The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of March 27 and April 3, 2023

What to Know!

There is good news for the state of disability - hiring. More are using outside assistance for onboarding workers with disabilities. We also saw more employers adopting training on disability issues and cultural competence in 2022 and reaching out to government and local resources regarding the provision of accommodations. Not only is it an untapped and talented candidate market, but the decision to focus on disability inclusion affects the bottom line. Tips for creating an equitable workplace for disabled employees:

• Consider the work & communicate the requirements in job posts
• Educate your employees and managers about disability equity
• Enact policies & training for disability hiring & accommodations
• Adapt your workplace to accommodate people with disabilities

Veterans Corner

The University of Maine has been designated a 2023–2024 Military Friendly School and ranked among the top performers nationwide in veteran student support and success during and after college. Military Friendly School designations, administered by the veteran-owned business VIQTORY, are granted to colleges and universities that have high retention, graduation and job placement rates among veterans and other students. UMaine also received a silver rank in the Tier 1 research institution category, meaning it scored within 20 percent of the 10th-ranked Military Friendly School in the nation for that category.  The VETS Center, located in Room 161 of the Memorial Union, is the key provider of services to student veterans at UMaine.

Training Talk!

Four Career and Technical Education (CTEs) schools in Maine will receive $15 million in grant funding through the Maine Jobs & Recovery plan for program, equipment, and facility upgrades.  The grant funding will allow the CTEs to build new facilities or add to existing facilities to expand hands on, real-world programs for Maine students in plumbing, electrical, building construction, hospitality, EMT, welding, & more. This $15 million grant funding is part of a larger $20 million investment to expand CTEs in Maine, including following $4.5 million in awards to 23 CTE programs to purchase and upgrade equipment to enhance student learning experiences and career preparation for high-skilled, in-demand industries. 

CareerCorner – March/April – Orthodontist

To become an orthodontist, one must first graduate high school and then go on to get a bachelor’s degree in pre-dental field such as dental hygiene.  One must then take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) a standardized exam administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) to get accepted in Dental School.  Following Dental School, clinical training, and achieving dental licensure an orthodontics residency is required for additional training and licensing and finally a Board Certification by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABC).

Notable Quote:

“April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks, Go!”

-Christopher Morley

March is:

• National Social Work Month

April is: 

• National Financial Literacy Month
• Occupational Therapy Month
• National English Language Month

Hiring Events: (Click on the “Hiring Events” link for full list)

• 3/29 - Central Maine Career Resource Fair - KVCC Fairfield, ME
• 4/4 -  FedCap & Lewiston CareerCenter Hiring Event in Oxford
• 4/5 -  Portland CareerCenter 1^st Wednesday Hiring Event
• 4/14 - Lisbon Career Expo - Town of Lisbon, Lisbon High School, & the Lewiston Career Center

Workshops: (click on the “Workshops” link for more)

• 03/28 - Maine Cyber/IT Apprenticeships, A Workforce Solution
• 04/07 - Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History - Presented by Workforce Solutions
• 04/12 - Stress Solutions Workshop- American Red Cross

And MORE!

Get back on track with your education and career goals with assistance from MaineHousing’s ReStart program. ReStart is a program that helps people with their employment and educational goals. ReStart also puts money in a savings account to be used to pursue homeownership or other goals when participants successfully graduate from the program. Program participants receive help from a ReStart Coach to find the resources they need to meet their goals.

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Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters provide equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.