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Workforce Development

Going to college is a goal that many people have. While that’s a great move for some, it’s not for everyone. Besides two-year or four-year college degree programs, other educational and training options are available for the non-traditional college bound person. 

Additional educational and training options

Workforce Development License and Certification

  • Billing and Coding
  • Childcare
  • Comercial Driver's License
  • Customer Service
  • Cyber Security
  • Community Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Hospitality
  • Medicine Aide
  • Multi-skilled Medical Technican
  • Notary
  • Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA)
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Surgical Technologist
  • Venipuncture/Phlebotomis
  • Warehouse Logistic
  • Weatherization

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs at community colleges are an excellent way to get specialized training in a shorter amount of time than it takes to earn a degree (about one year as opposed to two). Many certificates programs meet professional and government standards. Courses focus on the basic knowledge that a student needs in order to train for an entry-level position in a particular field. Community colleges in Maryland offer certificate programs for a variety of careers including:

  • Accounting
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Coding Specialist (Medical Records Tech)
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Construction and Building
  • Dietary Manager
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Legal Assistant
  • Medical Transcriptionist
  • Nursing-Practical
  • Physician Assistant
  • Radiation Therapy Tech
  • Retail Floristry
  • Secretarial
  • Special Education Assistant
  • System Administrator
  • Surgical Technologist

Continuing Studies

Another option for training is the continuing studies program offered at the community colleges. Courses in this program are designed with the mature and focused student in mind. Continuing studies courses are shorter in length than certificate programs and usually have fewer prerequisites and admissions requirements. Many are designed to prepare individuals to enter a specific career, earn a certification, or prepare for licensure in a particular profession.

At most community colleges throughout the state, training courses are offered in Business and Management, Child Care, Health Care, Computers, Commercial Drawing, Real Estate and Personal Enrichment.

Continuing studies courses vary among the community colleges. For more information on what's available at the community college that interests you, call the college or an MEOC counselor/specialist.

Vocational/Technical Schools

There are over 125 private career schools in Maryland. Students who are certain about their career choice and want focused training in a short amount of time usually seek these schools. Some of these schools may require English or Mathematics. Many only offer classes related to a specific job, such as Barbering, Cosmetology/Manicurist, Computer-Aided Drafting, Electronics, Mechanics and Truck Driving.

Vocational/technical schools can be quite expensive. Careful research should be done before enrolling. The Student Guide to Higher Education & Financial Aid in Maryland offers the following checklist to help select the right program for you:

  • Make sure the school is approved to operate.
  • Ask about admissions requirements.
  • Ask about the full cost of the program, including tuition fees, books and materials.
  • Find out if the school qualifies for Federal financial aid.
  • Visit the school.
  • Visit the school.
  • Observe classes and ask current students to comment on their experience with the school.
  • Check out the instructors' qualifications.
  • Ask about job placement.
  • Obtain a copy of the school's catalog and read it carefully.
  • Read and understand what you sign.

Federal and State financial aid may be available.

For a list of Maryland State approved private career schools visit www.mhec.state.md.us

Apprenticeship

If you want to learn a skill and the idea of on the job training appeals to you, consider an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship provides paid training under the supervision of a qualified craftsperson, technician or professional combined with related classroom instruction. Apprenticeship training is open to anyone 16 or older; however, employers may set a higher entry age. Training usually takes two-to-five years.

To become an apprentice you must be assessed and selected by a program sponsor approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, the registration agency for apprenticeship programs. Training is available in trades such as:

  • Carpentry
  • Construction
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Sheet Metal
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
  • Sprinkler Fitter
  • Insulation

For more information on apprenticeship programs in Maryland contact the Division of Labor and Industry: Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (410) 767-2229.

Military

Enlisting in the military is another way to get training after graduating from high school. Enlisted personnel are assigned training and then a job in a skill or trade that may later be used in civilian life in such fields as:

  • Human Service
  • Media and Public Affairs
  • Health Care
  • Engineering, Science and Technical
  • Administration
  • Vehicle and Machinery Mechanic
  • Electronic and Electrical Equipment Repair
  • Construction
  • Machine Operator and Precision Work
  • Transportation and Material Handling

About Us

MEOC is a community based program that provides free counseling, information and technical assistance to adults and youths interested in going to college or other postsecondary schools.

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