Maine has existing workforce pathways into the Maine Space economy from world-renowned academic institutions with top-rated aerospace programs and R1 research ratings including MIT, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, University of Maine, and Northeastern University, as well as multiple local community college systems and technical training schools.
As a state with one of the highest rates of adults with high school education or better, Maine has the talent a growing industry needs to thrive. Maine is home to over 25 institutions of higher education, including 7 community colleges that work with employers and the Maine CareerCenters to provide customized workforce training. Maine recognizes the importance of the trades and is investing in the future through 27 technical education high schools.
Maine’s higher education system is further strengthened by three world class research universities, the University of Maine, Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, and the University of New England. The Roux Institute in downtown Portland is a graduate school for advanced technology and life science research that is producing top-tier talent for Maine’s growing tech and life science industries. Additionally, some of the nation’s oldest and best liberal arts colleges are located in Maine, attracting top minds from around the world to the state.
Maine recognizes that the workforce of the future is changing and has seen a surge in people moving to Maine to take advantage of remote work options. Maine has become a destination for remote workers given its competitive housing costs, incredible restaurant/brewery scene, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
WORKFORCE TRAINING – SPECIALIZED TRAINING at local community colleges and universities for your business, customized to your business needs.
PRE-HIRE TRAINING – Maine’s community colleges offer short-term FREE training programs for workforce development.
WORKFORCE FUNDING – The Maine Workforce Development Compact offers member businesses training funds, scholarships, and personalized advising.
APPRENTICESHIPS – The Maine Apprenticeship Program has established “earn while you learn” apprenticeship work models customized to the specific needs of employers.
The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce coordinates short-term workforce training programs for Maine’s community colleges and business community. Working closely with business and industry leaders, the Center’s workforce specialists can work quickly to design training for your business needs.
The Center is part of a historic $60 million investment for workforce training. The Center is poised to serve 24,000 Mainers by 2025.
For more information: https://www.mccs.me.edu/workforce-training/
Ensure your skills match employers’ needs and sign up for one of our many short-term workforce training programs. Maine’s community colleges offer free training that ties your news skills into a high-demand job.
For more information: https://www.mccs.me.edu/workforce-training/for-trainees/
The Maine Workforce Development Compact comprises 300 Maine businesses, associations, nonprofits, and municipalities committed to working together to solve Maine’s workforce challenges.
Joining the Compact gives businesses access to funding and streamlined access to the Center’s services, which include:
Training for Compact members can occur at one of Maine’s community colleges, by a third-party training vendor, or through a company-based training.
For more information on joining the Compact, visit https://www.mccs.me.edu/workforce-training/maine-workforce-development-compact/
Maine’s community colleges have been working with the Maine Apprenticeship Program to establish apprenticeship work models customized to the specific needs of employers. The earn-while-you-learn model tailors curriculum and develops a workforce plan to meet the goals of any employer, based on their industry and specific needs. Grant funding is available to help subsidize training costs for many employers. A registered Maine apprenticeship requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom training.
For more information, contact Richard Sterrs at rsterrs@mccs.me.edu
The Remote Work for ME initiative offers free six- to nine-month workforce training programs to people living in rural Maine who want to work remotely. The training includes communications, time management, and equipment best practices around remote work, as well as occupational training that prepares learners to enter into a remote position in a health office occupation. Additional funding is available for equipment.
For more information, contact Joshua Howe at remotework@mccs.me.edu
