BALTIMORE, MD – Graduation ceremonies for 36 graduates of the Global Tech Bilingual Institute will be held tonight – Friday, August 4, 2000 at 5:30 p.m. at The Latin Palace (509 South Broadway Street). Mr. John P. O’Connor, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation will provide the keynote address.

This partnership program with the city’s Office of Employment Development teaches Hispanic citizens pre-employment skills and computer basics. It also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, GED preparation classes, and occupational skills training in office technology, information technology and engineering technology.

OED’s sponsorship of the Global Tech Bilingual Institute reflects its commitment to helping area job seekers obtain education credentials and computer skills before they enter the job market. To date, 17 of the 36 graduates have moved on to advanced job training classes or college activities, and another 14 have found full-time jobs. Each of this evening’s graduates completed their training at different times during the year.

The Office of Employment Development (OED) is Baltimore’s primary source for workforce development services. In partnership with the Baltimore City Workforce Investment Board, OED creates and supports strategies that improve the skill levels of Baltimore workers of all ages, and provides employers the human resources to grow and prosper. Annually, OED’s workforce programs connect over 9,000 citizens with career-related employment or training, and provide recruitment services for more than 400 employers in the region.

Hispanic citizens can access employment services at OED’s five career centers located throughout Baltimore City: Southwest Career Center – 201 South Arlington Avenue, Eastside Career Center – 3001 East Madison Street, Northwest Career Center – 2401 Liberty Heights Avenue (Mondawmin Mall), Workforce Reception Center – 100 West 23^rd Street and Baltimore Works Career Center – 1100 North Eutaw Street. To find out more about enrolling in one of Baltimore’s career centers, please call OED on (410) 396-3009 or the Global Tech Bilingual Institute on (410) 687-6303.

Sherry Manning/Gail Woods Waller
Office of Employment Development (OED)
(410) 396-9927