Now is a Good Time to Train Your Employees!

By Max Douge

Businesses are hiring and in need of qualified job candidates.  Yet, there aren’t enough applicants for all the positions currently available.  So what can a business do while waiting for the job seekers to once again make themselves available?  Train its staff.

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Over the past year, businesses have had to pivot quickly to adjust for the pandemic and remain relevant.  In doing so, decisions regarding staff typically came down to who might have to be laid off, who will remain, or who do we need to hire (in some cases, like, yesterday!).  However, if last month’s national jobs report is an indication, there may be some optimism that job seekers may be getting back into the job market for businesses to hire.

As more people are being vaccinated against Covid-19 and becoming available for hire, now may be a good time to assess the staff training needs of your business.  If you agree, this post serves as a reminder that there are grant-funded opportunities available to support staff training.  In Frederick County, the following training opportunities may fit your needs:

  • Frederick Business Works: Support the cost of training and developing your current employees with industry-recognized skills

  • SkillUp Frederick County: Your employees can access over 3,500 online training programs, including courses on business etiquette, digital literacy, Microsoft Office applications, project management, sales, and more.

  • Experience Frederick Internship Program: Apply for reimbursement to cover wages for paid internships in the Biotech industry

The State of Maryland also has training programs you can consider:

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  • Maryland Business Works: Access funding for Incumbent Worker training

  • Apprenticeship Programs: Learn how to hire an apprentice for your organization

  • EARN Grant Funding: EARN Maryland is a state-funded, competitive workforce development grant program that is industry-led, regional in focus, and a proven strategy for helping businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete.

Empower your staff to be their best for your organization with the skills and tools they need to achieve.  For more information about training for your staff, contact Frederick County Workforce Services for assistance.

Jessica Mills