The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of April 22th and 29th, 2024

What to Know 

Landscaping in Maine can feel intimidating with its short summers and long, cold winters. Even homeowners with the greenest thumbs need to take extra precautions when landscaping their homes as the weather in Maine can be unforgiving. If you’re looking for some Maine landscaping tips for a lush landscape and bountiful garden, even if only for a few months out of the year here are five great tips to ensure your landscaping success.

• Know your Plant Zones- Maine has 6 plant zones
• Incorporate Native Species to attract pollinators
• Plant Shrubs and Trees Close Together to provide winter warmth
• Lay Down Mulch to block weeds and retain moisture
• Hire a local Landscaping Team—when all else fails hire a PRO!!!

Veterans Corner

Lawmakers in Augusta have approved a bill providing property tax relief to a broader group of Maine veterans and their families, while also extending a greater measure of relief to veterans with qualifying disabilities. The amended version of the bill primarily seeks to provide relief to Maine veterans by expanding the statutory eligibility criteria for a deduction. under this new legislation, a veteran is no longer required to have served during a federally recognized war period to receive this relief. Additionally, certain survivors would also be able to access these benefits — including an un-remarried widow or minor child — in the event of a veteran’s death. Also encompassed under the proposed law would be the parent of a deceased veteran who is 62 or older and is an un-remarried widow or widower receiving compensation from the Federal Government based upon the service-connected death of his or her child. The bill includes more significant deductions for veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the federal government of 60 percent or greater, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the extent of their disability.

Training Talk

A program is shining a light on new Mainers, helping to connect them with job opportunities in the field of renewable energy.

Recently, a dozen electrical pre-apprentices installed solar panels on a practice roof as part of ReVision Energy's eight-week pre-apprenticeship program. New Mainers learn about safety and experience hands-on training on solar and heat pump installation, a growing field with a shortage of workers. After finishing the program, pre-apprentices will earn an OSHA 10 certification and be ready to become electrical apprentices.  Those behind the program say 60 percent of participants who looked for a job in renewable energy last year found one.

Notable Quote:

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”. –Native American Proverb

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

• 4/22—Healthcare Hiring Event at the Lewiston CareerCenter
• 4/23—Hiring Event Sponsored by FedCap & the Portland CareerCenter
• 4/23—Hiring Event Sponsored by Coastal Recovery Community Center and the Rockland CareerCenter
• 4/25—Hiring Event Sponsored by the Augusta CareerCenter

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

Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:

• 4/24—Fort Liberty-Online-2024-04-24-Boots to Business
• 4/26—Trauma Informed Compassion Across Cultures
• 5/3— Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History by Maine’s Workforce Collaborative

CareerCorner – April/May Flight Attendant

A flight attendant is a member of an aircraft’s in-flight crew who is responsible for guiding passengers, monitoring safety, responding to emergencies, serving food and drink, and attending to the needs of passengers. They provide information and services to passengers and should excel at communication, problem-solving, and customer service. Flight attendants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and must undergo three to six weeks of on-the-job training, after which they must pass an exam to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, flight attendants had an average annual salary of $63,760 in 2022, and the job outlook is expected to grow faster than average.

And MORE!

May 7^th is SkillsUSA National Signing Day, a nationwide celebration showcasing the next generation of skilled professionals and the skilled career paths that have been, are and always will be essential to America’s future. Each May, local SkillsUSA chapters are encouraged to host a National Signing Day event and invite industry partners, administrators, teachers, elected officials, SkillsUSA alumni, family, and friends to honor students as they sign letters of intent for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced technical training.

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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.