The first class to graduate with Montgomery College certifications through the Primary Care Coalition’s Department of Labor (DOL)-funded Workforce Capacity program completed their studies in May.
“We are celebrating the 39 people who passed their courses in pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, and certified nursing assistant training,” said Program Director Liza Greenberg, RN, MPH. “They worked hard to juggle family and work responsibilities at the same time they studied. It is very exciting to see people stepping into career path jobs in Montgomery County. The Workforce Capacity program is part of PCC’s Nexus Montgomery initiative, which works closely with Montgomery County hospitals to improve safety and quality.”
The Workforce Capacity program partners with community organizations that provide outreach, wraparound services, and student support. Partners include the Ethiopian Community Center in Maryland, the American Muslim Senior Society, and the Muslim Community Center. Candidate referrals come from a wide variety of county organizations. Program graduates are individuals seeking economic stability through healthcare career paths. They include immigrants from Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Ghana, and El Salvador, as well as U.S. students.
Haseeb Shinwary recently joined PCC as the Workforce Navigator Manager and works closely with job hunters. “Many people are new to the U.S. and are not familiar with what employers want and what they need to do to get a good job. I often share my own immigrant experience with them – how I arrived from Afghanistan only a few years ago and have a professional job now. It gives them confidence that they can do it. We also help them with specific skills, like writing a resume and navigating a job application website.”
Lydia Atif, a PCC scholar from Turkey, got her CNA certificate in June and expects to start a position at Suburban Hospital later in the month. She said the Workforce Capacity program allowed her to move from her job in a grocery store to a more skilled role. She hopes to continue her studies at Montgomery College and move into a role in hospital administration. All Montgomery County hospitals offer tuition assistance to employees, one of the many ways the Workforce Capacity program supports career development.
More than 80 people have now graduated from or are enrolled in certification programs funded by the DOL and WorkSource Montgomery. PCC and its partner organizations expect to continue supporting students as they progress through the scholarship application process, through their studies, and into career path employment.
“This incredible program is making a real difference in people’s lives by providing both the healthcare certification training and other skills they need for successful employment,” said Greenberg.
A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration funds 92.8% ($1.3 million) of the cost to train 200 healthcare workers and increase Montgomery College training capacity between December 2023 and November 2025. Non-governmental funds, including support from Maryland Physicians Care, support 7.2% ($101,615) of these costs. Additional workforce capacity efforts have been supported by WorkSource Montgomery and Maryland Physicians Care.
“We are celebrating the 39 people who passed their courses in pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, and certified nursing assistant training,” said Program Director Liza Greenberg, RN, MPH. “They worked hard to juggle family and work responsibilities at the same time they studied. It is very exciting to see people stepping into career path jobs in Montgomery County. The Workforce Capacity program is part of PCC’s Nexus Montgomery initiative, which works closely with Montgomery County hospitals to improve safety and quality.”
The Workforce Capacity program partners with community organizations that provide outreach, wraparound services, and student support. Partners include the Ethiopian Community Center in Maryland, the American Muslim Senior Society, and the Muslim Community Center. Candidate referrals come from a wide variety of county organizations. Program graduates are individuals seeking economic stability through healthcare career paths. They include immigrants from Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Ghana, and El Salvador, as well as U.S. students.
Haseeb Shinwary recently joined PCC as the Workforce Navigator Manager and works closely with job hunters. “Many people are new to the U.S. and are not familiar with what employers want and what they need to do to get a good job. I often share my own immigrant experience with them – how I arrived from Afghanistan only a few years ago and have a professional job now. It gives them confidence that they can do it. We also help them with specific skills, like writing a resume and navigating a job application website.”
Lydia Atif, a PCC scholar from Turkey, got her CNA certificate in June and expects to start a position at Suburban Hospital later in the month. She said the Workforce Capacity program allowed her to move from her job in a grocery store to a more skilled role. She hopes to continue her studies at Montgomery College and move into a role in hospital administration. All Montgomery County hospitals offer tuition assistance to employees, one of the many ways the Workforce Capacity program supports career development.
More than 80 people have now graduated from or are enrolled in certification programs funded by the DOL and WorkSource Montgomery. PCC and its partner organizations expect to continue supporting students as they progress through the scholarship application process, through their studies, and into career path employment.
“This incredible program is making a real difference in people’s lives by providing both the healthcare certification training and other skills they need for successful employment,” said Greenberg.
A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor(DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration funds 92.8% ($1.3 million) of the cost to train 200 healthcare workers and increase Montgomery College training capacity between December 2023 and November 2025. Non-governmental funds, including support from Maryland Physicians Care, support 7.2% ($101,615) of these costs. Additional workforce capacity efforts have been supported by WorkSource Montgomery and Maryland Physicians Care.
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