Since 2012, jobseekers applying for, or already receiving, TANF or SNAP benefits in Prince George’s County, Maryland, have been referred to the PGWorks Employment and Training Program—operated by KRA for the Department of Social Services—for comprehensive workforce-development services, focusing on self-sufficiency and financial stability.
PGWorks has added exciting new training-program opportunities, Pharmacy Tech to Pharmacist and Medical Sterilization, organized by Business Services’ Team member John Woods with Training Provider Celeebrate Us Workforce Training—”spelled with an extra ‘e’ because we do extra for our students and our employers.”
Mr. Woods reports, “Seven female customers are enrolled in Cohort 1 of the 90-day Pharmacy Tech program, which began July 3 and ends September 15. Cohort 2, for which recruitment and screening are underway, will start September 21 and end December 15, 2024. A third Cohort is also in the planning stage.
“Local Walgreens Pharmacies are providing on-site training and compensation for our customers as they progress through the program. Walgreens will also provide certification and employment for successful graduates.
“The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is providing technical training, tuition assistance, and certification for Pharmacy Tech graduates who advance to the 4-year Pharmacist training program.
“Our fourth collaborative partner is the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, providing a 75-hour certification course for Sterilization Techs, also known as Sterile Processing Technicians, and agreeing to be a primary resource for employment opportunities for program graduates.
“We are extremely excited about this collaboration and the opportunities it provides our customers to earn self-sustaining wages in the Washington DC Metro area as Sterilization Techs and Pharmacy Techs.”