Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) now available at 
Baltimore’s One-Stop Career Centers
Customers receive industry standard computer literacy training

BALTIMORE - The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) today announced that job seekers can obtain Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) training at its One-Stop Career Centers’ Digital Learning Labs. Completion of IC3 ensures that job candidates have the knowledge and skills required for basic use of computer hardware, software, networks and the Internet. Customers can become IC3 certified through an industry standard computer literacy training program at no cost at four Baltimore City sites:

• Eastside One-Stop Career Center, 3001 E. Madison St., 410-396-9030
• Northwest One-Stop Career Center, 2401 Liberty Heights Ave., Mondawmin Mall, 
  suite 302, 410-523-1060
• Southwest One-Stop Career Center, 201 S. Arlington Ave., 410-396-3670
• Baltimore Works One-Stop Career Center, 1100 N. Eutaw St., 410-767-2148

On Monday, January 10, 2004, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., customers can learn about the IC3 training program at an information session being held simultaneously at each Career Centers’ Digital Learning Lab. The session will feature a computer-based demonstration, including sample IC3 exam questions, and testimonials from customers who have become IC3 certified. Light refreshments will be served.

IC3 is recognized in more than 60 countries and is recognized in the U.S. by the National Skill Standards Board as having met the highest professional and technical standards of quality.

“At our community-anchored career centers, we provide local residents with easy access to resources, including training opportunities, that can connect them to jobs and help build careers,” said Karen Sitnick, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “We work directly with job seekers and Baltimore area businesses to provide a pipeline for workforce development on both sides of the equation.”

Baltimore City’s One-Stop Career Centers are open to the public and offer employment preparation, job search and placement assistance, skills training, educational support and access to computers and computer training. The One-Stop Career Centers also offer specialized assistance for veterans, disabled persons, senior citizens, youth and ex-offenders. 
In addition to services for job seekers, MOED offers extensive services for businesses, including free outreach, recruitment and screening of prospective job candidates and funds to assist companies in their training needs. Some specific services include:

• Customized Training is an employer-driven program that helps businesses train and hire people to fit their job-specific needs.
• Maryland Business Works is a state-funded initiative enabling small businesses or businesses in growth industries to upgrade the skills of their existing workers. MOED funds up to 50 percent of the costs.
• Rapid Response is a coordinated, comprehensive approach to helping employees affected by mass layoffs quickly re-enter the workforce. Rapid Response provides access to job placement, skills training/retraining, unemployment insurance and many other services.
• MetroTech supports businesses in securing IT and biotechnology employees and assists dislocated IT and biotech workers in gaining progressive skills and new employment.
• The EmployerToolKit.com is a web site helping employers navigate more than 500 services designed to assist companies in building and retaining their workforce. These low or no cost human resource services - from tax credits to customized training - are available from more than 200 organizations.

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) coordinates and directs workforce development initiatives responsive to the needs of Baltimore City employers and job seekers in order to enhance and promote the local economy. For more information about MOED or any of its programs and services, please call 410-396-3009 or visit www.oedworks.com.