Meet Micha Hagans, CWDP, GCDF, RPS, Program Manager, Employment & Training Services Team.

What Is Your Role at FCWS?

I support and develop the Employment and Training team at Workforce Services as we help adults navigate career pathways and overcome barriers to employment. My work includes strategic planning and shaping programs that respond to the needs of job seekers, while staying connected with community partners, education providers, and businesses to understand labor market trends. This helps us guide people toward upskilling and career opportunities that align with the current market in Frederick County.

What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Work?

I enjoy helping people grow and recognize their potential. For job seekers, that means supporting them as they uncover their skills and connect to new opportunities. For my team, it’s about encouraging continuous learning and development so they feel equipped in the work they do. Seeing people move forward with new possibilities and a stronger sense of direction is what makes this work so meaningful for me.

What Does “Workforce Development” Mean to You Personally?

Workforce development, to me, is about opening doors. We support job seekers in building skills, overcoming barriers, and discovering career paths they may not have thought possible. We support employers with hiring, retention, and developing a strong pipeline of talent. It also means staying connected to community partners, education providers, and industry leaders, while keeping a close eye on labor market trends so programs reflect real opportunities. At its core, it is about connecting people to opportunity while strengthening economic mobility.

Share One Accomplishment, Project, or Moment That Makes You Proud of the Work You Do.

I’m especially proud of leading my team in launching Resilient Frederick County, the Childcare Initiative, and our revamped Work Experience programs. These efforts reflect strong collaboration with community partners and a shared commitment to innovation. Together, we’ve been able to help people prepare for work, upgrade their skills, and connect more successfully to the workforce.

What Is One Thing People Might Be Surprised to Learn About Your Role?

One thing people might be surprised to learn about my role is how much of it involves strategic planning and program design while also navigating policy and regulations. A big part of my work is interpreting those requirements, analyzing labor market trends, and collaborating with partners so that the programs we launch meet compliance standards and truly serve both job seekers and employers.

What Is Your Top Career or Workforce Tip?

A valuable workforce development tip is to learn where to find labor market information and how to interpret it. Understanding which industries are growing, what skills are in demand, and how trends are shifting helps you guide job seekers toward opportunities that are both realistic and sustainable.

Workforce Partners in Action

Solid Ground Recovery shows a strong commitment to supporting both individuals in recovery and the wider workforce community. They joined our Recovery is Good Business initiative, becoming both a Frederick County Partner and a Maryland Recovery Friendly Workplace. Solid Ground also stepped up as a host site for our Temporary Work Experience (TWE) program, which provides short-term placements where participants can gain hands-on experience and build skills. In addition, they connect their clients to our programs and job search assistance, expanding access to resources that help people move forward. Their partnership reflects the spirit of collaboration and shows how employers can play a direct role in building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.