Not all careers start in a college classroom. Many Frederick employers offer opportunities for entry-level workers with no related work experience or education. Through on-the-job training, certifications, and mentorship programs, these employers offer not just a job, but also access to a fulfilling career pathway.
We asked six local businesses to share more about their workforce development initiatives that open doors for young and transitioning professionals:
EDCO
EDCO, a manufacturer of small construction equipment and fabricator, offers high school students the opportunity to work part-time while gaining valuable on the job training in the welding trade.
We also offer entry-level team members the opportunity to learn new skills by training them on equipment we use daily such as powder coating application, Press Brake, CNC Laser Operation and Assembly.
Team members utilize hands-on training, as well as the knowledge offered by current EDCO employees, to build their skillset. EDCO is always looking for hard working team members ready and willing to learn. - Cindy Malone, EDCO Human Resources
R.W. Warner
We love motivated individuals who are interested in starting a career in the trades. We go to great lengths to support individuals that are willing to put in the effort. We have a partnership with the ABC apprenticeship program, in which we cover the cost of our employees who want to get into that program. Our experienced veterans can be a tremendous asset in teaching towards trade licenses as well. Ultimately, we have opportunities for all skill levels, and we will support anyone who shows the dedication and work ethic to get it done. —- Matt Bumgardner, President Warner Mechanical
Dynamic Automotive
Dynamic Automotive has implemented both the Youth and Registered Apprenticeship programs to create a clear career path for those interested in breaking into the automotive industry.
It’s a stereotype that this is a dirty industry and you cannot make a good living doing this. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are more lines of computer code in today’s car then in the F35 strike fighter — a lot more. You need continuing education to be able to repair and diagnose these complex systems. Our Apprenticeship programs help to do just that. - Dynamic Automotive
YMCA of Frederick
We have worked with Frederick County Workforce Services as a worksite for the Summer Jobs Program for many years. One of the past participants started with us as a volunteer within that Summer Jobs Program. She was then hired as an employee and worked for our Kids Unlimited Program during the summer for a few years until she inquired about working year round. She was enrolled in the Child Care Teacher Certification courses that were provided by the Y, through FCC’s Customized Training Department.
The courses included: Child Development and Behavior, Activities for School Age Children, Medication Administration, and Including all Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
She has now been working in our BASE, KU, EPSA and Hybrid Full Day programs for some time as a Child Care Teacher. — Tracey Hill, Chief People Officer at the Y
Dairy Maid Dairy
Dairy Maid Dairy LLC is proud to offer many unique training opportunities to our employees at all levels of the organization. We offer company-sponsored GED classes, management training programs that transition hourly employees to salaried employees, and hands on CDL training. We are always looking for qualified candidates to join our team. — Erica Binder, HR/Safety Manager, Dairy Maid Dairy
Frederick Air
For entry-level employees, we have various tracks within our company depending on the individual’s interests. We use these tracks to make sure new employees learn how we do business and why systems are in place. For example, someone interested ultimately in field-work can really benefit from time first working in the warehouse. By seeing firsthand the backend of the logistics process, when the time comes to be at a customer’s house, they’re going to understand the relevance of the paperwork they fill out onsite to the team back at the office. Our goal is to develop employees as completely as possible.
And this extends to paying for job-related coursework. Our philosophy at Frederick Air is: For anything that is going to be professional development for you — even at an entry-level — if you’re willing to put the time in to accomplish it, we’re willing to put in the resources in to make it happen. We’ve sponsored employees to enroll in HVAC courses at local community colleges. We offer apprenticeship experiences. We’ve even facilitated American Sign Language courses for a motivated employee who wanted to better communicate with some of our customers. — Dave Schmidt, Frederick Air