Defining Skilled Credentials

Finding solutions to the elusive talent search can be closer than you think.

Since the pandemic, it seems fewer jobseekers are available for the positions employers need to fill.  The reasons vary from those who are unable to work to those who chose to leave the workforce permanently.  Also, we are still observing the “skills gap” as a major obstacle to matching those looking for work to open positions.

Meanwhile, we are getting back to career fairs, recruitment events, and in-person interviews to find the talent needed. However, businesses are still finding it challenging to access a skilled talent pool. The solution may be closer than we think.

Let’s consider ways to close the skills gap and open a more diverse pool of candidates. 

• Does that position really need a 4-year degree or might you consider experience and a certification as the right skill to perform the job? 
• Could a motivated jobseeker who just completed a credentialing program start with your organization, receive short-term on-the-job training, and thrive with your organization? 
• Would you consider hiring someone who never worked in your industry, yet courageously switched career focus? There may be a pool of ready candidates currently engaged in short-term training. 

These are just a few unique scenarios you may want to consider when recruiting the “right talent” for your next open position.

According to an article by Kathy Gurchiek, “Skilled credentials can take a variety of forms—certifications, documented completion of a registered or nonregistered apprenticeship, and digital badges that indicate completion of learning modules within a particular field.

Many local colleges are now offering programs that provide certifications, micro-credentials, apprenticeship partnerships, etc. This may allow businesses to recruit talent locally, as both a current and future planning strategy. Read more, Frederick Community College.

Frederick County Workforce Services typically supports individuals in these types of programs. Read more, Frederick County Workforce Services.

Consider exploring alternative methods for recruiting talent and make an impact on, not just your organization but the community as well. 

Latrice Lewis (she/her) 
Business & Employment Consultant, MBA, CPRW, GCDF, CBEP 
Workforce Services | Frederick County Government

• Frederick County is home to approximately 200 manufacturing businesses. 
• Over 6000 people are employed in the local manufacturing community with an average annual income of over $82,000.
• Employment in production occupations is projected to grow 12% from 2022 –2030 in Frederick County.
• Skill sets commonly used in careers in manufacturing include good manufacturing practices (GMP), machine and tool operation, warehousing and inventory control, and management skills.

Frederick’s Manufacturing Champions

• Carter IntraLogistics 
• STULZ Air Technology Systems, Inc.
• Phoenix Mecano
• AstraZeneca
• First Response Custom Sewing, Inc.
• Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies
• Rinker Materials

• Lonza, Walkersville
• RoosterBio
• McClintock Distilling
• Patriot Technologies, Inc.
• Canam Steel Corporation
• Kite

Graduating high school during the pandemic was a daunting moment for many students, whether they planned to attend college or not.  One young man, who found himself in this situation, ended up with the perfect job opportunity.  

This recent graduate had taken classes at FCPS/CTC in the Construction Technology program (HVAC/Plumbing) and was looking forward to starting a career.  Knowing where to start was the challenge.  

 Challenges/concerns to overcome:

• Finding companies were willing to take a chance on a recent graduate
• Finding resources to assist him with beginning his career of choice

 Keys to overcoming challenges:

• Graduation preparation; resume development and interviewing skills practice
• Strong work ethic and willingness to leverage network
• FCWS assistance with work readiness 
• Local business willing to offer an opportunity and train entry-level candidate

As often stated, it takes a village. Partnerships and networking are a couple of key methods for anyone to expand and leverage necessary resources. In this case, FCWS has had the opportunity to partner with Frederick Air, a local business that;

• Is very involved with supporting the Frederick County community.
• Offers training to entry-level candidates in a growing industry.
• Is willing to partner to support workforce development initiatives.

The candidate also leveraged his network to begin preparing for his career opportunity right here in Frederick County.  FCWS was there to assist with job readiness preparation, as well as making the connection to the business. We have been able to follow the candidate through what has turned out to be the “perfect fit” for his desired career. His employer shares: 

“Tommy has been a great addition to the Frederick Air Family. He brings a lot of value with him, from having a positive attitude every day to leading the way for new employees. He is someone that I tell the new apprentices to watch and learn from because that is the path to success.”

Information Security Professional
(1-Sept22)

Prior Positions

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, Information Security Engineer, Penetration Tester/Security Engineer

Clearance(s) and Certifications

Active Public Trust Clearance • Prior Secret Clearance

• Security+ CE
• A+ CE
• ITIL v3Foundation
• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals(AZ-900)
• Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer

Peer Recovery Specialist
(2-Sept22)

2+ years of practical experience working with individuals with substance use disorders. Adept in program coordination and office management, utilizing multiple online platforms and MS office. 

Prior Positions

Direct Care Provider, Recovery to Work Coordinator, Office Manager

Skills

• Motivational Interviewing
• Resource Navigation
• Group Facilitation
• MS Office
• Confidentiality

Production Manager
(3-Sept22)

Led a production team with consistently high production standards, continuous improvement and flexibility to address customer needs.

• Provided training and workload guidance to other departments. 
• Experience in private and government sectors 

Career Interest

Operations, Production, Quality Control

Industry experience

Logistics, Shipping & Receiving, Manufacturing

Human Resources
(4-Sept22)

Prior Positions

• Communication Coach
• Site/Program Manager
• Specialist

Career Interest

Human Resources Professional

Industry experience

Military, Retail

Frederick County Reverse Job Fair

Frederick County Certified Rehabilitation Providers, Frederick County Workforce Services, and MSDE’s Division of Rehabilitation Services are putting together a county-wide Reverse Job Fair. We are inviting HR reps, hiring professionals, business executives, and anyone else seeking skilled employees to come out and meet local talent and network with prospective employees who represent a diverse range of abilities.

Put simply, a Reverse Job Fair is a career fair that flips the script, so to speak, of a typical job fair. Employers can circulate among the booths and introduce themselves to the job seekers while looking for a potential employee who is just the right fit.

There are several ways in which businesses will benefit from attending the Reverse Job Fair. By putting our job seekers in one venue, the fair connects businesses to the high quality (but often overlooked) talent located throughout Frederick County. Engage with approximately 30 of the county’s unique job candidates. Meet and interact with participants who have created and developed display booths or computer presentations of their own to present their skills, abilities, and talents for you to see. Business representatives may be amazed at the depth of thought and work that has gone into each of the very creative, but informative, display presentations. Each participant will be ready to discuss their talents and employment desires with potential employers.

Our Reverse Job Fair will provide a space for you and your potential candidate to speak with each other in a very relaxed manner. You will be able to have a meaningful conversation that is conducive to information flow and exchange. So please join us…

November 16, 2022
10 am to 12 noon
The ARC at Market Street
555 S. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Learn more at www.frederickreversejobfair.com

Learn How to Become a Recovery-Friendly Workplace

• Want to help a student learn about your industry?
• We are looking for host sites for a handful of young adults who are starting their careers and need hands on experience.  You provide the work, and we provide the wages.

If you want to be a part of Workforce Development in action – Contact us today!

Frederick County Workforces Services joined hundreds from around the state to attend the Maryland Workforce Association’s “Raising The Bar” conference from September 12th to the 14th.

The conference presented a great opportunity for in-depth conversations and networking for workforce and educational professionals to discuss innovative workforce development solutions for job seekers, youth, and businesses.

FCWS staff had the opportunity to engage in informative workshops, listen to dynamic speakers, and network with creative colleagues from around the state of Maryland.

FCWS is now energized to partner with our business community to implement many of the new ideas we’ve gathered. Connect with us today! We look forward to discussing ways to address your organization’s workforce needs.