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First Class Of Verso Workers Complete Initial Courses At Western Maryland Works

February 18th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Western Maryland Works maker space recently hosted a celebration of achievement at its Lane Avenue, LaVale location with an awards presentation for the first class of Verso workers who have completed their initial courses and certification. The event did not go unnoticed according to Allegany County Commissioner Creade Brodie Jr.  The center houses  training programs in advanced manufacturing and other sectors, office space for selected startups, a collaborative work space for the community and classes taught by Small Business Development Center staff.  Since the event last week, Commissioner Brodie says he has been inundated with calls seeking more information about the center which officially opened just last year…

 

4 Responses to “First Class Of Verso Workers Complete Initial Courses At Western Maryland Works”

  1. February 18, 2020 at 6:33 am, mac said:

    The next news item concerning this story will be the most important one.
    How many of these former Verso employees are now putting their job skills to practical use by finding employment here where they live? How many will find a new job but be forced to uproot their families and move to another area or state?
    Many unanswered questions remain in determining the worth of these training classes.

    Reply

    • February 18, 2020 at 4:46 pm, Kevin said:

      > Regardless of where they find work, the value of the training is there. The larger issue of jobs in this area is based on the fact we elect ‘think small’ politicians who would rather people sit idle than see wages rise.

      Reply

      • February 18, 2020 at 6:32 pm, mac said:

        > I don’t think that you understand the point of my comment. Of course job re-training is a good thing but if it becomes necessary to move from your hometown, sell your house and uproot your children from their schools how many individuals will be happy to accept this training? Would you be ready and willing to take a new job in North Carolina or Indiana? Who would buy your house here in Cumberland? Would it sell for the price of a comparable in your new city?
        Of course I know that you will say yes but we all know that it wouldn’t be easy or something that anyone would look forward to.

        Reply

  2. February 20, 2020 at 4:54 am, Ken said:

    Mac, Let me share another perspective.

    Western Maryland Works provides access to expensive manufacturing equipment for $20.00 per day or $90.00 per month. This means that our neighbors can use it to earn a living without having to invest in this equipment. They can purchase raw materials locally, manufacture whatever their customer wants and then ship it anywhere in the world. This creates an opportunity for anyone to earn a living and not have to move.

    If this asset is managed correctly (this remains to be seen) we have a huge win here.

    At least, that’s how I see it.

    Reply

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