Workforce Challenge 

 In 2013 Michael was arrested for illegally possessing a firearm and was arrested again the following year for possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with intent to distribute. With such serious crimes on his record, he was having difficulty finding employment.

Workforce Solutions 

In spring 2019 Michael was ready to take a big step in finding a job and visited the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development’s Re-entry Center (the ReC) at the Northwest One-Stop Career Center in Mondawmin Mall. The ReC is known for specializing in workforce services to those previously incarcerated. Michael met with a career counselor who thought he was the perfect candidate for the Bridge 2 Career program, a local initiative that prepares job seekers for career pathway training in selected high growth industries at the James Addams Resource Center.  JARC Baltimore is an ex-offender friendly training program that has partnered with MOED on occupational skills training and job placement. As is customary, the B2C Career Navigator provided Michael with a career development overview, job readiness services, resume critique and job retention techniques. He was eager to enter the Welding Certification Training arm of the program.  

Outcomes & Benefits

Michael completed the 14-week program, attending Monday through Friday for a total of 350 hours. He secured a position with Fabrication Designs Incorporated as a Welder earning a starting salary of $20 per hour.