The Howard County Office of Workforce Development (OWD) offers essential services and assistance to both youth and adult job seekers, as well as businesses. Our goal is to contribute to the development of a robust local, regional, and global economy.
Thank you for expressing interest in the services provided by the Howard County Office of Workforce Development (OWD). Our office is dedicated to supporting individuals in various stages of their careers, whether you're looking to explore new career opportunities, enhance your existing skills, or transition to a new field, our team is here to provide the support and resources you need to succeed. Eligible job seekers may qualify for skills training, helping them gain a competitive edge. We're committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today's competitive job market.
We're dedicated to assisting you at every stage of your professional journey, and we look forward to serving your needs effectively.
To get started, please visit the Maryland Workforce Exchange System provided below to complete the necessary steps. After clicking, a new tab will open for you to proceed. Once you've finished, please return to this page to continue with the next step.
Click here to begin.
Log into your Maryland Workforce Exchange account using the login credentials you recently created. *If you need assistance with this step, you can find upload instructions here or under the "Instructions and Resources" tab.
Upload one item from each category from A-C into your MWE documents folder.
A. Proof of Citizenship/Authorization to Work:
B. Proof of Residence
C. Proof of Social Security Number
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A new window will open for you to complete the Self-Certification Form. It's important that you return to this window after you submit the form so that you can proceed to step 3. Failing to complete step 3 may result in significant delays to your application process.
Now that you have completed the necessary steps to process your application:
Thank you for contacting us about workforce services. We will be in contact soon, and we appreciate your patience throughout the review process.
The Howard County Office of Workforce Development (OWD) provides valuable services and support to both youth and adult job seekers, as well as businesses, to help build a strong local, regional, and global economy.
The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) operates on grant funding, allowing us to offer employment assistance and training programs to eligible individuals without charge. However, it's important to note that training opportunities are not guaranteed and are contingent upon funding availability and program eligibility criteria.
To start the process, apply for services online by completing the application process above. Simply follow the steps outlined under "Apply for Services." If you need assistance or have questions, feel free to contact our office at 410.313.1060 or email us at careers@howardcountymd.gov.
OWD’s intake process involves:
Typically, it takes up to five business days for your file to be reviewed, after which you will be assigned to a consultant.
Howard County Office of Workforce Development provides employment and training services to Howard County residents and non-residents whose last place of employment was in Howard County.
Our program eligibility requirements assist us in determining the household income of employed applicants, which is crucial for assessing eligibility based on OWD's income threshold relative to family size. Even if you have a job, you may still be eligible to receive employment and/or training services from OWD, pending meeting these guidelines.
You are expected to stay engaged with your assigned workforce consultant throughout your program and provide employment details when starting a new job. Your consultant will maintain contact with you for up to 12 months after you complete the program.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service to receive services through OWD. To verify a registration, click here.
In some instances, funding may be available for training not listed on the Maryland Eligible Training Provider List; however, the Howard County Office of Workforce Development typically refers clients to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) approved training courses and providers listed on the Maryland Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). This approach ensures that individuals receive high-quality training that meets local labor market demand.
Unfortunately, OWD cannot provide funds for training already started. Training must be approved as part of an individualized employment plan.
Register for monthly Apprentices Registration Form - Howard County Information Sessions (jotform.com) or visit our webpage for additional information on apprenticeships from both job seeker and employer perspectives.
If you are encountering issues and need assistance, please contact us at 410-313-1060 or via email at careers@howardcountymd.gov
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As an equal opportunity program, discrimination in programs or activities financially assisted through grants is prohibited by federal law and by Howard County Government. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For accommodations in Howard County, please contact Stephanie Hill at 410-313-1060 or MD Relay 7-1-1 as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.
