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Innovative Practices

AAWDC goes above and beyond in the services we offer to residents and businesses. Learn how we’ve been shaping workforce development.

Leading workforce development beyond Anne Arundel County

AAWDC’s growing national presence is a reflection of our commitment to innovation in all areas of the work we do. As the modern workplace continues to evolve, we remain at the forefront of our field, utilizing cutting-edge practices in critical areas such as sector strategies and essential skills development. Our approach guarantees that both businesses and residents benefit from dynamic and forward-thinking solutions.

Sector Strategies

AAWDC is a nationally recognized leader in sector strategies, utilizing an industry-driven, collaborative approach to workforce development. Through our Talent Consulting model and Industry Collaboratives, we have made significant contributions to addressing workforce challenges in Anne Arundel County’s high-growth industries: Healthcare, I.T./Cybersecurity, Transportation, Construction/Skilled Trades, and Hospitality (HITCH). To directly address industry-specific needs in a personalized way, AAWDC developed a staffing model featuring Industry Talent Consultants (ITCs)—subject matter experts who specialize in their respective industries. ITCs ensure workforce services, including training, placement, and business service strategies, are aligned with industry demands. Their holistic approach provides businesses with tailored support while helping job seekers understand and connect with key regional economic drivers. Learn more about Talent Consulting here. Led by the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB), Industry Collaboratives bring together businesses and workforce partners to identify challenges, develop solutions, and maintain a steady pipeline of skilled talent for HITCH industries. These strategic partnerships ensure that both immediate and long-term workforce needs are met effectively.

Work-Based Learning

We understand that hands-on experience is one of the most effective ways to develop in-demand skills, with many businesses uniquely positioned to train their workforce directly. For many job seekers, learning by doing leads to greater success than traditional classroom training. That’s why we prioritize Work-Based Learning—a practical, powerful alternative or supplement to classroom instruction.

Through internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs, we work with businesses to create meaningful learning experiences that strengthen talent pipelines, increase retention, and accelerate career growth for employees. A prime example is our partnership with Hiring Our Heroes, where we helped establish a national fellowship model for military spouses—an often-overlooked yet highly skilled workforce. Learn more about the program here.

Targeted Populations

Success in the workplace requires more than technical skills. Recognizing the lack of a national program or standard for soft skills training, AAWDC developed the Workplace Excellence series [link to website – www.workplaceexcellenceseries.com]—a comprehensive soft skills training program designed to equip job seekers with the essential soft skills businesses demand.

Originally designed for our clients, the series quickly gained traction with businesses seeking to enhance their workforce. Today, the Workplace excellence series is marketed nationally in partnership with WorkNet Solutions, bridging a critical training gap in essential workplace skills. Our clients include workforce development organizations, businesses, and educational and training providers.

Essential Skills Development

We understand that hands-on experience is one of the most effective ways to develop in-demand skills, with many businesses uniquely positioned to train their workforce directly. For many job seekers, learning by doing leads to greater success than traditional classroom training. That’s why we prioritize Work-Based Learning—a practical, powerful alternative or supplement to classroom instruction.

Through internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs, we work with businesses to create meaningful learning experiences that strengthen talent pipelines, increase retention, and accelerate career growth for employees. A prime example is our partnership with Hiring Our Heroes, where we helped establish a national fellowship model for military spouses—an often-overlooked yet highly skilled workforce. Learn more about the program here. 

Recruitment for Businesses

AAWDC goes beyond traditional hiring events by offering comprehensive recruitment services that help businesses attract and retain top talent. With a dedicated recruiter on staff, we offer targeted recruitment and candidate pre-screening to ensure businesses receive qualified candidates who align with their needs.

Our team also manages an employment portal and job board [link to portal – https://aawdc.pinpointhq.com/] for Anne Arundel County businesses and residents, serving as a central hub for job postings and customized recruitment efforts. A key example of this was our rapid response to mass federal layoffs, where we developed a dedicated job board to connect impacted workers with new opportunities aligned with their skills and experience.

Our BWI Business Solutions Center—one of only three workforce centers located in an airport nationally and the first to open in an international airport—provides critical recruitment support for businesses operating behind security checkpoints.