Workforce Challenge

Angela Gillespie, 38, was an unemployed childcare worker looking for a new career path. Though she had a high school diploma and many years of work experience as a teacher’s assistant, she was not confident in her current skill set and her ability to find work.

Workforce Solution

Ms. Gillespie visited the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development’s Eastside One-Stop Career Center seeking employment and certification training after her employer for the past 11 years – Hillendale Child Development Center – closed its doors in August 2013, leaving her dependent upon unemployment benefits. Ms. Gillespie met with MOED’s Career Development Facilitator Robin Harris who counseled her about the loss of her job and began to explore new employment options. Ms. Gillespie expressed her interest in a career change to pursue her desire to work with the geriatric population. She was prepared to earn nursing certifications in order to make her more competitive for positions in this healthcare field.

Outcomes & Benefits

She applied for the CNA/GNA (certified and general nursing assistant) training program provided by the Maryland Center for Adult Training, Inc. (MCAT). She was approved and began her training in May 2014. Ms. Gillespie successfully completed the training and prepared to take the GNA certification exam. She passed the exam and was issued her State of Maryland certification in September 2014. Ms. Gillespie sought employment at Symphony Manor where she was hired as a certified nursing assistant.