Newsletter for Job-Seekers December 7, 2020

Maine Department of Labor sent this bulletin at 12/04/2020 03:09 PM EST
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MAINE JOBLINK NEWSLETTER FOR JOB-SEEKERS

Week of December 7, 2020

  • Maine Labor Commissioner urges Congress to act as Unemployment benefits for 35,000 Mainers could end this month
  • Earn while you learn: Free CNA training for jobs in Southern Maine
  • BIW organizes two-day drive-through hiring event
  • Construction training info sessions in Lewiston this week
  • YouTube presentation about being a Registered Maine Apprentice
  • Online info session about free computer support/IT tech training
  • Special job fair planned for Part-Time and Flex-Time jobs on Dec. 15
  • Maine JobLink updates are postponed
  • Have a job interview coming up? Watch and learn!

SOME UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS COULD END THIS MONTH: COMMISSIONER URGES CONGRESS TO ACT

Unless Congress takes action, the federal unemployment programs known as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) are scheduled to end on Dec. 26.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman sent a letter to the members of Maine's Congressional Delegation, expressing her gratitude and urging them to continue working to keep unemployment taxes for Maine businesses as low as possible, and to extend and further support unemployment programs for Maine workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. 

In a press release, Commissioner Fortman said “We estimate that there are roughly 35,000 Mainers who are in danger of losing unemployment benefits when the federal CARES Act unemployment programs expire on December 26.

“The Department has paid out about $1.68 billion in combined federal and state unemployment benefits since March, funds that help people pay their bills and put food on the table. We are urging Congress to take action and take steps to help support Maine businesses and laid off workers as they continue to navigate the challenges created by this unprecedented public health and economic crisis.”

The Commissioner’s full letter with her recommendations for detailed action can be read here: https://www.maine.gov/labor/news_events/article.shtml?id=3701158

Meanwhile, if you are receiving benefits through these programs, or will be exhausting your available benefits, we urge you to connect with your local CareerCenter. CareerCenters can connect you to training opportunities and information about jobs. For more information, please visit www.mainecareercenter.gov, call 1-888-457-8883, or email MaineDOL.CareerCenter@maine.gov.

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EARN WHILE YOU LEARN: FREE ONLINE CNA TRAINING

Employment as trainee Certified Nursing Assistants with First Atlantic is available at these locations:

  • Seal Rock Healthcare, Saco
  • Seaside Healthcare, Portland
  • Falmouth By The Sea, Falmouth
  • Hawthorne House, Freeport

 

Earn while you learn. Apply for employment at https://firstatlantic.com/  or contact Deb Calhoun at debrac@firstatlantic.com  (207) 717-9303. Application deadline Jan. 12, 2021

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BATH IRON WORKS PLANS TWO-DAY HIRING EVENT AT FUNTOWN-SPLASHTOWN

BIW shipbuilding operator General Dynamics plans a two-day hiring event at the Funtown-Splashtown recreation park in Saco, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. These are drive-through events, so masks and remaining in-car are required for the public health. On-the-spot interviews will be conducted. The park is at 774 Portland Road, Saco.

The CareerCenter system also currently lists two other virtual hiring events; view and sign up for them at www.mainecareercenter.gov and click on Job Fairs.

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LEWISTON CONSTRUCTION TRAINING:  TWO INFO SESSIONS THIS WEEK

A program of training for the construction industry is being organized in Lewiston, and is expected to begin in February 2021. Students will get work experience with local employers and may be eligible for on-the-job training upon completion of the program. 

To qualify, participants must be able to pass the CASAS test in reading and math, have the right to work in the United States, and successfully complete an eligibility screening. Participants should also be able to pass an employer-sponsored drug screening. The program offers a Work Ready credential, NCCER, OSHA 10, RRP certification, and instruction about workplace safety, hand- and power-tools, measuring, fractions, and basic geometry. Information sessions are planned for:

  • Dec. 7
  • Dec. 11
  • Dec. 16

To register for one of these sessions, call Lewiston Adult Education at (207) 784-2928, or contact the Adult Learning Center at Longley School.

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SMALL-BUSINESS ASSISTANCE TO PREPARE FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Many unemployed people today are the owners of small businesses affected by COVID-19. Now is the time to assess the impact the pandemic has had on business. Create a plan to sustain your business with step-by-step assessment tools. Make better decisions about the future of your business and its recovery. 

Visit https://www.mainesbdc.org/resource-center/home/?fbclid=IwAR30cgjyEdD_anYsiAtFPp12HtGKbBg0sbuPKDUkgCMu4rxW4eE3GMEE4u8 

These services are offered by the Maine Small Business Development Centers, 55 Exeter St., Portland 04102. (207) 780-4420.

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LEWISTON CONSTRUCTION TRAINING PROGRAM OFFERS THREE INFO SESSIONS

A program of training for the construction industry is being organized in Lewiston, and is expected to begin in February 2021. Students will get work experience with local employers and may be eligible for on-the-job training upon completion of the program. 

To qualify, participants must pass the CASAS test in reading and math, have the legal right to work in the United States, and successfully complete an eligibility screening. Participants should also be able to pass an employer-sponsored drug screening. The program offers a Work Ready credential, NCCER, OSHA 10, RRP certification, and instruction about workplace safety, hand- and power-tools, along with measuring, fractions, and basic geometry. Information sessions are planned for:

  • 7
  • 11
  • 16

To register for an information session, call Lewiston Adult Education at (207) 784-2928, or contact the Adult Learning Center at Longley School.

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APPRENTICESHIP PRESENTATION ON YOUTUBE

The Maine Department of Labor recently recorded a webinar with the construction company Reed & Reed, describing what it’s like to work as a Registered Maine Apprentice. Includes useful information about Apprenticeships in general. To view it, click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YRMHV0S_Wk&feature=youtu.be

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INFO SESSION DEC. 10 EXPLAINS FREE TRAINING AS COMPUTER SUPPORT/HELP-DESK TECHS

The TechHire computer tech training program is holding an information session, online at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. Come learn more about the TechHire program and the CompTIA A+ Academies.

This event is an opportunity to learn about the training from instructors and participants, and learn about the requirements (see below) and next steps to enroll all from the comfort of your own home. This event will be via Zoom, so please register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvd-CuqDwqGNXfm_sU0yhxTyTdOwq5WVCk. Once registered you will receive an email with information to join the event.

DETAILS:

  • WHEN: Various course start dates through March 2021. Day and evening cohorts available.
  • WHERE: Your home, through live online instruction. Required for participation: Digital device and internet. If a digital device is needed, it may be possible to borrow one.
  • WHAT: Knowledge and skill development in digital literacy and IT support: including hardware and software troubleshooting, operating systems, and communication and procedure.
  • RESULT: Participants earn two industry certifications: IC3® & CompTIA® A+. You will be prepared for employment as a computer user support specialist/help desk technician.

PREREQUISITES:

  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Authorized for work in U.S.
  • Testing required
  • Resident of Maine
  • Ages 17-29
  • Not enrolled in high school

To browse a full list of course start dates, or to register, visit this website:

https://bangor.maineadulted.org/techhire-maine-comptia-a-academies/

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JOB FAIR PLANNED FOR PART-TIME AND FLEX-TIME JOBS

Maine Department of Labor is organizing a job fair aimed at recruiting for businesses who have part-time and flex-time job opportunities for Maine workers. This live event is being arranged for 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, and will be presented online. Details of how jobseekers can register are expected to appear in next week’s edition of the Maine JobLink Newsletter.

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CHANGES TO MAINE JOBLINK POSTPONED

The Maine Department of Labor has postponed the planned update to the Maine JobLink. The update is now expected to take place toward the end of February 2021.

Meanwhile, we continue to urge you to use your JobLink accounts regularly as part of your search for work. If you need help learning to use the JobLink to its full extent, consider signing up for a CareerCenter online workshop that explains how to get the best out of the system.

The free workshop called “Creating and Navigating Your Maine JobLink Account” demonstrates how to use a personalized jobseeker account, and is offered online 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-800-760-1573, or email augusta.careercenter@maine.gov to reserve your spot.

And if you need help reactivating your JobLink account, including resetting your Password or recovering your User ID, contact a CareerCenter at www.mainecareercenter.gov, call 1-888-457-8883, or email MaineDOL.CareerCenter@maine.gov.

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HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW COMING UP?

There are many ways to fail a job interview, and perhaps the most common reason is not understanding how to tell the employer about your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. But succeeding can be just as easy, if you have a good idea what the employer needs to hear from you.

The Internet is filled with helpful examples of good interviews and bad interviews. We suggest you try out a short YouTube film posted at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1bu5s3zGQs to get an idea of what a good interview consists of.

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HELP FOR LAID-OFF WORKERS

Maine Dept. of Labor offers a program to help workers who have been laid off or have otherwise lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The program is called Rapid Response, and details can be obtained by viewing a YouTube video posted by us at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOyBfIW2LQw&feature=youtu.be.

Rapid Response sessions describe important information such as your health insurance options, registering on our Maine JobLink job-search website, help with your immediate employment needs, a description of CareerCenter services available to you, and explaining that you are probably eligible for occupational training at no cost to you.

This training might be used to increase your skills in your regular work, or to help prepare you for other kinds of work. To find out who provides occupational training in your part of Maine, you can also check the news item called TRAINING & JOB SEARCH that appears lower down in this newsletter.

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FOR VETERANS

Wednesday Dec. 9, 2020 10–11 a.m. Presentation: USERRA Round Table Discussion – Service Members/Veterans Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Facilitated by Debbie Kelly, Maine Director US DOL VETS; Dennis Wellman, ESGR Maine Committee Chair; and Bethanie Mazzaro, ESGR Volunteer Support Technician. This session will provide an overview of USERRA, resources available and an opportunity to ask questions.

Wednesday Dec. 16, 2020 10 –11 a.m. Presentation: Veteran Hiring for Employers-Basic Training – MDOL Veterans Representatives Local Veteran Employment Representative Leo Deon will present on strategies and tactics useful to employers looking to hire Veterans. Topics be addressed include military culture & values, decoding the military discharge document (DD 214) in addition to interviewing Veterans. This is a “must attend” presentation for any business seeking to hire Veterans.

To register for these presentations, email us at MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov.


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MORE ONLINE WORKSHOPS

These free workshops are provided by the Maine Department of Labor’s regional partners. Choose any from the list and register on the Eventbrite website below:               

For details of all workshops and to register, go to  www.eventbrite.com/o/maines-workforce-collaborative-30966159321

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FREE ONLINE COLLEGE CLASSES FOR THE WORKFORCE

Maine Community Colleges are offering more than 25 free online training programs tied to skills and jobs in demand in Maine. For information: https://www.mccs.me.edu/workforce-training/ and click on the link called “See the list of current offerings”.

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TRAINING & JOB SEARCH

Need help finding or maintaining employment, or interested in job training? CareerCenter regional partners offer financial training assistance to eligible individuals. Check out these offerings in your county:

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THIS WEEK’S JOBS ACROSS MAINE

  1. There are over 10,000 job orders posted on the Maine JobLink, below are samples
  2. See them and more at maine.gov/
  3. The reference numbers will help you find these jobs in your Maine JobLink account
  4. Many of these employers have multiple jobs; be sure to check them too

 

The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs.
Auxiliary aids and services are available to people with disabilities upon request.