Aimed at strengthening pathways for Frederick’s future workforce, the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development, in partnership with the Office of Opportunity and Transformation, hosted Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Career Coaches for an immersive economic development presentation and guided employer tour—designed to broaden the coaches’ understanding of Frederick’s evolving job market and the career pathways available to local students.
Insight into to Frederick’s Economy
The event began with an overview of Frederick’s economic landscape, highlighting major industries, workforce trends, and upcoming commercial developments. This presentation provided the career coaches had a broader understanding of the Frederick business community including the potential opportunities students will encounter as they explore future professions.
Following the presentation, the Career Coaches boarded the Maryland Double Deckers Bus to visit several key industry sectors. During each stop, company representatives shared an inside look at daily operations, talent needs, and career pathways—from technology driven roles, to construction trades to marketing and PR. Coaches also participated in employee Q&A sessions, adding firsthand insights they can carry back to their schools.
Tour stops included site visits to:
Engage USA - a specialized commercial lockbox and database marketing company that provides caging, intelligent data capture, and lockbox processing services to nonprofits, charities, and political campaigns.
Keller Brothers - a commercial general contractor and construction management firm that provides building, pre-construction, design-build, masonry, and special project services across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.
Octavo Designs - an award-winning graphic and web design studio specializing in creative branding, custom WordPress website development, and unique product packaging for local and national businesses.
PPR Strategies - an economic development and public relations consulting agency that offers strategic planning, community branding, digital marketing, and storytelling for tourism, workforce development, and economic organizations.
Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. - which included a panel of biotech professionals from companies such as Rooster Bio, Pace Life Sciences and This Town moderated by Ezekiel Kelly, FITCI’s Chief Growth Officer.
Strengthening Career Readiness and Student Guidance
The event supports the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future mandate, which requires individualized career coaching for all FCPS middle and high school students. With 22 career coaches serving high schools, middle schools, charter schools, and specialized programs throughout Frederick County, exposure to real-world industry settings helps them better guide students toward informed career decisions.
Impact Through Partnership
FCPS leaders expressed appreciation for the strong collaboration with the City of Frederick and participating employers. By connecting education and industry, the event helps ensure students are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and practical understanding needed to navigate career exploration and postsecondary planning.
Learn more about the FCPS Career Coaches program here.
Interested in planning an economic development presentation to your organization? Email our team at businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov
Frederick County Public Schools - Career Coaches Business Industry Tour in Frederick MD
