Department of Economic and Workforce Development Partners on New Strategic Workforce Initiative Program

TOWSON - Baltimore County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), Earlbeck Technical Center, and North American Trade Schools have announced a new partnership focused on transportation, distribution, and logistics (TDL) training for residents to support the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. 

The Strategic Workforce Initiative (SWI) will provide instruction to Baltimore County residents on high-demand technical skills, assist in obtaining industry-recognized credentials, and offer wraparound support services. The project includes a partnership of employers, unions, local workforce development areas, business alliances, and training providers. 

SWI was designed to meet a variety of expected needs by providing workforce training to County residents to fill in-demand positions in areas such as: commercial driving (CDL-A), diesel technology, and shielded metal arc stick welding. 

To eliminate costly educational barriers, SWI will fully cover the cost of tuition and all educational, testing, and certification fees for the program. Students selected to participate in the program will also receive a workforce stipend and may receive additional supportive services as necessary to ensure successful completion. 

“This innovative, accessible program will prepare residents with the training and technical skills they need to secure well-paying jobs in high-demand fields,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We are grateful to CCBC, the Earlbeck Technical Center, North American Trade Schools, as well as our local, state, and federal partners for investing in our most important assets: our people.” 

The joint initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) for Disaster Recovery, made available following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This first phase of the SWI will combine funding with Maryland Works for Wind (MWW) a regional consortium committed to establishing Maryland as the country’s premier destination for offshore wind training, fabrication, and employment.  

SWI partners provide occupational training, supportive services, and job placement to support Marylanders in accessing employment within key industries that will support the offshore wind industry. The SWI collaboration is funded through a combination of federal NDWG funds of $5.9 million dollars and $100,000 investment from Maryland Works for Wind. 

"CCBC stands ready to help meet Baltimore County’s skilled training workforce needs," said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. "That is what we do best: reskill and upskill today's workers. We look forward to participating in this joint initiative which will create opportunities for economic independence among students and increase Baltimore County’s tax base." 

"Our Stick Welding training program is designed with direct input from local employers to ensure we are addressing the specific skills they need,” said Earlbeck Gases & Technologies CEO Allison “Allie” Earlbeck. “By equipping participants with industry-recognized certifications on completion, we can create job-ready welders who can step into these critical roles immediately." 

Information about the Strategic Workforce Initiatives program can be found here. Questions about the program should be directed to stratworkforce@baltimorecountymd.gov.