Supporting the WDTC in Howard County

Howard Community College Workforce Development & Trades Center
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Howard Community College Workforce Development & Trades Center

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Supporting the Workforce Development & Trades Center in Howard County

Priddy Chimney Solutions is proud to announce that our owner has joined the fundraising committee for Howard Community College’s (HCC) Workforce Development & Trades Center (WDTC). This exciting initiative aims to address the growing skilled trades gap in Howard County while fostering economic growth and opportunity for all residents.

Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap

The WDTC is a bold response to a critical need. While Howard County is one of the wealthiest and most educated counties in the U.S., a significant portion of its population lacks access to post-secondary credentials. According to HCC, 37% of county residents do not have any secondary or post-secondary education credentials, a gap that disproportionately impacts minority populations. By offering robust training in high-demand trades such as electrical, plumbing, HVACR, manufacturing, and welding, the WDTC provides an alternative to traditional four-year degree paths, empowering individuals to pursue rewarding careers.

Why the WDTC Matters

The absence of a dedicated skilled trades center has placed Howard County at an economic disadvantage. Residents often need to attend community colleges in other counties, incurring nearly double the tuition costs. The WDTC changes this narrative by creating a state-of-the-art facility where:

  • Students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields like automation, electric vehicles, and cybersecurity.

  • Businesses can collaborate with HCC to tailor training programs that meet industry needs, ensuring alignment between education and employment.

  • The local economy flourishes, with a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the demands of modern industries.

The ROI of Investing in WDTC

For businesses and the community, supporting the WDTC is an investment in the future. Benefits include:

  • Addressing the skilled trades gap: Filling vital roles in industries experiencing labor shortages.

  • Local economic growth: Attracting new businesses with a well-trained workforce.

  • Innovation: Providing a hub for advanced technologies and practices.

  • Recruitment opportunities: Access to qualified workers familiar with local industry needs.

The WDTC is already proving its value. For example, the HVACR registered apprenticeship program launched in 2019 with 12 apprentices and has grown to 110 apprentices in just four years—an increase of 816%.

Join the Cause

Priddy Chimney Solutions is honored to support this essential initiative. For nearly 40 years, we have proudly provided chimney repair services in Howard County, and we recognize the importance of strengthening our community’s future. We invite our community, industry partners, and other businesses to join us in building a brighter future. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals while strengthening our local economy.

For more information or to contribute, visit HowardCC.edu/TradesCenter or contact Anne Johnson at 443-518-4227.

Let’s build a legacy of opportunity and excellence—one skilled trades professional at a time.

How can we help?

Our team is available to answer any of your chimney, fireplace, or masonry-related questions.

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