on the following dates and times:
(Please choose ONE session only.)

Monday, August 8 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Monday, August 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 11 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 11 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

* These information sessions will provide an overview of the On-the-Job Training program. There is NO guarantee of employment.

Business and Employment Center
5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite A, Frederick, MD 21703

How to Prepare for the Session
Please plan to bring the following documentation with you, so that we may determine your eligibility to participate in the OJT program:

§ Social Security Card
§ Proof of Address (acceptable documents include: driver's license, mortgage statement, utility bill)
§ Proof of United States Citizenship or proof that you are eligible to legally work in the United States (acceptable documents include birth certificate, voter registration card, passport, I-94 card, permanent residency card)
§ Documentation of your employment status (acceptable documents include a lay off letter from a Frederick County company)
§ For Veterans ONLY: Provide a copy of your DD 214

* Please note: ALL eligible OJT participants MUST be enrolled in the Maryland Workforce Exchange (www.mwejobs.com).


RSVP Now!
Please reserve your spot in advance, as space is limited.

To RSVP, please email Max Douge no later than Friday, August 5 at mdouge@frederickcountymd.gov.

MD Ranked More Innovative than any Country

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation released a 2011 report measuring each of the 50 states against 44 foreign countries and regions and found that nine states, including Maryland, would be ranked number one in innovation-based competitiveness if they were countries. The report noted that Maryland benefited from national laboratory funding and state programs to help transfer technology from labs into the marketplace. The study considered 16 key indicators, such as scientists and engineers, corporate and government R&D, and venture capital.

See the complete article and more in July's Economic Pulse-An Overview of Maryland's Economic Indicators at http://tinyurl.com/3sgrsfg

Save Money in Recruiting and Training Costs in 2011

Want to learn how to reduce your hiring costs in 2011? Interested in training your staff but concerned about your budget? Join Frederick County Workforce Services for a Special Event: Cost-Effective Recruiting and Training Solutions for Frederick County Businesses. Local businesses are invited to come and learn about programs that were designed to help businesses grow and develop a talented workforce in a challenging economy. Networking begins at 8:30 a.m., with a presentation from 9 to 10 a.m. at FCC Conference Center, Room E-126. To RSVP, email mday1@frederickcountymd.gov by February 11.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grant Provides Wage Reimbursement of up to 90%

Planning to hire new staff in 2011? Through a National Emergency Grant, On-the-Job Training (OJT) funds are now available to Frederick County employers who hire new employees and need to train the employee(s) in specific skills needed for the job. The purpose of the OJT National Emergency Grant is to effectively close skills and employment gaps for workers who have experienced prolonged unemployment. It will address employer needs for skilled workers and support the extraordinary costs associated with training a new employee in skills that are otherwise difficult to find in the labor force. Frederick County employers with 50 or fewer employees may be eligible for reimbursement up to 90% of the participants wage rate during training and those with 250 employees or less may be eligible for up to 75% of the participant's wages during training. For more information, please call or e-mail Frederick County Workforce Services: (301) 600-2255 or businessinfo@frederickcountymd.gov. For information about additional services available for Frederick County businesses, please visit http://www.frederickworks.com/.

DOL Launches Veterans Hiring Toolkit for Employers

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the availability of a new online toolkit to guide employers through the process of hiring veterans. The free toolkit is designed to assist and educate employers who have made the proactive decision to include veterans and wounded warriors in their recruitment and hiring initiatives.

The toolkit features a comprehensive overview of a 6-step process for hiring and retaining veterans that includes: Designing a strategy for a veterans hiring program; Creating a welcoming and educated workplace for veterans; Actively recruiting veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses; Hiring qualified veterans and learning how to accommodate wounded warriors; Promoting an inclusive workplace to retain veteran employees; and Keeping helpful tools and resources at your fingertips.

The toolkit can be accessed through the America's Heroes at Work website: http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit.

Additional resources about hiring veterans can be found on the Frederick County Workforce Services website: www.frederickworks.com/veteransservices.html.

Additional Funding for Employee Training is Now Available through Maryland Business Works

Maryland Business Works (MBW) is a State program that supports private sector employers in the retention and growth of their workforce by providing grant funding to upgrade the skills of currently employed workers. Through MBW, employees receive industry training and credentials, resulting in a more knowledgeable and qualified workforce. The MBW program has been proven to encourage job promotion, create additional job opportunities and improve employee retention. Up to fifty percent of the employer’s training costs are reimbursed through MBW. Priority focus areas include Healthcare, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Bioscience, Construction, Education, Retail, Finance/Insurance, Hospitality/Tourism, Information Technology, Professional/Business Services, Transportation/Warehousing industries, and any Green Industry or Occupation.

To find out if your business is eligible to participate in the MBW program, please contact Latrice Lewis: llewis@frederickcountymd.gov.

Management Training On the Rise in Frederick

Through a partnership with Frederick County Workforce Services, FCC Customized Training educates thousands of employees in Frederick each year. In recent months, the partnership has experienced a significant increase in demand from local businesses for broad-scale management development training programs, according to FCWS Business Services Manager Michelle Day. In another seemingly similar pattern, classrooms have been overflowing for management-oriented courses provided by the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) and the Frederick County Society for Human Resource Management.

Popular courses provided by the FCWS/FCC partnership include The New Supervisor, Managing Customer Service, Essentials of Leadership, and the Manager’s Guide to Human Behavior, among others. Additional courses can be tailored to address any training and development needs that a business identifies.

For more information on customized employee training for businesses, contact Marc Scott at 301-600-3555.

Ready for Hire!

Graduates of The Edge job training program are ready to work! The Edge program was developed by Frederick County Workforce Services staff in response to feedback from Frederick area businesses about what skills and qualifications are most desirable and in demand. Workshop topics include communication and writing, reading and analyzing data, customer service essentials and workplace math skills, among others.

Employers seeking job candidates may arrange to interview a graduate of The Edge program by contacting Michelle Day at (301) 600-1867.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grants Available

Did you know….Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) has On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants available to help Frederick County employers alleviate some of the costs associated with hiring and training new employees. Eligible employers can apply for reimbursement funds of up to 50% of the new trainee’s wages while the employee is enrolled in the OJT program. To learn more about the program, including the criteria for eligibility, please visit: http://www.frederickworks.com/GrantFundingforBusiness.htm

New Job Training Program

Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) has launched a new job training program called The Edge, a two-week course designed to give local job candidates a competitive edge in the labor market. The program was developed by FCWS staff in response to direct feedback from Frederick area businesses about what skills and qualifications are most desirable and in demand. Topics to be covered include communication and writing, reading and analyzing data, workplace math skills and more. The first class will commence on July 26. Employers seeking candidates for open positions may consider interviewing a graduate of The Edge program by contacting Michelle Day at (301) 600-1867.

Certified Professional Résumé Writers at FCWS

Five additional staff members at Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) recently fulfilled the requirements to become a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), bringing the total number of individuals who possess this credential at the agency to nine.

The newest CPRWs at FCWS include Veterans Employment Representative Tom Fisher; Career Specialist Joyce Bouchard; Business and Employment Consultant Max Douge; Workforce Development Consultant Janet Flanagan; and Career Specialist Teri Bisceglia.

According to the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC), Certified Professional Résumé Writers are the career industry's leading experts in the development of strategic resumes. Founded in 1990, PARW/CC was established for career professionals to exchange information, enhance their skills, and/or demonstrate their commitment to providing professional services to the general public.

To learn more about the respected credentials held by professional staff at Frederick County Workforce Services, please visit the Staff Directory under “About FCWS” at www.frederickworks.com.

News from the Frederick County Workforce Development Board...

For the second year in a row, the Frederick County Workforce Development Board (WDB) has partnered with Johns Hopkins University and Frederick County Public Schools to offer a unique college-level Engineering course to a select number of Frederick County high school students.

The partnership was first established last year in support of the WDB’s initiative to develop science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills among Frederick County’s current and future workforce.

The Engineering Innovation program enables rising high school juniors and seniors and incoming college freshmen to earn three college credits from Johns Hopkins University while exploring cutting-edge educational and career options.

Engineering Innovation will be held at Tuscarora High School from July 6 through July 30. A limited number of spaces remain, and the registration deadline is May 12. Generous contributions from Frederick County businesses have resulted in reduced tuition costs for prospective participants. To learn more about this program, including how to register, please visit: http://engineering-innovation.jhu.edu/.

Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit Available

Governor Martin O'Malley recently signed into law the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit (JCRTC) offering Maryland businesses a $5,000 tax credit for every unemployed Marylander hired. For more information about the program, visit: www.dllr.maryland.gov/taxcredit/jcrtcflyer.pdf

Talent Spotlight Features Local Job Candidates

As the economy improves and more businesses resume their hiring efforts, Frederick County Workforce Services is preparing to meet this demand by providing employers with qualified job candidates. Updated weekly, the FCWS Talent Spotlight showcases a diverse pool of prescreened, job-ready candidates with a variety of professional backgrounds. This resource is offered to employers at no cost. Free weekly subscriptions are also available. For more information, please contact mdouge@frederickcountymd.gov.

Training for Results

Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) used the Maryland Business Works Program to partner with American Computer Development, Inc., a manufacturing and design services company, to assist them in meeting their goals to create more efficient and effective business processes. The training also helped the company to meet its mission to innovate for tomorrow. Six employees were trained in various job-related and industry skills, including lean manufacturing, project management, human resources certification, and equipment operations and maintenance. Four of the six training participants received wage increases and all received industry skills that will lead to career advancement.

Learn more about the Maryland Business Works Program and other opportunities to obtain grant funding for employee training purposes on the FCWS website.