LA PLATA, Md. — Six students from the College of Southern Maryland became the first graduates of a new workforce training program on April 7, 2026, earning certificates designed to open doors to in-demand construction and transportation jobs across Southern Maryland.
The graduates completed the Integrated Education and Training program, which targets English as a Second Language and GED students enrolled in CSM’s Adult Education programs. The curriculum combined academic instruction with hands-on job-specific skills, allowing participants to earn up to six certificates: OSHA 10-Hour Construction, American Traffic Safety Services Association Flagger, National Safety Council First Aid, CPR, AED, and Construction Trades Core Skills.
One standout graduate, Otgontuya Sampilnorov, earned every available certificate. She described her journey from initial hesitation to newfound confidence after extensive lab and machine work.
“I’ve wanted to work with tools and carpentry since I was little, so I’m happy I did it,” Sampilnorov said. “I was a little scared at first but we did a lot of work in the labs and with the machines, I’m not scared anymore. I’m very grateful for everyone at CSM who made sure we had everything we needed.”
Sampilnorov added that she looks forward to gaining practical experience and tackling household projects.
Another graduate, Sonia Amador, shared similar sentiments about the program’s impact.
“It was emotional because it was such a long time, but we did it and it feels great,” Amador said. “I wanted to do this to have a better future, and these certificates will open a lot of doors for me.”
Amador plans to build on her new credentials by gaining experience and pursuing a career as an electrician.
The IET program ran for 16 weeks, meeting each Saturday starting in October 2025. It was developed in partnership with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland and funded through the Road to Careers Grant. The $24 million state initiative, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor and Maryland Department of Transportation, seeks to expand the skilled workforce in the transportation construction sector.
Ellen Flowers-Fields, vice president of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at CSM, highlighted the students’ commitment.
“I’m proud of these students for putting in so many hours over the last six months to create new possibilities for their future,” Flowers-Fields said. “This program is not only preparing our students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, but it’s also creating real pathways into in-demand careers that strengthen our workforce.”
Southern Maryland’s construction and infrastructure sectors continue to grow amid residential development and transportation projects along Routes 2, 4 and 5. Programs like this IET initiative address local workforce needs by helping nontraditional students, including immigrants and those seeking GED completion, gain recognized credentials quickly.
The Road to Careers Grant aims to prepare more than 1,200 Marylanders for skilled positions while reducing employment barriers. CSM’s role as a subrecipient focuses on serving up to 14 students per cycle with 115 instructional hours that blend foundational math, language skills and technical training.
Officials noted that the hands-on components, including safety certifications and core construction skills, directly align with employer requirements in the region. Graduates now hold portable credentials that can lead to pre-apprenticeship opportunities or entry-level roles in construction trades.
The next IET cohort is scheduled to begin in fall 2026. Interested students can explore Adult Education options at CSM campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick.
This first graduating group represents a targeted effort to connect Southern Maryland residents with stable, well-paying careers in a high-demand field. Local leaders view such programs as vital for economic growth in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
