Exploring Career Pathways Through Economic Development Tour

The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development and Office of Opportunity and Transformation recently hosted local staff from Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Career Coach Program for an economic development presentation and tour of major employers highlighting career opportunities across the city. The event was designed to expose career coaches to key local industries and help them have a better understanding of future career pathways available to their students.

The City’s economic development team presented an overview of Frederick’s diverse economy, the local job market, Frederick area business growth, and major commercial developments within Frederick.

After the presentation, the coaches boarded a bus to tour three major employers: Stulz USA, AstraZeneca, and Frederick Health. The career coaches were treated to company presentations and tours and even engaged in a Q&A sessions with current employees.

The Blueprint for Maryland's Future legislation outlines the mandate to provide all FCPS middle and high school students with individualized Career Coaching services. The Career Coach Program is a partnership between Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County Workforce Services, and Frederick Community College. There are currently 22 Career Coaches who serve Frederick County’s 10 high schools,13 middle schools, 4 charter schools, Heather Ridge School, The Career and Technology Center, Frederick Community College Dual Enrollment program, Virtual High School, and Remote Virtual program.

“Thanks to the invaluable partnership with the City of Frederick, Department of Economic Development and the Office of Opportunity and Transformation (Richard, Mary, & Ericka), the Career Coach team had the opportunity to delve into diverse career opportunities at three cornerstone Frederick City employers.

We deeply appreciate the business partners who opened their doors to our team. It was a wonderful day, both fun and educational!” -~Laura Brown, Coordinator, FCPS Career Coaches

The FCPS Career Coach Program supports middle and high school students in exploring career interests, building job readiness skills, and preparing for post-secondary success. This program helps to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge needed to plan and succeed.

To learn talent pipeline initiatives and other workforce programs, reach out to the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at businessinfrederick.com - 301.600.6360 or businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .

Growing Biotech Talent in Frederick

This month, more than 70 professionals gathered at New Spire Arts in Downtown Frederick for Growing Biotech Talent in Frederick, Maryland, an evening designed to connect and inform those shaping and leading the Frederick’s biotech landscape. Co-hosted by Frederick County Workforce Services, the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development and Office of Opportunity and Transformation, the event featured an expert panel discussion followed by networking.

Michelle Day, Director, Frederick County Workforce Services, provided welcoming remarks and insight about Frederick’s future workforce needs in life sciences. Chris Frew of BioBuzz moderated the panel discussion, offering a regional perspective on why Frederick is emerging as a hub for biotech manufacturing success. The evening’s panel included local industry leaders from AstraZeneca, Precision for Medicine, and ThermoFisher Scientific who shared invaluable insights into what biotech companies are truly looking for in candidates—especially those navigating career transitions. Attendees learned about the current state of the biotech industry in Frederick, current workforce needs, and how the industry is attracting and retaining talent in the job market.

After the panel presentation, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with biotech companies in the Frederick region—an energizing networking session that sparked really great conversations.

Collaborative Ecosystem

Planning Committee member, Mary Ford-Naill with the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development shared, “From my vantage, our collaborative ecosystem is what truly sets Frederick apart from other regions across the country. This event was a shining example of the support and synergy that define our business community.”

Planning Committee member, Patty McDonald, Frederick County Workforce Services, shared, “Strong business engagement is absolutely essential for effective workforce development—especially in key industries like biotech. When employers actively collaborate with workforce partners and share directly with potential talent, we can close skills gaps and build a talent pipeline that drives both economic growth and community resilience for our residents.

Frederick County is home to over 130 biotech companies and workforce recruitment in key industries is paramount to businesses within the economic landscape in Frederick. In addition to robust biotech companies in Frederick, the region includes an award-winning biotech incubator and accelerator program, Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. as well as R&D parks with available lab space for biotech research that include opportunities for manufacturing within life sciences.

To learn more about the local biotech scene as well as resources available for job seekers, reach out to our economic development team at 301.600.6360 or email businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .