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Allegany County Celebrates National Mentoring Month by Spotlighting Key Workforce Development Initiatives

Posted on 1/31/2025

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How Workforce Development Programs Are Empowering Youth and Strengthening Local Businesses

Acps Ahs Aerial
Allegany High School is home to a number of Apprenticeship Maryland programs, including biomedical science.

In observance of National Mentoring Month, Allegany County is proud to highlight two pivotal programs enhancing workforce capabilities and bolstering local economic growth: the Western Maryland Consortium’s Workforce Development Board and Apprenticeship Maryland. These initiatives are instrumental in equipping the youth of Allegany County with essential skills and experiences, fostering a robust future for both individuals and businesses within the region.  

Workforce Development Board

The Western Maryland Consortium’s Workforce Development Board plays a vital role in providing job opportunities for young adults across Washington, Allegany, and Garrett County. In Allegany County specifically, this program connects local youth to career-building prospects, catalyzing their first steps toward long-term success. Targeting individuals aged 16 to 24, this program offers a variety of services, including GED assistance, on-the-job training, and personalized work experiences.

One of the Workforce Development Board’s key initiatives is the Summer Youth Program, which annually engages 50-80+ young participants in practical work experiences. The program strategically connects youth participants with local employers, facilitating hands-on experience crucial for practical learning. It provides wage support and leverages expert advice from career counselors, ensuring that young individuals are aligned with opportunities that best suit their skills and interests. This mentorship-focused methodology does more than just enhance resumes; it helps young workers acquire technical skills, boost their confidence, and secure an advantageous start in their professional journeys.

Mcmullen Building Complete Exterior Signage
The Western Maryland Consortium is located at the McMullen Building, in Downtown Cumberland. It houses a number of initiatives, including the Summer Youth Program.

“It’s important when [mentees] go to the work sites—especially with the Summer Youth Program—working with employers who understand that this might be their first time working, [and] they might need a little extra help,” notes Candace Snavely, MSW, GCDF, CCSP, Allegany County Supervisor for Western Maryland Consortium’s Workforce Development Board. “We’re looking for that positive first experience for people.”

The Workforce Development Board also provides substantial support to Allegany County employers, helping them fill open positions with eager, motivated individuals. Numerous local employers repeatedly engage with the program, acknowledging the significant benefits of mentoring young workers and the reciprocal advantages these experiences offer.

“The employers benefit because they might find an employee that they decide to hire on, and they're getting the six weeks of help that we're paying for. They're also helping the overall community because when we look at workforce development as a big picture, we're looking at growing people's skills within a local area to fit the needs of the employers here and fit the needs of the people,” says Snavely.

The Workforce Development Board is committed to expanding its reach and continuously seeks new work sites and employer partners to sustain this beneficial work. For employers interested in participating in this program, click here.

Apprenticeship Maryland

Launched in 2016, the Apprenticeship Maryland program aims to provide high school juniors and seniors with 450 hours of real-world work experience alongside mentorship, contributing both to their academic credits and early career development. The program allows participants to earn both a paycheck and high school credits in the process. This collaboration with the Maryland Department of Labor and local employers enables students to develop a blend of technical and soft skills, preparing them for successful entry into the workforce.

In Allegany County, programs like Apprenticeship Maryland are filling a critical gap by preparing students to confidently enter the local job market. This mentorship provides a safe space for students to experiment, receive constructive feedback, and ultimately thrive in their roles, equipping them with a professional and prepared mindset as they enter the workforce and adulthood.

Acps Carpentry
Apprenticeship Maryland offers hands on experience with master tradespeople in fields such as carpentry.

Moreover, through these mentoring relationships, students develop valuable connections with employers, which often result in job references, networking opportunities, and even return job offers. The program not only empowers students to make well-informed career decisions but also strengthens the ties between local businesses and the future workforce, ensuring a resilient economic future for Allegany County.

"A lot of our kids have continued working [at their placements]; some have gone on to college,” says Breann D’Atri, Coordinator of Workforce Development & Apprenticeships at Allegany County Public Schools. “I think having that experience on their resume and being able to use their mentor as a reference is really what the students appreciate. It's something they can build on and carry forward in their careers."

Acps Biomed Program
Allegany County high school students in the Biomedical Science program can also take advantage of Apprenticeship Maryland opportunities.

Unlike many apprenticeship programs that concentrate exclusively on traditional trades, this program extends to fields like biomedical science and other high-demand industries.

"We work closely with our navigator to identify employers that are interested in becoming a sponsor to provide a job that is going to be a career that the student is interested in pursuing after high school,” D’Atri adds.

In Allegany County, the sixteen participating employers represent various career sectors, offering students a range of opportunities to ensure their career exploration is meaningful and comprehensive.

Support the Future of Mentorship!

The Workforce Development Board and Apprenticeship Maryland exemplify the effectiveness of mentorship and strategic collaboration in facilitating substantial benefits for both individuals and the broader Allegany County community. As Allegany County continues to foster these impactful initiatives, local businesses and young individuals are encouraged to engage and explore the numerous opportunities these programs offer.

Learn more about how local initiatives shape Allegany County's workforce and business community here.

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