Tag: jobseeker

How Local Businesses Are Celebrating Maryland Day

Posted on by Pat Chambers

3/25/22

By Jessica Fessler

What is Maryland Day?

According to MarylandDay.Org, “Maryland Day commemorates the formal founding of the colony of Maryland, when the newly-arrived colonists erected a cross on St. Clement’s Island. Marylanders began observing Maryland Day in 1903, when the State Board of Education designated it as a day to be devoted to the study of Maryland history. In 1916, the General Assembly authorized the celebration of Maryland Day as a legal state holiday.”

More recently, Maryland Day is a day of pride. Some local business owners showcase their pride through unique offerings that highlight their Maryland roots.

Susquehanna Workforce Network sat down with businesses and community members to discuss how they celebrate Maryland Day and how they celebrate Maryland Pride all day, every day.

Hopkins Farm Brewery, located in Havre De Grace is a local business that takes their pride seriously. According to Ali Hopkins, “Almost all of our beers feature our homegrown barley malt from Chesapeake malting company”. Hopkins Farm Brewery partners with other local businesses to feature them in their beers.

Orange Crush Hard Seltzer from Hopkins Farm Brewery

Synonymous with Maryland pride, is the Orange Crush. In honor of Maryland Day, Hopkins Farm will be releasing a orange crush hard seltzer.

Maryland Day also serves as a reminder about the importance of community and community partnerships.

Megan Myers, Mrs. Harford County 2022 has lived in Harford County her entire life. Today, she reflects on the importance of community. “There are many families and individuals in Maryland who need our help and we can work together as one community to spread kindness and gratitude.” She will be competing for the Mrs. Maryland America title on April 8th.

Even businesses that are new to the area are looking for ways to showcase their Maryland pride. Nikki from We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym in Forest Hill relocated to the area and started her business almost 2 years ago. While they didn’t have plans to celebrate this year, Nikki is already planning for next year.

Susquehanna Workforce Network celebrates Marylanders everyday by coordinating workforce development programs that targets businesses and individuals in Cecil and Harford Counties.

Building a stronger workforce in Maryland requires dedication and research. Some of our efforts include offering services that develop jobseekers into highly desirable candidates. No-cost job training and upskilling opportunities are funded by grants. SWN also offers job fairs curated to place jobseekers in front of sought-after employers

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Help, Gas Prices Are Eating My Paycheck!

Posted on by Pat Chambers

How to navigate your career with rising gas prices

By: Jessica Fessler

With gas prices soaring, your commute to work just got a lot more expensive. Susquehanna Workforce Network is here to help you navigate your career during this period of uncertainty.

In 2021, gas prices in the Susquehanna region were on average ~ $2.40/ Gallon. To fill up your average 12 gallon tank, it was costing consumers anywhere between $25-$30. Fast forward to now- the cost of commuting has doubled. If you fill up regularly, you’re well aware of how quickly that can add up and eat into your bottom line.

Commuters with salary ranges under $50,000 will be hurt the most by rising gas prices. Commuters in this salary range will see their bottom line drop more than 10%. So what’s a commuter to do?

If a cost of living adjustment is not possible, ask your employer for flexible working arrangements. However, the ability to work remotely may not be feasible when you consider other factors. If this is the case, it might be time to consider a career transition that will allow you to work closer to home.

First- Determine Your Budget

Take a deep dive into your finances. How much is it costing you, bi-weekly to commute to work? How much are you able to afford at your current salary? Use your current salary to gage the percentage of your income spent commuting, including tolls (We’re looking at you, EZ-Pass).

Know Your Worth

Now that you know how much you’re spending to get paid, evaluate your options. A career transition doesn’t have to be a lateral move. Look at salary ranges that include your current salary & magic gas number on the lower end of the salary range. This will help guarantee that the position(s) you invest your time applying to will meet your needs.

Review Your Job Function & Industry

All skills are transferable! Let’s use an administrative assistant as an example. While organizational skills and interpersonal skills may lead the charge in terms of ability, you might be lacking industry experience. Don’t let industry experience disqualify you. An admin assistant position in healthcare will require a different base knowledge than an admin position in construction. These details can be make or break your resume when compared with candidates who already work in that field.

Susquehanna Workforce Network works with a variety of education providers to design industry specific courses. These no-cost job training opportunities will provide you with the industry specific knowledge you need to bolster your resume.  

Are you a commuter effected by the recent increase in gas prices?

Our Career Coaches offer assistance to those with barriers to employment in addition to job placement services. 410-996-0550 or 410-272-5400

Job Training: Computer Support Technician

Posted on by Pat Chambers

Free Career Training- Computer Support Technician

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) and the CompTIA A+ certification (A+).

Course Timeline

June 13th – July 19th

 Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)
o Tuesdays 6/14,6/21,6/28 & 7/5 from 8:30‐1:30 PM
 CompTIA A+ certification(A+) for a Computer Support Technician (CTS)
o M‐F, except Tues. 6/13‐7/19 (no class 7/4) 8:30‐2:30 PM

Location

Edgewood Public Library Rm 137

Overview

The computer support technician makes sure a company’s computer equipment is configured to conform to established guidelines. He or she maintains all terminals and peripherals including printers, modems, personal computers and data communications machines. Responsible for locating and ascertaining the nature of network errors using appropriate software, the computer support technician is in charge of troubleshooting. Along with these duties, he or she fixes and replaces equipment when it is down.

Participants in this program will receive 146 hours of training toward two nationally recognized certifications.  These certifications will provide participants a competitive advantage in the job market.  The two certifications are the Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) and the CompTIA A+ certification (A+). According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the salary range for a computer support technician is $32,830-$88,940.00 annually.

Achieving a CCSP certification confirms that the holder has successfully completed a rigorous examination and provides proof to potential employers that the holder is committed to upholding high ethical business standards. CCSPs will provide excellence in service for every customer-internal and external- with every interaction.

The A+ Certification is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. Jobs like support specialist, field service technician, desktop support analyst, and help desk use the skills validated by CompTIA A+ certification.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Program