Campus News
March 31st, 2026
Workforce Training Open House offered at Beitzel CCTC in Accident
Event served both high school students and community members
Garrett College's Beitzel Career Technology Training Center held a workforce training open house last Thursday. Pictured, left to right, are Workforce Training Director Donna Bittinger, Academic Success Specialist Karen Linton, and CEWD Office Associate Brenda Murphy.
Accident, MD – Garrett College's Third Annual Workforce Training Open House last Thursday took place in two sessions at the Beitzel Career Technology and Training Center.
Students from both county high schools toured the facility in the morning and took part in a wide range of simulation activities. The CCTC then offered similar activities for community members from 2-6 p.m.
"Students were able to use our welding simulators and experience how the ambulance simulator and sim man [paramedic simulation patient] work," said Donna Bittinger, GC's director of workforce training. "There were a lot of cool things for the students to do."
Julie Yoder, dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, said the open house "provided a valuable opportunity for high school students and community members to learn more about our programs."
"Students who complete our training programs earn industry-recognized credentials, preparing them for in-demand jobs at the local and regional levels," added Yoder. "We encourage anyone unable to attend last week's Open House who is interested in touring the facility or learning more about our programs to contact our Workforce Training team."
Brenda Murphy, Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) office associate, suggested students who don't expect to work in the trades might still wish to learn some of the skills available through workforce training. She used welding as an example.
"If you have welding training, you can use those skills to fix a truck or weld a muffler back together," said Murphy. "You could also learn what kind of welding is needed for what kind of activities. For example, a pontoon boat requires aluminum welders."
Karen Linton, an academic success specialist in workforce development, noted students who learn trade skills via workforce training programs can later use that training for college-level credit.
"Garrett's Professional & Technical Studies degree provides the opportunity to use certifications and licensures earned in career training within that degree," said Linton, noting welding, machining, truck driving, and certified clinical medical assistant are among the programs that can lead to credits under that degree.