Employ Prince George’s presented a briefing on Oct. 27 about services for displaced federal workers, describing outreach efforts, a program budget and workforce supports aimed at helping furloughed or laid‑off federal employees transition to other employment.

Jeffrey Swilly, interim president and CEO of Employ Prince George’s, said the agency has directly enrolled roughly 500 federal workers in its services and previously reached out to about 2,000 workers registered with state unemployment services. The agency has used existing outreach and a January job and resource fair that drew approximately 1,000 job seekers and 60 employers as part of its engagement effort.

Brianna Capuano, director of career services, said Employ Prince George's has earmarked about $200,000 in remaining ARPA funds to support a targeted initiative. That funding is intended to support paid work experiences, on‑the‑job training and upskilling scholarships; Capuano said that level of funding would directly support roughly 50 participants in paid placements but that the agency can provide other non‑stipend services to additional job seekers.

Services described include career counseling, resume workshops that translate federal resumes to private‑sector formats, networking and headshot events, regular job and resource fairs, and one‑on‑one career consultations that produce individualized employment plans. Employ Prince George’s also coordinates supportive services—transportation, childcare assistance and small stipends—for participants in occupational skills training, staff said.

Staff and council members discussed uptake barriers: federal pay scales and benefits can make private‑sector offers less attractive; some displaced workers are seeking wage parity; and employers sometimes have unannounced or near‑term openings that job seekers can pursue. Staff said the agency is building employer lists, strengthening employer partnerships and offering pre‑fair readiness workshops to help job seekers “work the room.”

The briefing also addressed youth workforce concerns. Agency staff said some adult and youth participants demonstrate reading and math skill gaps that impede placement in training; Employ Prince George’s will continue remedial supports and emphasized planned tools such as a mobile career exploration lab due in March 2026 that will offer simulated experiences in healthcare, emergency medical services, transportation and trades.

Council members and Employ Prince George’s agreed to continue coordination on job fairs and referrals; the agency asked council members to send employer job postings and partner referrals so they can be shared through the local job center network.