New Training Program Could Foster Job Growth

Upper Marlboro residents can take advantage of a new statewide training program that will help them secure jobs in the transportation field.

Based at the Maryland State Highway Administration, the state’s BuildUp program is supposed to train 150 participants next year for transportation careers in one of three primary tracks: construction craft skills, Computer Aided Design and Drafting systems, and accredited CDL preparation.

With training programs being hosted in spring, summer and fall sessions, participants will earn paid stipends for training.

“Today, we are taking another step forward to creating more jobs and expanding opportunity for more Marylanders,” Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley said in a statement. “This program is a win-win initiative because it provides our transportation field with qualified, skilled individuals while creating and saving jobs for our families.”

The BuildUp program builds upon last year’s Ready-Set-Go job training initiative, launched with federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.

Fifty participants graduated from the Ready-Set-Go program and nearly 20 percent of them are now permanently employed as a result of the training and support services.

Participants will learn resume building, interview techniques and transportation assistance. Instructors will emphasis the importance of networking, job fairs and on-the-job training.

Those eligible to apply include the currently unemployed, minorities, women, and socially disadvantaged residents, according to the SHA. Applications are available for download on SHA’s website and may be submitted today through Jan. 15.  

Selected candidates will be paid a stipend and offered free transportation where available.  

For more information, those interested in applying can find out more information on the program at www.roads.maryland.gov under the news section or by sending email inquiries to shabuildup@sha.state.md.us  or by calling toll-free at 1-888-545-0098.