HCC workforce development, skilled trades center meets growing need

Maryland is continuing to make strides in the fast-growing cyber and skilled trades industries.

In January, Gov. Wes Moore announced the establishment of the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force in response to rising threats within the state and in September Howard Community College (HCC) broke ground on a Workforce Development and Trades Center.

Preparing for the workforce of the future is among Maryland’s top priorities as the state gears up to train more individuals in cyber jobs and skilled trade fields with the new center.

On Sept. 30, a ceremonial groundbreaking for the training facility took place at HCC with National Cyber Director Harry Coker as keynote speaker. “We are just over a year into implementing the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy and we know we still have work to do. We need more Americans to see cyber careers as attainable to them, whatever their background or circumstances,” said Coker.

The 50,000-square-foot facility will act as a hub for a wide range of training in cybersecurity, automotive, manufacturing, mechatronics, green technology, construction trades and more.

To address a growing statewide shortage of skilled workers in trades and technical fields HCC President Daria J. Willis launched a two-year, $11 million capital campaign. In less than seven months HCC had accrued $42 million in proposed county funding, pre-authorized state funding and private gifts for the project.

“The state-of-the- art facility will teach timeless and critical job skills and will also provide exposure to the elements of modern technology, as well as the internet-of-things and other areas that will empower students to earn a good living without the burden of college costs,” said Jarret Carter Sr., Vice President of External Affairs, Communications and Advancement at HCC. Carter explained that by attending HCC, students can earn degrees more rapidly than they would at a four-year college and begin working in their chosen fields sooner with paid apprenticeships, which will help them hone their skills and obtain real-world experience. “HCC is the top producer of registered apprenticeships in the state of Maryland,” he said.

Carter points out that the trade fields and technology often go hand-in-hand. “Technology often extends into careers in manufacturing, automotive, HVAC and construction management, particularly as we think about how our work can be greener and more automated,” he said.

Going from vision to reality took the cooperation of many individuals, according to Willis. “Our elected officials, business partners, donors and the campus community have worked together to lead our community and region in building economic equity for all hard-working residents,” she said.

Carter said that the center will initially serve 200 students, but he foresees an expansion in a few years as people become more aware of its many benefits. “We have a very robust dual enrollment program in partnership with the Howard County Public School System which will recommend a lot of students for these programs. Also, when it comes to hands-on training, our students had to leave the county and travel to Baltimore, Prince George’s County and even out of state to Pennsylvania. This also reduces costs,” he said.

The center is projected to open by the fall of 2026 and will complement the college’s steady enrollment growth over the last three years.