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Welcome to DWDAL's New American Workforce Program’s
webpage—a self-help tool designed to empower New American
job seekers and English Language Learners
alike as they navigate the state workforce system while being
informed of their rights as a job seeker, employee, consumer. Here, New American job seekers can find information on:
- The location of English as a Second Language
(ESL) educational opportunities;
- How to pursue your GED® diploma;
- All of the tremendous career training resources offered at the 32 American Job Centers throughout the State of Maryland; and,
- Other valuable information.
Since its inception in 2010, the DWDAL-New American Workforce Program has sought to help “expedite immigrant integration into the economic and civic life of the state.” We do that by partnering with other agencies and organizations, coordinating and offering technical assistance, training, and policy guidance to the twelve local workforce areas.
Download the New American Workforce Program (NAWP) - Ensuring the Success of New Americans, Refugees and Asylees brochure (PDF)
El Programa de Fuerza Laboral del Nuevo Americano (NAWP) - Asegurando el éxito de
los nuevos americanos, refugiados y asilados (en español) (PDF)
Workforce Services, Career & Business Resources
If you are qualified to work, have a work permit and social security card, and are looking for employment, or if you wish to be trained in a new career, you should visit a American Job Center near you and ask to talk with a job
specialist.
All 32 American Job Centers in Maryland are equipped to assist in your native language. Additional information is available in Spanish or you may contact us by email.
Create your profile for businesses to look at on the Maryland Workforce Exchange-Virtual One Stop MWE-VOS). Be sure to provide any professional experience and college degrees acquired prior to entering the U.S.
Licensing: For professional licensing, call 410-230-6231 or visit Occupational and Professional Licensing
Start a Business in Maryland: It's easy to start a business in Maryland. Call 410-767-6300.
Education & English as a Second Language Courses: To improve your English skills, to further your education
through ESL (English as a Second Language), or to pursue your GED, visit any of the following places:
- Maryland Adult Education and Literacy Services Program’s
county directory for programs and free ESL classes for out-of-school adults
16 and older.
- Local
Community Colleges In addition to offering ESL courses, our local community colleges offer high-quality post-secondary training and workplace certification for good-paying jobs.
- Adult instructional programs for those interested in improving basic skills in reading, writing, and math, learning to
speak or understand the English language. Some of the 34 One Stop Career Centers also offer free English classes. Adults may earn a high school diploma passing the GED® test or through the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).
- Maryland
Public Schools for students K-12.
- Educational institutions and nonpublic schools are registered
with the Maryland
State Department of Education (MSDE) which supervise
home instruction under regulation 05 of COMAR 13A.10.01,
Home Instruction.
- ESL courses may be offered at Maryland
Public Libraries.
Important notice: Anyone who finishes high school prior to entering the U.S may not be required to take the GED classes because their high school diplomas may be the direct equivalent to U.S. high school diplomas.
Other Resources
Selective Service Registration: Did you know that
all males 18 – 25 years old when entering the United
States must register with the U.S.
Office of Selective Service? Failure to register may
make you ineligible for certain benefits & workforce
programs offered at the One Stop Career Centers.
Social Security Administration: Contact
your local Social
Security Administration (SSA) office if you
need a new SS card, or if you become a U.S. citizen through
the process of naturalization, as they will need to update your file
and issue you a new card.
Equal Employment Rights: Learn about your equal
employment rights as an employee or job applicant.
In
Maryland, “A qualified person cannot be denied employment
because of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Age, National Origin,
Marital Status, Disability, Sexual Orientation or Genetic
Information” (Article
49B, Annotated Code of Maryland).
Consumer Rights: Visit Maryland
Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Green Card: Visit U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services for questions about your Green Card, working in the US, Citizenship, or Immigration.
Contact the Division of Workforce Development at 410-767-2173 with questions or email dloasayudaenespanol-dllr@maryland.gov.
Disclaimer: DWDAL- New American Program webpage cannot guarantee an individual employment or training eligibility. We hold no responsibility for the conduct of these agencies or offices we mention. |
