Workforce Development
What is workforce?
- Workforce development refers to the ongoing process of enhancing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of the workforce within an organization, community, or industry. The goal of workforce development is to improve the productivity, efficiency, and adaptability of individuals so that they can contribute effectively to the success of their employers and the overall economic development.
Workforce Development Opportunities
Harold Alfond Center for Advancement of Maine’s Workforce
The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce coordinates all short-term workforce training programs for Maine’s community colleges, working closely with business leaders and workforce specialists throughout the state.
The Center, launched in 2021, speeds the delivery of critical training to both trainees and employers. The Alfond Center will serve 24,000 Mainers by 2025 in these three areas:
Pre-Hire Training – learn the skills needed to enter a new profession.
Incumbent Worker Training – upskill your current, front-line workforce.
Scholarships – continue on in a certificate or degree program.
Not only does this program help current employers, but it also focuses on individuals who are looking for a specific training. Be sure to check out their page; for employers and for individuals.
Eastern Maine Development Corporation
“As the statewide leader in workforce development, our direct services support and sustain business and workforce growth. At EMDC, our Workforce Team offers individualized services and training to people and employers, helping them identify goals and create a plan for their future.”
Career Counseling & Support Services
For more information or questions, please contact the EMDC Workforce team, or you can email Amy Collinsworth or Kevin Gregory directly.
Katahdin Higher Education Center
Here in the Katahdin Region, we are fortunate enough to have local access to many different workforce development, trainings, and classes held at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC). The Katahdin Higher Education Center is an off-site location of EMCC, which is based out of Bangor, Maine.
The Katahdin Higher Education Center is constantly growing and evolving to fit the needs of the Katahdin Region. You can view their list of current trainings, certifications, and classes here. If you don’t see what you are looking for, reach out to Deb Rountree at [email protected] and see how she can help get you what you need.
Maine Career Center
Maine CareerCenters provide a variety of employment and training services at no charge for Maine workers and businesses. Whether you are looking to improve your job qualifications, explore a different profession, find a new career or hire an employee, the CareerCenter can help.
Visit their website to see what all they have to offer.
Maine Small Business Development Center
A hub for small business that includes free learning opportunites and webinars, business planning tools, and other resources necessary to launch your small business idea, or bring your current business to the next level.
“Since 1977, the Maine SBDC has been recognized as a leader in the small business economic and development arenas. The SBDC concept is a simple but effective one: assist entrepreneurs and small businesses through no-cost confidential business advising and training.”
Current Learning Opportunities
Mental Health First Aid Training – This will take place at Veteran’s Memorial Library in Patten from 9am-5pm on March 29th. Everybody is welcome to join this training, however you must register prior to the event by email Julie.
Culinary Bootcamp – A FREE training provided by Katahdin Region Higher Education and Eastern Maine Community College. The first cohort will run March 27-May 8th, the second cohort will be May-July. Trainees will leave this class with a ServSafe Certificate. Please reach out to Jasmine at [email protected] with any questions or to register.
Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) – A FREE training provided by Katahdin Region Higher Education and Eastern Maine Community College. This will begin April 22nd and run through June 15th. Enrollment caps out at 10 students, so get registered today! Email Jasmine at [email protected] for more.
Wilderness First Aid – This training is provided by Katahdin Region Higher Education and Eastern Maine Community College and will take place on June 19 and 20th. There is a fee of $300 per student to cover cost of books and certificates. This is a great course for folks who plan to get outside and enjoy all that the Katahdin Region has to offer! Email Jasmine at [email protected] for more.
(Tentative) EMT Training – This training will be provided by Katahdin Region Higher Education and Eastern Maine Community College. While there are still some details to be put together on this course, the Katahdin Region Higher Education Center is currently gathering a list of folks interested. Reach out to Jasmine at [email protected] if you are interested.
Managing a Business – Join Maine SBDC’s Business Advisor Peter Piconi and special guests as they highlight the state of the industry, business models/metrics, and the growth opportunities and challenges for Maine in 2024. Whether you are an outdoor-loving entrepreneur looking to identify a “side gig” or an established business looking to roll out additional streams of income you will leave with a better understanding of your options! Click HERE for more information.
Katahdin Region Employment Opportunities
For Katahdin Region job opportunites, please click here.