The MaineLinks October 18, 2021 Maine Department of Labor sent this bulletin at 10/18/2021 08:36 AM EDT The MaineLinks Newsletter Week of October 18, 2021 Training Resources & Information What to Know! Maine CareerCenters offer programs to help mitigate some barriers that certain populations may face. Two such programs are the Federal Bonding Program offering free provide Fidelity Bonds for “at-risk,” hard-to-place job seekers to employers who hire these individuals and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program where employers may receive a tax credit for hiring indivicuals from certain target groups. Maine’s economy is increasingly boosted by entrepreneurs, startups, and innovative businesses. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create about two-thirds of new jobs in the U.S. each year.Innovation and technology hold promise for new and existing enterprises, in farming, fishing, forestry, the arts, education, and more. Vet Centers provide services to Veterans who have served in any warzone or area of hostility/combat. Vet Center services are also extended to family members who experienced an active duty death and Veterans of any era who has experienced any form of military sexual trauma or harassment. This Week! Hiring Events: (Click on “Hiring Events” link for full list) Virtual Hiring Event: Camden National Bank ~ 10/19 Lewiston CareerCenter Outside Hiring Event ~ 10/20 MaineOxy On-Site Hiring Event ~ 10/20 Hire A Vet Virtual Hiring Event ~ 10/21 (Open to ALL) Pratt & Whitney Drive-In Hiring Event ~ 10/21 & 10/23 Workshops: (click on the “Workshop” link for more) Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History ~ 10/19 Employment & Training Program Info Session ~ 10/18 How Employment Helps End Veteran Homelessness ~ 10/19 Resume Workshops ~ Multiple Dates Federal Workshops Navigating USAJOBS - Finding & Applying for Federal Jobs ~ 10/19 Federal Employment: Where to Begin ~ 10/20 Writing Your Federal Resume~ 10/21 Training Talk! It is recommended that unemployment claimants take advantage of CareerCenter services. CareerCenters host a variety of hiring events, workshops, as well as one-on-one meetings with a consultant, to develop employment or training plans. The CareerCenter can be reached by email at MaineDOL.CareerCenter@maine.gov, by phone at 207-623-7981, or by live-chat at https://www.MaineCareerCenter.gov Need help paying rent or utilities? The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is accepting applications! This program helps eligible renters affected by COVID-19. Other Opportunities! Workforce Training: Various No-cost, Short-term Training. FREE Digital Literacy / Computer Classes Essentials of College Planning SCORE’s small business training workshops Job Corps offers FREE Training for jobseekers ages 16 – 24 Loring Job Corps Center Penobscot Job Corps Center And MORE! Homeless Veteran Standdown ~ October 19 in Lewiston Maine’s Hire-A-Vet Campaign is underway. Keep an eye out for the upcoming workshops and hiring events. All hiring events & most workshops are open to the public. October is: National Learning and Development Month encourages us to focus on broadening and advancing our skills. Life gets busy and many times the goals we set for ourselves get put on the back burner. Rededicate yourself this month to developing those skills to reach those goals. 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.