The Train2Work open house connects Southwest Baltimore residents with career training opportunities. Two more are planned this fall on Nov. 10 and Dec. 9 at the Community Engagement Center.
Nearly 50 community members participated in the recent Train2Work Open House focused on health care, biotechnology, and culinary career pathways at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Community Engagement Center (CEC) on Oct. 13. The event is part of an ongoing collaboration between UMB's Office of Community and Civic Engagement and workforce development partners to bring free and low-cost career training opportunities directly to residents of Southwest Baltimore and surrounding communities.
The initiative is designed to help individuals explore new careers, increase earning potential, and connect with employment opportunities in high-demand industries.
Registration responses revealed strong interest in health care careers, particularly training programs leading to roles such as certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), medical front office professional, pharmacy technician, sterile processing technician, dental assistant, and phlebotomy technician. Many participants also expressed interest in career navigation services, job placement assistance, internships, and information about certifications and advancement opportunities.
Biotechnology also emerged as a popular area of interest. Attendees were eager to learn about laboratory, research, and pharmaceutical career pathways, reflecting community interest in science-based occupations potentially in their community. Culinary arts and hospitality generated interest among participants seeking careers in food service, hospitality management, and entrepreneurship.
The event featured representatives from several organizations committed to workforce development and career training:
- Baltimore City Community College faculty and students were available to discuss the college's biotechnology training programs located at the UM BioPark.
- UMMC Career Academy shared information about training programs for CNAs, PCTs, and sterile processing technicians.
- Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake highlighted its no-cost CNA and pharmacy technician training programs.
- Lifebridge Health's VSP Program representatives discussed paid, on-the-job training opportunities within hospital settings.
- United Way of Central Maryland provided information about workforce and community resources available to job seekers.
A key takeaway from the event was that many participants are exploring multiple career pathways simultaneously. This reinforces the importance of providing opportunities for residents to meet directly with training providers, understand industry requirements, and receive guidance about which pathway may be the best fit for their goals.
The Train2Work series will continue this fall with two additional open houses at the CEC. Interested individuals can register online.
Upcoming Train2Work Open Houses
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4-6 p.m.
Information Technology and Automation
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4-6 p.m.
Construction, Manufacturing, and Logistics
Through sustained partnerships between UMB and workforce development organizations, the Train2Work initiative continues to connect Baltimore residents with accessible training opportunities that can lead to family-sustaining careers and long-term economic mobility.