The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of August 15 and August 22, 2022

What to Know!

Basic pathways to employment can involve several choices.  The most common first choice is to complete High School or it’s equivalence.  This single choice opens many pathways that maybe closed off to those that did not gain a diploma. 

Pathway 1. Workforce Training Certificate

Pathway 2. Community College Degree or Certificate

Pathway 3. University Degree

Pathway 4. Organized Labor Training/Apprenticeship Certificate

Pathway 5. Military

However, there are a variety of potentially easy and high-quality jobs out there that don’t require a high school diploma or GED. These jobs can range from customer service to construction, as well as entry-level roles that can lead to high-paying positions with experience.

The career pathway you decide you want to take will lead you on a journey.  This journey is in perpetual motion with feedback to every new level you decide to take.  In essence, you start by discovery yourself and making a portfolio of who you are. Then comes the career exploration and where to go next. After which you need to develop your skills filling in those needs that your career choice requires, and finally persueing your goals with descriptions of how you got there.  Remember, this is a loop, as you discover your goals a person generally evaluates on where they started and where they’ve gone; you start again to discover more about yourself and so on.

The 8th Annual Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign for 2022 is nearly open. Come join us at the kick-off event as we welcome nearly 300 employers and resource providers to the Augusta Civic Center on August 18th from 10 am to 3 pm. This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Federal Workshop –  Tips for Job Seekers – 8/10 – Preregistration

Federal Workshop –  Resume Webinar – 8/17 - Preregistration

August is:

Happiness Happens Month - Happiness Happens is a celebration and encouragement for people to take a look at their lives and try to share the little things that make them happy each day with others. Happiness is a choice. Remembering happiness does not mean you are problem free. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a life-long pursuit. Joy can be anywhere at any time. Enjoy everything and anything that makes you happy. 

Notable Quote:

“The only way to do great work is to do what you love. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, Don’t settle.” —Steve Jobs

Training Talk!

Have you ever wanted to work for yourself?  Maine is one of the top states for entrepreneurs with lots of resources to help you succeed. Here are the basics to help you get started:

1. Know your Market! – “What are you going to do?”
2. Write a Business Plan
3. Business Funding – Assess your finances
4. Location, location, location
5. Select a Legal Structure
6. Select a Business Name, then protect it!
7. Register your new business
8. Your business needs a Federal and State tax ID
9. Apply for licenses and permits
10. Business Banking

Veterans, you have the added benefit of attending the Boots to Business/SBA 2 Day Entrepreneurial Training for Vets

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

8/16 - Lewiston CareerCenter Outside Hiring Event

8/18 – Augusta 8th Annual Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign

8/20 –  Bath Iron Works Drive-Thru Event at L/A Harley Davidson

8/22 & 23 - Bath Iron Works Walk In Event at the Augusta Civic Center

8/23 - Community Health and Counseling Services in Bangor

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

Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:

8/16 – Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals w/Criminal History

8/16 - Maine's Employment & Training Program Info Session

And MORE!

It is recommended that claimants take advantage of CareerCenter services. CareerCenters are back open to the public on specific days and times.  The CareerCenter can also be reached by email at MaineDOL.CareerCenter@maine.gov, by phone/text at 207-623-7981, or by live-chat at https://www.MaineCareerCenter.gov 

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.