Federal funding will build regional workforce development in Maryland

FREDERICK, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Building America initiative is allotting nearly $23 million to connect more than 7,000 jobseekers to apprenticeship opportunities in expanding industries.

In western Maryland, The Asian American Center of Frederick received $3,990,486 to establish registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships for immigrants.

The center is aiming to fill the need for healthcare workers. Sierra Dischel with the center said the funding will provide “training in vital skills like digital literacy, workplace readiness, health field understanding, the American labor market as well as the American medical system.”

Dischel said the market critically needs community health workers, certified nursing assistants, licensed nurse practitioners, geriatric nursing assistants, and certified peer recovery specialists.

Elizabeth Chung, who heads the center, credits Gov. Moore with committing funds to the program.

“We’re able to focus training on new skills…meet the demand for health care, and that is very important for our State of Maryland,” said Chung.

Recruitment for the program will begin in January.

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