The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development is looking to connect qualified city residents with job openings through the "Employ Baltimore—Ready to Work" program announced Tuesday.

 The program calls for employers to submit job openings to the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, which will connect qualified, pre-screened residents with jobs opportunities.

"Creating a strong workforce system that connects qualified, job-seeking residents with local employers looking to hire is an essential element of our goal to grow Baltimore by 10,000 families," Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said in a news release. "Employ Baltimore—Ready to Work for You is an easy way for businesses to save time and resources by finding pre-screened and qualified job seekers ready to work and contribute to their companies’ success."

The program is expected to work by employers submitting job opening to employment development via phone, fax or through the business services section of its website.

Potential employees must meet the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board’s 21st Century Job Readiness Standards. Residents will also need previous work experience,  a minimum of  a high school diploma and complete a pre-screening interview with employment development staff, according to the news release.

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