OVERVIEW
MARYLAND
DELAWARE
PENNSYLVANIA

Regional Overview

The Chesapeake Science and Security Corridor (CSSC) offers an extensive network of employment training opportunities to assist both employers and job seekers in filling BRAC-related positions with highly qualified workers. The region's workforce investment system - the Susquehanna Workforce Network for Harford and Cecil Counties, the Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development, and the Baltimore City Office of Employment Development - plays a leading role in preparing students and job seekers for the job market and supports workplace training for existing employees. As the needs of BRAC contractors for specialized training and services arise, the workforce investment agencies are prepared to establish special programs and services to respond. These resources are complemented by the comprehensive continuing education and contract training programs offered by the region's four community colleges: Harford Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, Cecil Community College and Baltimore City Community College. The State of Maryland also offers training grants to qualified businesses. And, in response to BRAC, the University of Maryland System has recently decided to offer in-state tuition to BRAC relocates, waiving the usual 12-month residency requirement. The workforce training resources of the Chesapeake Science and Security corridor are ready to assist new or expanding employers and job seekers to access the training resources needed to support the nation's war-fighter.

MARYLAND
Harford County
Harford County's Work Force Development effort is a partnership of Government, Higher Education and Industry. Working together, new and innovative programs in the area of continuing education, higher education, vocational and professional training have been developed to complement career awareness efforts and advanced skills development programs designed to support and grow a productive, skilled and competitive labor force.

Labor Force
Harford County Office of Economic Development
Maryland Workforce Exchange
DLLR's Division of Workforce Development
Susquehanna Workforce Centers
Open Doors Career Center, Inc.
Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc.
W.A.G.E. Connection
Work Force Technical Training Grant

Army Community Service, Aberdeen Proving Ground Garrison
Provide recruitment assistance to civilian personnel, early retirees from Aberdeen Proving Ground, and spouses of military.
For information, contact 410.278.9669

Harford Community College
Community and Business Service Division

• Business and industry training programs
• Customized on-site training
• Industrial/Technical training
• Computer certification training
• Employee orientation programs
• Basic education skills upgrade training

For information, contact the Corporate Training Dept. at 410.836.4398
Visit them on the web at http://www.harford.edu/

Harford County Office of Economic Development
Work Force Training Grants

• Matching grants available to manufacturers
• Provide business incentives for accelerating the delivery of technical training
• No limit or maximum number of grants awarded to a company
• Grants are awarded on a competitive basis
  

For information, contact the Office of Economic Development Business Retention Specialist at 410.638.3059 or e-mail questions to oed@harfordcountymd.gov

Maryland's Workforce Exchange
A "virtual" one-stop network created to improve access to information about jobs, training and workforce support throughout Maryland.

Employers

• Employers are able to manage their entire recruitment process on-line
• Post and update job orders
• Search for qualified applicants through our on-line talent bank
• Access important economic development information

Job Seekers

• Job seekers can build resumes that can be used to apply for jobs instantly
• Search for current job openings in your community
• Access important career information and services that can assist you in finding a new career

For information visit them on the web at http://www.mwejobs.com

Susquehanna Workforce Centers - Harford County
The Aberdeen and Bel Air Workforce Centers are co-operated in partnership between the Dept of Labor, Licensing & Regulation's, Division of Workforce Development and the Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc.

The centers are part of a nationwide system that provides job information and services to job seekers and employers.

Employers

• Job listings posted in our computerized job bank "Maryland Workforce Exchange"
• Job applicants can be prescreened or apply directly to your vacant positions
• Information about taining subsidies to upgrade employee skills
• Recruitment assistance like job fairs and on-site conference rooms
• Economic and labor force information to help assess current and future workforce needs
• Outplacement assistance in the event of a layoff or business closure

Job Seekers

• Access to job listings in our computerized job bank "Maryland Workforce Exchange"
• Centers have resource areas equipped with internet access
• Job search resource materials
• Free faxing
• Variety of workshops to assist you in finding employment
• Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities

For more information, contact:

Visit Websites:

• DLLR's Division of Workforce Development: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/jobserv.html
• Maryland Workforce Exchange: http://www.mwejobs.com
• Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc.: http://www.swnetwork.org

Open Doors Career Center, Inc.
A private, nonprofit corporation assisting individuals forced into the employment market due to loss of income or new life situations.

Services Include:

• Career counseling
• Pre-employment training
• Personal development workshops

For more information, contact 410.838.1480

Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc.
A private, nonprofit corporation that oversees, coordinates or plans workforce development programs and services for businesses and individuals to maximize regional economic success and worker potential.

• Recruitment Assistance
• Incumbent Worker Training
• Labor Market Information
• Skill Enhancement
• Continuing Education

For more information, contact 410.939.4240
Visit them on the web at http://www.swnetwork.org

W.A.G.E. Connection
W.A.G.E. Connection is under the direction of the Harford County Department of Social Services.

• One-stop, state-of-the art employment facility for Harford County residents receiving temporary cash assistance.
• Job readiness, placement and retention services
• Employers hiring participants are entitled to various tax credits
• Long Term Welfare to Work Credit
• Employment Opportunity Credit
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit

For more information, contact 410.297.9243 or 1.877.297.WAGE

Workforce Technical Training Grant
Instructions and application is available here in Adobe Acrobat Format.   Obtain a free copy of Acrobat Viewer from their website.

To provide matching funds to Harford County businesses to accelerate the delivery of technical training to existing employees that will contribute to expand or improve production capabilities.

• Training for intermediate or advanced technical skills
• Existing employees
• Business must be located in Harford County at time of training
• Manufacturing/Industrial/Engineering firms

(New employees are subject to the Office of Economic Development approval)

CECIL COUNTY
More than 20,000 employees are available today for employment with Cecil County businesses.

Susquehanna Workforce Centers - Cecil County
The Cecil County Workforce Center is co-operated in partnership between the Dept of Labor, Licensing & Regulation's, Division of Workforce Development and the Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc.

The centers are part of a nationwide system that provides job information and services to job seekers and employers.

Employers

• Job listings posted in our computerized job bank "Maryland Workforce Exchange"
• Job applicants can be prescreened or apply directly to your vacant positions
• Information about taining subsidies to upgrade employee skills
• Recruitment assistance like job fairs and on-site conference rooms
• Economic and labor force information to help assess current and future workforce needs
• Outplacement assistance in the event of a layoff or business closure

Job Seekers

• Access to job listings in our computerized job bank "Maryland Workforce Exchange"
• Centers have resource areas equipped with internet access
• Job search resource materials
• Free faxing
• Variety of workshops to assist you in finding employment
• Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities

For more information, contact:

Visit Websites:

• DLLR's Division of Workforce Development: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/jobserv.html
• Maryland Workforce Exchange: http://www.mwejobs.com
• Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc.: http://www.swnetwork.org

In Cecil County, an alliance of private industry, education and government puts bright minds and creative talents together to ensure that workers are ready for you! Employers can benefit from these Cecil County programs:

• Maryland Industrial Training Program (MITP) http://www.choosemaryland.org/aboutdbed/contacts/dbed/page1550.html
  The MITP provides reimbursement grants for development and training of employees, reimburses companies for eligible costs associated with training programs, introduces grant recipients to public and private resources for assistance and training, and facilitates relationships with educational institutions, private consultants and more.
• State of Maryland - Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) http://www.choosemaryland.org/AboutDBED/Contacts/DBED/page1548.html The PWQ program encourages employers to invest in upgrading workforce skills and provides significant reimbursement grants for selected training expenses.
• Cecil Community College's Division of Continuing Education and Community Services. http://www.cecilcc.edu/programs/index.asp
  A versatile array of courses and programs for local businesses and their employees are offered through CCC's Division of Continuing Education and Community Services.
  
  Offerings include:
  • Business Training Resource Center (BTRC)
  • The BTRC has been providing education and contract training services to local businesses for over 25 years.
  • Mid-Atlantic Transportation & Logistics Institute
  • Comprehensive transportation and logistics-related education, training programs and services to meet the current and future needs of this industry.
  • Workforce Training Programs
    **Programs provide career-oriented education in Allied Health, Computer Training, Office Skills, Online Courses and Vocational Training for citizens of Cecil County and the surrounding communities.

BALTIMORE COUNTY
Below is a sampling of programs that both Baltimore County and Maryland can offer businesses.

Building Business/Educational Partnerships
Locating and training a qualified workforce has become the number one issue for business in this economy.  Recognizing the importance of this issue, the Department of Economic Development has dedicated a staff position to work with businesses, educational and training institutions, and other County agencies to identify the current and future workforce needs of employers in Baltimore County. The Department works with many partners to develop new training programs, effectively market existing programs and encourage productive links between business and education. These partners include the Office of Workforce Development (OWD), the Baltimore County Public Schools, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), and the County Executive's Advisory Board on Higher Education, the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education and local colleges and universities.

Identifying Business Needs
The Department can assist businesses in identifying their training and educational needs, and can refer companies to local resources for the training. Department staff also convenes periodic focus groups in different industry sectors to gather information on the specific employment needs of those industries. Another goal of the workforce development effort is to link businesses with schools and universities to encourage collaboration and build relationships resulting in local graduates remaining in Baltimore to work for local companies.

Developing New Programs
The Department assists local schools and training institutions in identifying new programs that can be developed to meet the specific needs of industry in this region. Past efforts included the establishment of an Industrial Maintenance Technology Program at Sollers Point/Southeastern Technical High School and the development and refinement of programs to train workers for the interactive technology industry in the region at CCBC, UB, and UMBC. The Department of Economic Development also works closely with training institutions to devise effective methods of marketing under-subscribed training programs in critical needs industries.

Baltimore CountyOffice of Workforce Development
The BCOWD Business Services http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/economicdev/gateway/workforce/index.html  unit actively develops customized business solutions in response to shifting labor market demands.

New and Expanding Business

• Assistance with Recruiting a Skilled Workplace
  Recruiting can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.  The OWD saves you time and money by matching your employment needs with qualified employees. OWD works with a diverse candidate pool.  Candidates possess skills that range from professional trades to high-level executives and have experience in a vast array of industries.
  
  Services are tailored according to your business needs.  Initiatives range from job postings to customized recruitments that may include advertising, administrative support, resume screening, candidate pre-screening, applicant basic skills assessment and coordinated events.
  
  
• Workplace Training and Education
  Workplace training is a critical component of business success and a valuable retention tool.  In many instances, OWD invests funding to offset the extraordinary costs of training new employees and upgrading worker skills.
  
  Customized and on-the-job training project funds are based on availability.  Projects are subject to a review of training curriculum and analysis of projected impact on competitive position, increased productivity, gains in market share and profitability.
  
  
• Career Development
  OWD can promote your company's internships and on-the-job training opportunities to motivated candidates through our Workforce Development Resource Centers.  Job seeker career development is supported for training opportunities in fields relevant to today's labor market demands.  Our candidates have transferable skills and industry specific training that will prove to be an asset to your organization.
  

Business Downsizing

• Assistance with Workforce Downsizing
  Downsizing your workforce is an unfortunate situation for both the business and affected employees.  With OWD as a key partner on the Maryland Dislocated Worker Unit Rapid Response Team, your organization has access to an excellent resource.
  
  OWD is prepared to effectively assist your business and provide dislocated workers with information about outplacement, reemployment and skills enhancement services.
  
  Outplacement services are customized to each company's circumstances and may include:
  • On-site information sessions and resources
  • Professional seminars with a focus on job search techniques, resume development, and interview skills
  • Career counseling for individuals and groups
  • Skills enhancement information and funding assistance
  • Industry specific job matching and recruitment initiatives

Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development

MarylandIndustrial Training Partnership (MITP)
http://www.choosemaryland.org/aboutdbed/contacts/dbed/page1550.html
The Maryland Industrial Training Program provides grants to companies for the development and training of new employees.  Firms locating or expanding in Maryland are eligible. MITP reimburses companies for eligible costs of training programs that are customized to the work process. The level of funding provided is negotiated between the company and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, with specific cost sharing items delineated in a training grant agreement.  Training programs are designed according to the company's specifications. The training may be conducted by vendors or by company staff. The company determines the location of the training.
Maryland's training professionals can also introduce grant recipients to a network of public and private resources for assistance in determining staffing and training needs, developing training plans, and procuring effective and cost efficient training.

Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) http://www.choosemaryland.org/AboutDBED/Contacts/DBED/page1548.html The PWQ provides matching skill upgrade training grants and support services targeted to improve the competitive position of small and mid-sized manufacturing and technology companies.  PWQ grants are used to increase the skills of existing workers for new technologies and production processes, improve employee productivity and increase industry employment stability.  PWQ matching grants are made directly to companies as well as through a number of manufacturing, software industry and ISO 9000 consortia programs working in cooperation with DBED.

Contacts

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation 410-230-6001
Baltimore County Workforce Development Council 410-887-2450
Baltimore County Department of Economic Development 410-887-2450
Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development 410-887-2450
CCBC Workforce Development 410-869-0296
Maryland Business Roundtable for Education 410-727-0448

BALTIMORE CITY
Baltimore City workforce

Civilian labor force data (2006) - available, unemployed, employed, unemployment rate 279,877 available; 17,853 unemployed; 262,024 employed; 6.4% unemployment rate

    Labor Force by industry sector - Number of employees in each and average weekly wage

Top 10 public and private employers

Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins Health System
Lifebridge Health-Sinai
St. Agnes Healthcare
Constellation Energy
Mercy Health Services
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Good Samaritan Hospital
Verizon
Baltimore Sun 

Major employers moving in and up - 2006

Chubb Insurance
Thomson Prometric
Carefirst
FTI Consulting
Morgan Stanley

DELAWARE
State of Delaware Workforce and Career Opportunities
www.delawareworks.com

Workforce Development
http://dedo.delaware.gov/delawareworkforce/recruitment.shtml

Delaware Department of Labor
The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice and a strong economy.

The Department of Labor is headed by a Secretary of Labor who is appointed by the governor. The department is made up of four divisions and three offices. The combined efforts of these Divisions and Offices support the employment related needs of nearly 400,000 Delaware workers and more than 20,000 businesses throughout the state.

• Divisions
  Employment and Training
  Unemployment Insurance
  Industrial Affairs
  Vocational Rehabilitation
• Offices
  Delaware Commission for Women
  Occupational and Labor Market Information
  

Administrative offices of the Department of Labor are located at Fox Valley Shops, 4425 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19802
Phone: 302-761-8000
FAX: 302-761-6619
https://joblink.delaware.gov/ada/default.cfm

NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Delaware Workforce Investment Board (DWIB) http://www.delawareworks.com/wib/index.shtml. The Workforce Investment Act became law in 1998 and has as its cornerstone the One-Stop customer service delivery system. The DWIB has oversight for this system to ensure the citizens of Delaware are provided with occupational training and employment service opportunities to help them achieve employment that will sustain them and their families. Conversely, we seek to communicate with our business industry partners to provide them with qualified individuals to meet their employment needs. The DWIB also has a very active Youth Council that has oversight for programs designed specifically to help Delaware's at-risk and neediest youth prepare for the workforce.

One-Stop Centers are located within each of Delaware's Department of Labor locations (Wilmington, Pencader, Dover and Georgetown).

Services

• Delaware Job Link
• One Stop Service Centers
• Employers
• Job Seekers

Workforce Development Information http://dedo.delaware.gov/delawareworkforce/default.shtml

• Recruitment - Contacts and strategies to recruit employees
• Training - Trainer and training grant information
• Retention - Proven strategies to keep valuable employees

Workforce Development Qualifying Application. Visit the Grant Application page.

Soft Skills Career Essentials.
Delaware's Department of Education designed this curriculum to increase productivity, retention and personal responsibility in your workforce. GO to Soft Skills Career Essentials.

Training Grant Program. The Workforce Development Section of the Delaware Economic Development Office has four basic training grant programs that they administer:

• Blue Collar Jobs Training
• Training Grants for Delaware's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program
• Basic Skills Training
• Governors Workforce Development Grant

You can get a quick -- but rather thorough -- understanding of the components of each of these programs by visiting the Training Funds Chart.

PENNSYLVANIA
State of Pennsylvania Workforce Information
www.paworkforce.state.pa.us/paworkforce/site/default.asp

Pennsylvania Workforce Development System
Pennsylvania's workforce development system enables businesses and workers to compete in the worldwide, knowledge-based economy. The workforce system will enhance employer competitiveness and innovation, while preparing Pennsylvanians for new careers in higher-wage jobs, effectively improving the quality of life for our most valuable resource-our citizens.
www.paworkforce.state.pa.us

A to Z Career Tools in Pennsylvania
www.paworkforce.state.pa.us/jobseekers/cwp/view.asp?a=464&q=150699

CHESTER COUNTY
Chester County Workforce Development
www.cceconomicdevelopment.com/service_workforce.html
Phone: 610-344-6900
Fax: 610-344-5748

LANCASTER COUNTY
Lancaster County Workforce Development
http://www.jobs4lancaster.com/
Phone: 717-735-0333
Fax: 717-735-0335

South Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board
The South Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (SCWIB) was created to address the need for a highly skilled workforce. Comprised of local business and labor leaders, academia, educators and elected officials from the eight-county region including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lebanon, Perry and York counties, the SCWIB is committed to assisting our region's employers meet the workforce demands of the future.
www.wibpa.org

YORK COUNTY
Advanced Skills Center
The William F. Goodridge Regional advanced Skill Center is a training facility that embodies a comprehensive system of workforce training programs and services positively affecting area employers and workers. Their Mission is to offer well designed, coordinated training programs to meet the present and emerging skilled labor requirements of modern manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. www.advskills.org

Harrisburg Area Community College, York Campus
HACC's mission is to foster educational, cultural, work force development, and economic growth in the communities it serves. The college offers coursework and degree programs for recent high school graduates, adult students, and career advancement.
www.hacc.edu

Penn State University, York Campus
Faculty work closely with students in small classes and often involve them in their research. Staff provides both academic and social support through a variety of services, programs, and activities. In addition to bachelor and associate degree programs Penn State York offers an extensive continuing education program with a range of topics including business, paralegal, computers and technology.
www.yk.psu.edu

York College
York College offers state-of-the-art facilities, vigorous curriculums and hands-on instruction. The college offers bachelors degree programs as well as master's degree programs. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit York College just opened the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. The Center enables students, entrepreneurs, and business owners to acquire or further develop basic entrepreneurial skills, access various support programs, and build relationships.
www.ycp.eduk

York County Alliance for Learning
YCAL is an alliance of education, business and civic organizations whose goal is to facilitate the development of a high quality, relevant workforce. Their mission is to manage shared resources (people, programs, information, and funds) defined by our schools, workplaces, and community partnerships to facilitate the development of a high quality, relevant workforce.
http://www.ycal.org/Innovation_Grants.htm

Manufacturer's Association of South Central Pennsylvania
The MASCPA is a regional employers' organization with more than 350 member companies located within South-Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. Founded with the strength of the region's industrial roots in 1906, we are an advocate for manufacturing and related industries.
www.mascpa.org

York County School of Technology
The York County School of Technology is dedicated to providing a program of high quality, cutting-edge technical training integrated with a strong academic education and an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and team-building skills. The York County School of Technology curriculum is closely tied to the needs of business and industry. Local business and industry advisors guide program development to assure that the curriculum and equipment match the needs and standards of employers.
www.ycstech.org

Yorktowne Business Institute
YBI offers associate degrees in business management, computerized accounting, administrative assistant and more.
www.ybi.edu

York County Chamber of Commerce
The York County Chamber of Commerce is made up of 2000 businesses throughout the community and surrounding area. Benefits to membership include insurance discounts, local branding, and networking opportunities. The Chamber also offers a Small Business Seminar Series where members learn more about important topics such as human resources, marketing and accounting.
www.yorkchamber.com