The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of April 8th and 15th, 2024

What to Know 

Maine's beloved outdoor trail network could receive millions of dollars of improvements under a proposal conservationist have asked lawmakers to put before voters. The state has long been a destination for hikers, cyclists, snowshoers and other outdoor adventurers, and the state has more than 14,000 miles of snowmobile trails alone. A proposal before the Maine Legislature would ask voters to approve $30 million in public money for the design, development, and maintenance of both motorized and nonmotorized trails. A coalition of more than 500 organizations, businesses and towns in the state has rallied behind the proposal. Members of the coalition, which includes ATV Maine, Maine Municipal Association, and the Maine Youth Camping Association, said investing in the trail network is critical to boosting the state's economy. The trails support tens of thousands of jobs. The proposal states that the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry would provide the money to municipalities and nonprofit organizations via a competitive grant process. Trail networks around the state are operated by local governments as well as private clubs and conservation organizations.

Veterans Corner

Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a free career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. O2O combines industry-validated curricula, strong partnerships with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies, and comprehensive career coaching services to prepare and match you with your next career. Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a no-cost industry-focused and validated career skills program that connects transitioning service members and active-duty military spouses to high-demand careers in Customer Service Excellence, Information Technology, and Business Management. 

Training Talk

Central Maine Community College in Auburn has received $3.3 million in congressionally directed spending to expand the school's health care training program. The Healthcare Training Expansion Project will allow the college to enroll more students and create programming to help fill the shortages of health care workers. The college’s nursing education and health care and wellness training spaces are already at full capacity. The award will be used to build and equip a 7,200-square-foot addition to Kirk Hall, expected to train an additional 100 nurses each year. The funds would also be used to expand programs, update science labs, improve the exercise science and physical fitness specialist programs, and enhance short-term workforce training programs in areas such as medical assistant, certified nurse assistant, basic life support certification and phlebotomy.

Notable Quote:

Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, here once the embattled farmers stood, & fired the shot heard round the world--Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

• 4/9—West Branch Farms at the Machias CareerCenter
• 4/11,4/18—Spring ’24 Thursday Hiring Events at SCAE
• 4/10,4/17—USPS Virtual Hiring Events
• 4/17—Southern Midcoast CareerCenter Hiring Event

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

Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:

• 4/9—Maine’s Employment & Training Program Info Session by Maine’s Workforce Collaborative
• 4/10—Legal Employee Housing Options by MOFGA and ME EEO
• 4/26—Trauma Informed Compassion Across Cultures

CareerCorner –April-Veterinary Technician

A Veterinary technicians are responsible for assisting veterinarians with  care. Working under a licensed veterinarian, their tasks may include performing intake of an animal, taking vital signs, conducting diagnostic tests, administering medications prescribed by the veterinarian, meeting with and educating the animal’s owner, and assisting the veterinarian with research. Most veterinary technician positions require an associate degree in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), but others may require a four-year bachelor’s degree. Vet techs must also pass the Veterinary Technician’s National Exam (VTNE) and become licensed by their state board before they can begin work.

And MORE!

Mark your calendars! May 6th-10th is the first annual national Youth in Apprenticeship Week! Employers, education providers, and organizations that sponsor registered apprenticeship and certified pre-apprenticeship programs statewide will be using this opportunity to highlight successful program models & best practices, celebrate the hard work & accomplishments of current program participants, and encourage curious students and workers to learn more. The Aquaculture Pioneers program is looking for pre-apprentices to work for some incredible employer partners in the Damariscotta region, Ellsworth, and Machias! 

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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.