Skip to Content Accessibility Information

'Governing for Results' Series Highlights the New EARN Maryland Training Series to Expand Opportunities for Marylanders and Manufacturers

BALTIMORE, MD (September 9, 2014) – Governor Martin O’Malley today visited Pompeian, Inc. in Baltimore to announce a new series of Manufacturing Boot Camps under the EARN (Employment Advancement Right Now) Maryland program. The visit is the latest event in the ‘Governing For Results’ series. The series highlights the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s 16 strategic goals; today’s event specifically highlights the goal to increase the number of Marylanders who receive skills training by 20 percent by the end of 2018.

The Maryland Manufacturing Boot Camp is the first EARN-funded initiative designed by members of industry to provide a mixture of basic employability and manufacturing readiness skills. These skills will be offered to unemployed and under-employed candidates to prepare them for jobs in the manufacturing sector. The boot camp trainings were developed by EARN Maryland partner Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) as a result of manufacturers expressing frustration in their attempts to recruit and retain qualified candidates.

“We’re doing the things that work to get Marylanders the skills they need for the un-filled, in-demand jobs,” said Governor O’Malley. “Improving skills training and workforce development is just one of the things we’re doing to expand opportunity for all Marylanders so that we can lift people out of poverty and strengthen our middle class.”

The EARN Maryland initiative is managed by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), and encourages regional workforce training collaborations among businesses, non-profits, institutions of higher education, community colleges, local workforce investment boards, local governments, and various types of workforce training providers. Supported by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, EARN Maryland is a proven strategy for providing Maryland's employers with skilled workers. Among similar initiatives around the country, this approach led to skills advancement, career building opportunities and increased wages.

“Through EARN Maryland, the state invests in employer-led skills training initiatives in some of our most high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing. We are pleased to see the creation of the Maryland Manufacturing Boot Camp and the cultivation of skilled workers to addresses the needs of Maryland employers,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Leonard Howie.

Baltimore based since 1906, Pompeian, Inc. is the largest olive oil importer and producer in the U.S. In addition to being America's largest national brand of olive oil, best-selling wine vinegars and a variety of cooking wines, Pompeian is the first brand to carry the USDA Quality Monitored seal on its extra virgin olive oil.

“As a proud Baltimore resident and leading manufacturer since 1906, Pompeian is excited to partner with EARN Maryland to showcase the benefits and great career paths that manufacturing has to offer,” said Pompeian, Inc. Chief Executive Officer, David Bensadoun. “EARN Maryland is exactly the kind of support that we as a manufacturer need to support the growth or our business, and allow us to continue serving as the largest olive oil importer and producer today.”

The first full Manufacturing Boot Camp will be held at Pompeian from October 13 to November 21, 2014, and other classes will follow around the state. EARN Maryland has invested $455,000 in the statewide Maryland Manufacturing Boot Camps Partnership and training is offered to Marylanders looking to obtain new skills and good jobs.

The press conference today continues the ‘Governing For Results’ series -- a statewide effort to promote the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s 16 strategic goals andhighlight Maryland’s progress in the areas of opportunity (jobs and schools), sustainability, public safety, and health. Kicked off in early June, events will continue over the next several months and will chronicle some of the results-oriented, data-driven strategies the Administration is using to make Maryland a safer, healthier place with more jobs and opportunity for all Marylanders.

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.