Strategic Workforce Initiatives

Stick Welding Training Upate

The Stick Welding training program is currently at capacity and is no longer accepting students.

For all programs listed on this page, applicants must be:

  • A current Baltimore County resident
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • Able to commit to and adhere to the training schedule

To apply, complete the Demographic and Eligibility Form and email it to stratworkforce@baltimorecountymd.gov. Please reach out to this email with any questions.

Stick Welding Training Program

With more than 50 percent of U.S. products requiring welding, the demand for welders is at an all-time high and the career opportunities are endless. Whether you are highly skilled or just entering the field, start your journey with our Stick welding courses to earn your American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 welder certificate. Apply those skills to help build automobiles, ships, planes and even the newly-designed Key Bridge. The Earlbeck Technical Center provides accelerated courses for welding where raining is strictly focused on building the skills required to be an employment-ready welder.

Program Schedule

The information and training programs will be held at the Earlbeck Technical Center, 8204 Pulaski Highway Baltimore, Maryland 21237.

Welding information sessions will be held on:

  • Tuesday, February 11, 10 a.m. to noon
  • Thursday, February 13, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, February 18, 6 to 8 p.m.

The Welding training program will be held Monday, March 10, through Thursday, April 24. This program is currently at capacity and is no longer accepting students.

Course List

Learn more about the program courses below.

FUNDAMENTALS OF WELDING

This course provides the foundation on which all other courses are built. Students learn equipment setup, basic techniques and safety for stick welding. In addition, you will discuss basic metallurgy, welding codes, welding inspection and welding symbols.

WELDING BLUEPRINTS

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of welding blueprints, including a review of measurements, lines, views, symbols and structural shapes. It also covers essential topics such as basic joints, special welds, tolerances and more. Designed for both beginners and those with experience that are looking for a refresher, this course is recommended for all students entering the workforce, equipping you with foundational skills critical for a successful career in welding. 

INTERMEDIATE SMAW (STICK WELDING)

This course provides specific instruction in the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process. Students learn how to perform fillet and groove welds on carbon steel using E7018 electrodes in all positions. Practice is geared toward structural welding code vertical and overhead tests. Passing these tests provides an all-position, limited thickness AWS D1.1 welder certification.

Diesel Technology with CDL-A Training and Commercial Truck Driving Training Programs

At North American Trade Schools (NATS), students gain a quality education while getting the hands-on training needed to begin a new career as a diesel mechanic, diesel technician or commercial truck driver. With the help of businesses in the training programs offered, NATS continually updates the criteria and curriculums to meet industry standards and needs, assuring that students are learning what you will use in the field.

Program Schedule

The information and training programs will be held at North American Trade Schools, 5760 Wabash Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215.

Information sessions for the Diesel Technology with CDL-A and Commercial Truck Driving programs will be held together on:

  • Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, March 5, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Friday, March 7, 1 to 3 p.m.

The Commercial Truck Driving training program will be held on:

  • Tuesday, April 15 through Wednesday, July 2

The Diesel Technology with Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program will be held on:

  • Monday, March 31 through Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  • Wednesday, May 7 through Tuesday, November 24, 2026

The Commercial Truck Driving program trains students for entry-level positions as qualified CDL-A drivers in over-the-road or local driving positions. No prior education or experience is required, but students must:

  • Meet the driver qualifications set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Entry-Level Driver Training Mandate
  • Pass the physical examination requirements established by the Department of Transportation

Additional ELIGIBILITY Requirements

  • At least 21 years of age
  • Tour school and pass an entrance evaluation
  • Have a valid full Class A driver's license (non-provisional) with no more than two points on their Motor Vehicle Report
  • Be able to pass a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration drug screen and Department of Transportation physical exam
  • Cannot be convicted of human or drug trafficking, or on parole

The Diesel Technology Training Program provides entry-level training, preparing students for a career as a diesel mechanic or diesel technician, while offering Class A CDL training. Graduates are equipped with skills to rebuild and maintain commercial trucks and tractor-trailers, and can take the CDL exam, making them more desirable to employers. Students will learn:

  • Diesel repair
  • Maintenance
  • Failure analysis
  • Diagnosis and troubleshooting
  • Commercial truck operation

Additional ELIGIBLITY Requirements

  • Tour school and pass an entrance evaluation
  • Conduct an interview with admissions