Guest feature: Follow along with Allegany County Economic and Community Development on LinkedIn.
Western Maryland Works (WMW) at Allegany College of Maryland is helping local residents build in-demand skills, prototype products, and pursue new career pathways.
Through a facility designed to strengthen the region’s workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem, this on-the-ground work is an economic development asset for the region. It expands access to training and tools that help Allegany County residents build skills and help small businesses grow.
Operating through the college, WMW was created to address regional workforce needs (particularly in the trades), while also supporting residents who want to prototype products and grow a local business.
Shawn O’Rourke, Director of Western Maryland Works, describes WMW as a single operation with three complementary “legs,” or functions. Those legs include advanced manufacturing training; a makerspace; and engineering technology programs. They also offer safety certifications, hands-on technical training, and more.
As a whole, these functions create multiple entry points for people at different stages: students exploring their options, adults shifting careers, entrepreneurs prototyping a product, and employers searching for skilled talent.
