Career Fairs and Employment Resources for Prince Georgians
Local efforts from the business, nonprofit, and civic community continue to provide hope and opportunity for Prince George’s County residents, particularly federal workers and contractors who have been fired by the Trump Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), directed by Elon Musk.
Amid challenges, great uncertainty and economic fears, job fairs, career resource opportunities, and apprenticeship programs are working to offer solutions for Prince Georgians.
More than 270 federal contractors at businesses and organizations in Prince George’s have been laid off, and over 3,000 in Maryland have been fired overall. Ongoing conservative efforts to shrink the federal government will only raise that number.
Towson University’s chief economist Daraius Irani noted Maryland’s economic reliance on Washington D.C.
“One of the key pillars of the state’s economy has been the federal government, both in terms of the employment by individuals of the many agencies, and also many of the federal contractors that support the mission of the federal government,” said Irani.
Employ Prince George’s opened an American Job Center Job and Resource Lab in Brentwood, the fourth such job center in the county.
Walter Simmons, president and CEO of Employ Prince George’s, highlighted the importance of what this job center can do amid federal job cuts.
“Now more than ever, communities have to come together. Our federal government is laying off tons of Federal Workers. Unfortunately, Maryland and Prince George’s County heavily depend on the federal government workforce,” said Simmons.
Employ Prince George’s also held an Apprenticeship Fest at Lanham’s International Union of Painters and Allied Trades union hall, with representatives from more than five different unions present, on National Apprenticeship Day: April 30.
Prince George’s County Public Schools students attended a morning job fair and other residents were welcomed to attend in the afternoon. Attendees received personalized access to career exploration experience and learned from industry experts and union representatives.
As Employ Prince George’s president and CEO, Simmons is emphasizing the need for tools to help furloughed federal workers.
“With these impacted federal workers being laid off, sometimes with no resources, these job and resource labs in their communities provide mental and physical health and wellness to let them know they are supported, while giving resources to transition their careers,” he said.
Other Local Efforts to Support Employment, Financial Challenges: Pepco Showcase, Blegay to Host a Resource Fair
In addition to Employ Prince George’s, other local organizations and leaders are working to support employment opportunities for Prince George’s residents and people throughout the DMV.
Pepco hosted a career research and energy education showcase at the University of the District of Columbia on May 1.
“Our goal was to create more than a job fair — we wanted to offer real tools and support to D.C.-area residents facing a tough job market, as well as those who may need financial assistance,” said Pepco Region President Valencia McClure. “This showcase is just one part of our broader commitment to workforce development, and we plan to continue seeking out meaningful ways to support our communities and help people build sustainable careers.”
Further, Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- District 6) is hosting a federal worker and career resources fair on May 9 at Upper Marlboro’s Greater St. John Cathedral.
“This event is for federal employees and federal contractors who have recently been laid off, but all are welcome. We want to support you during this challenging time with real resources and opportunities,” Blegay said. “At the fair, we will be providing food assistance and possible utility support: please bring a copy of your utility bill if you would like to apply for assistance.”