EARN Maryland Success Stories 2023 - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

MEET TOBIAS...

Tobias is exceeding his career goals through an EARN Maryland training opportunity.

Tobias enrolled in the Civic Works Infrastructure and Remediation Technician training program at a critical time in his life. He was reacclimating into society after a period of incarceration, had a baby on the way, and was dealing with significant financial challenges. In addition to the technical training and industry recognized credentials he earned while in training, Tobias credits his success to the case management and wrap around services he received while enrolled in the program, specifically transportation supports.

Soon after graduation, Tobias began to apply for employment opportunities. He recounts, “I interviewed for a laborer position and ended up in an assistant manager position, so it exceeded what I thought was possible. I feel like I’m in a prime position to have a valid career, not just a job but a foundation that I can build on.”

MEET MIA...

Mia moves from unemployment to a great job, leaving public benefits behind.

Mia was working in an unfulfilling job with limited growth potential when she decided to enroll in training offered by BCR Cyber. She was excited by the opportunities offered by a career in the cybersecurity industry. She successfully completed training and earned in-demand credentials. Soon after graduating, she was offered a full-time position with a prominent defense contractor, where she is earning a salary of nearly $70k per year with full benefits. Due to this new opportunity, Mia was able to transition off Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program benefits.

MEET MARK...

Mark overcame multiple barriers to reach his career goals.

Mark is a veteran who identifies as a person in recovery. He was looking to build on the culinary skills he first learned in the miliary when he enrolled in the Ground Work Culinary program offered by Paul’s Place. At the time of his enrollment, he was preparing to transition out of recovery housing and was reliant upon disability, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medical Assistance benefits. During training, Mark received a small stipend, bus passes, two meals per day, and case management support to negotiate the demands of the recovery program he was exiting and to ensure continuity of treatment while also balancing his responsibilities to the training program.

With this case management support, he successfully resolved his housing instability, found a treatment provider that worked for his schedule, and maintained compliance with the training program, earning numerous industry-recognized credentials. Mark is currently working as a prep cook at a local restaurant.

MEET JAMES...

Helping James gain industry-recognized credentials was just the beginning of his employment journey, which landed him in a new career with a major Maryland employer.

James was referred to Maryland New Directions (MND) by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development at a time when he was unemployed and looking for employment in a field that could provide family-sustaining wages and long-term career opportunities. He enrolled in the CDL training offered by MND and soon after passed his CDL permit exam with passenger, school bus, and air brake endorsements.

With his certification in hand, James was eager to apply for paid, behind-the-wheel training with one of MND’s employer partners. Unfortunately, during the final stages of his onboarding process, the results of James’ criminal background check showed charges from more than a decade ago that precluded him from moving forward with the company. Through the support of his job coach, James obtained temporary employment while he worked with Maryland Legal Aid to expunge his record. James submitted an application to the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) to join their behind-the-wheel training program. He was invited to take the admittance exam, which he passed. After completing a 10-week paid training, James transitioned to a full-time role with the MTA.

MEET MICHAEL...

Michael moved from incarceration to a skilled professional career through EARN Maryland program partner, Vehicles for Change.

Before joining the Automotive Technicians for Change (ATC) program offered by Vehicles for Change, Michael served 10 years at the Roxbury Correctional Institution. During this time, he took advantage of the Maryland Department of Labor’s Correctional Education automotive training, earning 10 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. Upon release, Michael enrolled in the ATC program where he was able to further hone his skillsets and recertify for his ASE certifications. He completed training and is currently employed earning $23 per hour.

MEET TESFAYE...

A new American finds a path back to his area of expertise through the BioTrain program.

Tesfaye immigrated to America from Ethiopia in late 2019. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology and more than ten years of experience as a laboratory technician, he felt confident that his employment transition would be seamless. The COVID-19 pandemic limited his ability to find a position that aligned with his education and experience. He enrolled in the Biotechnology Bootcamp offered by BioTrain, which provided lectures and hands-on training. He found the résumé assistance and mock interview sessions particularly helpful. Soon after completing training, he was offered a full-time position with a local biotech company.

MEET KEVIN...

Housing insecurity and justice involvement are in Kevin’s past. A promising career is in his future.

Kevin was unemployed and ready to start a new career when he enrolled in the Careers in Manufacturing Program offered by the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC). While enrolled, Kevin faced housing instability that was threatening his ability to complete training. Through the support of JARC’s team, Kevin was able to find housing that was safe and affordable. The landlord was so impressed with Kevin’s dedication to his training that he looked past his criminal background and agreed to offer him space. He has since completed training and secured employment in the manufacturing industry.

MEET JOHN...

Veteran “would not be where he is today” without cyber training through the EARN Maryland program.

John is a United States Marine Corps veteran officer who was in the process of transitioning to civilian life when he enrolled into the Cyber Workforce Academy offered by the SANS Institute. He had an intense desire to work in a mission-oriented field where he could make a meaningful contribution for the betterment of the United States. After graduating from the program with two SANS credentials, he successfully landed employment as a Cyber Threat Specialist, earning more than four times his previous salary.

Of his experience he said, “the Cyber Academy program was crucial in getting the job I have today. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. As I was looking for a new job and trying to get into the industry, I felt overwhelmed that I would never land a job. However, after completing the program, I received job offers and employers took me seriously. It was incredible. I have hope for my future and now am looking at opportunities for further career growth, when just a few short years ago I was wondering if I would ever be able to break into the industry. I would not be where I am today without the program!”