OUR SERVICES
Thank you for expressing interest in the services provided by the Howard County Office of Workforce Development (OWD). Our office is dedicated to supporting individuals in various stages of their careers, whether you're looking to explore new career opportunities, enhance your existing skills, or transition to a new field, our team is here to provide the support and resources you need to succeed. Eligible job seekers may qualify for skills training, helping them gain a competitive edge. We're committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today's competitive job market.
We're dedicated to assisting you at every stage of your professional journey, and we look forward to serving your needs effectively.
Watch this short video to learn how to apply for our Workforce Services and kickstart your career journey!
When you're ready to begin, click the tabs below to get started!
APPLY TO OUR PROGRAM
To get started, please visit the Maryland Workforce Exchange System provided below to complete the necessary steps. After clicking, a new tab will open for you to proceed. Once you've finished, please return to this page to continue with the next step.
Click here to begin.
- Create a user account
- Register as an Individual
First: Upload your documents
Log into your Maryland Workforce Exchange account using the login credentials you recently created. *If you need assistance with this step, you can find upload instructions here or under the "Instructions and Resources" tab.
Upload one item from each category from A-C into your MWE documents folder and then complete the Self-Certification form in D.
A. Proof of Citizenship/Authorization to Work:
- Birth Certificate
- Valid US Passport (unexpired)
- Voter Registration Card
- Permanent Resident Card (unexpired)
NEXT
B. Proof of Residence:
- Driver’s license or Government ID card
- Lease agreement or rent receipt
- Utility Bill or Postmarked mail with applicant’s name and address
NEXT
C. Proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security Card
- DD 214
- W-2 {if all nine digits are present})
Final Step Below!
D. Next--Complete the Self-Certification Form: Click here
A new window will open for you to complete the Self-Certification Form. Failing to complete this step may result in significant delays to your application process.
- Please email us at careers@howardcountymd.gov once you've completed the application process. This helps us track your progress and move you forward in the application process. Please allow three to five business days for us to review your file.
Now that you have completed the necessary steps to process your application:
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An intake specialist will review your application for completion within three to five business days of submission.
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After the review, the intake specialist will contact you to:
- Request any additional information, or
- Schedule you for an in-person orientation.
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At the orientation, you will receive an appointment date to meet with a counselor.
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During the review process, please take advantage of the many services offered at our center by clicking here.
**Remember, training is not an entitlement but is contingent upon available funds and meeting specific eligibility criteria.
Thank you for contacting us about workforce services. We will be in contact soon, and we appreciate your patience throughout the review process.
Resources and Links
- Maryland Workforce Exchange-click here
- View a list of approved vendors- Maryland Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)
- How to upload documents into MWE-
- Guide to accessing Maryland Eligibile Training Providers-
- Maryland One-Stop Centers-click here
- Verify Selective Service Registration- click here
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Howard County Office of Workforce Development (OWD) provides valuable services and support to both youth and adult job seekers, as well as businesses, to help build a strong local, regional, and global economy.
The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) operates on grant funding, allowing us to offer employment assistance and training programs to eligible individuals without charge. However, it's important to note that training opportunities are not guaranteed and are contingent upon funding availability and program eligibility criteria.
To start the process, apply for services online by completing the application process above. Simply follow the steps outlined under "Apply for Services." If you need assistance or have questions, feel free to contact our office at 410.313.1060 or email us at careers@howardcountymd.gov.
OWD’s intake process involves:
- Enrolling in the Maryland Workforce Exchange
- Submitting three eligibility documents and;
- Completing a self-certification form
Typically, it takes up to five business days for your file to be reviewed, after which you will be assigned to a consultant.
Howard County Office of Workforce Development provides employment and training services to Howard County residents and non-residents whose last place of employment was in Howard County.
Our program eligibility requirements assist us in determining the household income of employed applicants, which is crucial for assessing eligibility based on OWD's income threshold relative to family size. Even if you have a job, you may still be eligible to receive employment and/or training services from OWD, pending meeting these guidelines.
You are expected to stay engaged with your assigned workforce consultant throughout your program and provide employment details when starting a new job. Your consultant will maintain contact with you for up to 12 months after you complete the program.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service to receive services through OWD. To verify a registration, click here.
In some instances, funding may be available for training not listed on the Maryland Eligible Training Provider List; however, the Howard County Office of Workforce Development typically refers clients to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) approved training courses and providers listed on the Maryland Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). This approach ensures that individuals receive high-quality training that meets local labor market demand.
Unfortunately, OWD cannot provide funds for training already started. Training must be approved as part of an individualized employment plan.
Register for monthly Apprentices Registration Form - Howard County Information Sessions (jotform.com) or visit our webpage for additional information on apprenticeships from both job seeker and employer perspectives.
Need help?
If you are encountering issues and need assistance, please contact us at 410-313-1060 or via email at careers@howardcountymd.gov
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As an equal opportunity program, discrimination in programs or activities financially assisted through grants is prohibited by federal law and by Howard County Government. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For accommodations in Howard County, please contact Stephanie Hill at 410-313-1060 or MD Relay 7-1-1 as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.