The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of Weeks of June 5 and 12, 2023

What to Know!

Maine’s inland and coastal beaches are known worldwide for their natural beauty and, of course, great swimming! Our beaches are wonderful places for families to enjoy summer days in Maine, but when lakes, ponds, and coastal beaches become crowded or contaminated runoff reaches the beaches following rain events potential health risks exist. What YOU can do while at the beach: 

• Avoid swallowing water and try not to let any in your mouth.
• Change diapers away from the water’s edge—in a bathroom if possible —and dispose of in a sanitary manner; germs can spread if dirty diapers are not sealed properly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, hand sanitizers, or sanitary wipes after using the bathroom or cleaning children.
• Feel nauseous or have diarrhea? Don’t swim. Tell the lifeguard or beach manager of any accidents.
• Be aware that contamination of the water is typically the worst following signficant rainfall.

Veterans Corner

The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act will ensure GI benefits can be used at more commercial driving program (CDL) schools - helping veterans maintain access to good jobs while providing trucking companies with additional workers.  The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act will open up more opportunities for veterans to utilize the skills they learned in the military like operating large vehicles.  Currently, if an approved trucking school opens a secondary facility in a new location, existing laws require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and state regulators to deny the branch’s ability to receive GI bill benefits for two years.  This legislation is supported by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the American Trucking Association, and the Commercial Vehicle Training Association.

Training Talk!

Dead River Company opened a new training facility in Bangor to provide workforce training programs. The Dead River Institute (DRI) location is one of two in the state that offers training programs.

In partnership with Eastern Maine Community College and the Maine Community College System, Dead River Company is able to make some of its training programs at no cost to students through the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce. The DRI offers oil and propane technician apprenticeships, oil-heat technician programs, and delivery driver training. The DRI is just one of many EMCC programs designed to help workforce development, as workforce training is at the forefront of the college's mission.  The Dead River Company also has a training facility in Sanford.

Notable Quote:

“Struggle is a never ending process.  Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation” - Coretta Scott King

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

• 6/7—Greater Portland CareerCenter Event-345 Clark’s Pond, South Portland, ME-Sponsored by the Portland CareerCenter
• 6/8-- City of Auburn Housing & Employment Symposium- Festival Plaza, Main St., Auburn
• 6/14--The  Brunswick Mall Downtown Hiring Event- sponsored by the Southern Midcoast CareerCenter and the Town of Brunwick

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

• Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:
• 6/6—Maine’s Employment & Training Program Info Session by Eastern Maine Development Corporation
• 6/15—Searching for Work 55+ With or Without Health & Physical Restriction presented by Goodwill Workforce Solutions

CareerCorner –June – ConservationistA conservationist is a professional who preserves, manages, and improves the planet’s land, wildlife, and natural resources.  Conservationists can work both in the field gathering data and surveying the land as well as in labs and classrooms conducting research and educating others on conservation efforts. A conservation scientist position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, agriculture, forestry, or related fields. Conservationists may work for all levels of the government or for privately owned organizations and advocacy groups. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary for conservationists in is $63,750. Conservationists’ responsibilities may include performing research, assessing local ecologies, engaging in political lobbying and advocacy, and collaborating with outside organizations and individuals to develop conservation plans and guidelines.

And MORE!

The Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) provides funding and support services for eligible Maine residents to pursue two and four-year degree programs or employer recognized credentials leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs in Maine.

Did you miss the last newsletter? Ensure you subscribe for more updates from the Maine Department of Labor.

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