Building a Future-Ready Workforce: How Carroll Community College Is Meeting Local Economic Needs
As industries evolve and the demand for skilled workers grows, Carroll Community College is preparing students for high-demand careers while supporting the economic development of Carroll County. Through strategic partnerships, innovative training programs, and a commitment to meeting industry needs, the College is helping build a future-ready workforce.
Partnering with Industry
Carroll’s collaboration with Heidelberg Materials North America through the Millwright Apprenticeship Program is a key example of how partnerships with local businesses can close critical workforce gaps and stimulate economic development. This program offers 780 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, preparing workers for technical roles in industrial maintenance, including welding and plumbing.
“With Heidelberg now having a state-approved apprenticeship program, it is going to help them attract new talent,” said Scott Covert, a subject matter expert in manufacturing at Carroll Community College. “At the end of the 4-year program, you are making journeyman wages with no college debt, and you will have a certificate from the Maryland Department of Labor and be considered an expert in your field.”
As industries shift to more technology-driven roles, programs like this ensure that local businesses have access to the skilled talent they need. A 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) report highlights that emerging technologies will create millions of new jobs globally, but many of these roles will require specialized technical skills. Carroll’s programs are designed to meet this growing demand for skilled workers.
Addressing Growing Needs
Carroll Community College is also investing in future workforce and economic development through the Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center, scheduled to open in Fall 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will provide hands-on training in welding, automotive technology, plumbing, and other high-demand fields.
The center addresses the growing need for skilled workers as Carroll County’s industrial sector continues to expand. By preparing students with the practical skills needed in these industries, the center will ensure that the local economy has access to a pipeline of highly trained workers.
“The Ratcliffe Center will enhance our curriculum and provide new opportunities for students to gain valuable experience in high-demand trades,” said Dr. Rose Mince, President of Carroll Community College. “This investment also supports the workforce development needs of our local industries.”
The Ratcliffe Center will be a cornerstone of Carroll’s long-term strategy to support the local economy by ensuring businesses have access to a skilled and future-ready workforce.
Supporting Small Businesses & Entrepreneurship
In addition to its technical training programs, Carroll supports the local economy by fostering entrepreneurship and providing customized training services through its Business Solutions team. Small businesses like The Naked Embrace and Goose Ridge Soaps were able to expand with the help of Carroll’s entrepreneurial resources.
Miller: Resources for Entrepreneurs provides guidance, tools, and mentorship to help business owners and startups succeed. This is particularly important as small businesses are a critical component of local economic development. Carroll’s support for entrepreneurs helps create new jobs in the region.
“The partnerships we develop within the community are key to driving local economic growth,” said Kelly Koermer, Vice President of Workforce, Business, and Community Education. “We work with businesses to upskill their workforce and help them expand.”
Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Jobs
As industries shift toward sustainability, Carroll’s programs are adapting to meet the demands of the future job market. The College’s Automotive Technology program, for example, now includes training in EV maintenance, preparing students for roles in the growing EV sector. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales are projected to reach 145 million by 2030, creating significant demand for skilled technicians.
By staying ahead of trends like these, Carroll is positioning its students for success in rapidly evolving industries so that the local workforce remains competitive. “Our goal is to ensure that both students and businesses in Carroll County have the skills and resources they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Koermer.
Carroll Community College is actively shaping the future workforce of Carroll County by aligning its programs with local industry needs and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. With its partnerships, upcoming training centers, and support for local businesses, Carroll is playing a crucial role in the region’s economic development.