Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board

The Union Construction Academy is offering a registered pre-apprenticeship program that provides certifications including OSHA-10, hands-on training, and soft-skills that give participants a great foundation for entering a career in the trades. The four-week sessions begin on April 27 and June 8 and offer, in addition to a general introduction, specialized sessions that will provide a pathway into the Ironworkers (May 14) and Laborers Unions (August 31). Program graduates will get help applying for union apprenticeships with excellent pay and benefits. You can find more information about the programs here: https://maineaflcio.org/uca
and the application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlRhfhldQvOruYClTsLKBxryWQ2W30PCDHN3jzJsFve80wOQ/viewform.

Union Construction Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Are you interested in a rewarding career with great pay and benefits? Do you appreciate the feeling you get after a hard-days work and a job well-done? Do you want to build new housing, improve aging infrastructure, and increase our supply of clean energy? Careers with Maine Building and Constructio...

The Maine Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is focused on expanding by seeking businesses, non-profits, associations, and sponsors of apprenticeship (including intermediary sponsors) who will partner in the growth of apprenticeship in Maine. MAP has released a Request for Application (RFA) looking to support efforts that grow registered apprenticeship capacity, strengthen workforce pipelines, and create more accessible pathways for Maine people to enter and advance in high-demand careers. Interested in applying? The RFA ( #202603031) is posted on the State of Maine VSS Portal. Check it out to see if you have ideas for one of their grants.
1. Click on the link: https://mevss.hostams.com/PRDVSS1X1/AltSelfService,
2. Click on the Public Access Button
3. Type *Apprenticeship* in the keyword search at the top
4. RFA link found on the next page.

The public access section is view only. If you would like to apply, you need a VSS login. You can create a login and register for a VSS on the same log-in page if you have not previously had a VSS login.

Apprenticeship has proven to be an effective strategy for addressing workforce challenges by combining paid on-the-job learning with related instruction. Join the effort to get Mainers into good jobs!

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Strengthen LA has a position for a Business & Workforce Program Manager. Strengthen LA, a program supported through the LA Chamber, helps to connect people to free and low-cost education + training in construction, early childhood education, or healthcare, putting them on a path to career advancement, stability, and higher wages. This job posting is on indeed. Check it out!

Business & Workforce Program Manager - Lewiston, ME 04240 - Indeed.com Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Join fellow employers to explore practical, business-smart ways to support workers who are employed but still struggling to afford everyday basics. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) workers are the backbone of our economy, and when they can achieve financial security, our entire community benefits.

United Way of Southern Maine's Support Beyond the Paycheck: Strengthening Your ALICE Workforce half-day summit will bring employers together to highlight practical, real-world strategies that go beyond wages, focusing on policies, partnerships, and practices that improve employee stability, retention, and performance.

Attendees will get a first look at a new ALICE Employer Toolkit—a practical, evolving resource with high-impact strategies tailored to Southern Maine’s workforce by fellow employers. Your insights will help shape and strengthen the toolkit.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=j-KZfKv4QkOjyP3yfzsFt7cMdVhlqnRKiVToaQwRsWlUQ0daRVQ1NEpBQzBCMlJPMkYzMFhFTTlFWSQlQCN0PWcu

Congratulations to the graduates of Lewiston Adult Education's Trades program. It is a great opportunity to learn valuable skills that are in-demand in Maine!

EMDC staff in the central western Maine area had a little gathering to celebrate the holidays and the great work they are doing in the region. Marianne, Heather, and Lisa are part of a dynamic team that has been helping people get trained, find good jobs, and helping employers fill their positions. If you or someone you know need help finding a job or a good employee, email [email protected].

Congratulations to Julia and staff at Tree Street Youth! The 14-year-old Lewiston nonprofit serving more than 1,000 young people annually – from pre-K through high school—received the prestigious Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award for 2025, during Educate Maine's annual symposium this December. Through WIOA youth funds, CWMWDB and its provider EMDC supported many Tree Street youth in work experiences. We are so pleased to partner with such a wonderful organization!

This event is hosted by the Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAME) with support from Blue Forge Alliance (“BFA”), a nonprofit, mission-driven partner accelerating the revitalization of the defense industrial base through non-traditional approaches that deliver speed, access and scale. As part of its mission to build supply chain capacity and resiliency, BFA is introducing itself to the community and bringing forward timely, high-value content on Digital Transformation and CMMC compliance—a critical topic for businesses seeking to compete in the defense supply chain.

Attended the open house for the Composite Engineering Research Laboratory at USM.

CERL is an analytical laboratory specializing in fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs). They provide contract analytical services, focused educational training, and product development support to companies in Maine and New England. They also provide laboratory support for advanced research initiatives within the University system.

They’ve worked with many Maine manufacturers for testing and solutions. Want to know if they can help you? Contact Drew Sfirri ([email protected]). Thanks for the tour, Drew, and the in depth explanation of your work!