The MaineLinks Newsletter

The MaineLinks Weeks of March 28, and April 4, 2022

What to Know!

Let’s say that you have spent some time exploring new careers, and you are excited to have identified a professional goal. You know what job you want now. To get to this point, you thought about a lot of different occupations, and you considered your interests and skills. You reflected on your values. In addition to your online career research, you spoke with people you trust, to get their advice. Congratulations – all of this is important!  Now, what comes next?

• Sometimes additional training, certification, or a degree will be a requirement to fulfill before you can be hired. Cost can be a barrier to continuing your education, so reviewing all the different ways to afford training and education programs is a recommended early step in your journey.
• There are additional ways for veterans to explore funding their education.
• MEOC – Maine Educational Opportunity Center holds workshops to explain the different steps and how to plan for college.
• On the CareerCenter website you can learn about the CSSP – Competitive Skills Scholarship Program. Look for the green button on the CareerCenter home page for info and how to apply.
• MCF – Maine Community Foundation - The Maine Community Foundation awarded $3.5 million in scholarships last year. There are over 625 available funds with more added every year. If you or someone you know could benefit from a scholarship for secondary education, look through or share the scholarship listings.
• Some employers will help support your training while you work. Check out these professional opportunities in healthcare. Learn about the Maine Apprenticeship Program. Ask employers if they provide any tuition reimbursement for studies related to your job – that can be a great benefit!

What if you already have taken a loan for your education, and you need help paying it off? The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program  (PSLF) helps people working in public service jobs, and a variety of fields qualify for PSLF. For this program, it’s less about your job title and more about the organization you work for. There are plenty jobs that qualify for this program.

Contact the CareerCenters hotline 207-623-7981 with your questions about career exploration, education, and training.

March is:

National Credit Education Month, an opportunity to brush up on your finance skills! Throughout the month, take steps to learn more about handling credit.

Notable Quote:

“All I want is an education, and I am afraid of no one.” – Malala Yousafzai

Training Talk!

• Earn While You Learn - Healthcare Training Opportunities
• Essentials of College Planning
• FREE Digital Literacy / Computer Classes
• Job Corps offers FREE Training for jobseekers ages 16 – 24
  • Loring Job Corps Center        Penobscot Job Corps Center
• Maine Adult Education
• New Ventures Maine Job & Business Classes
• SCORE’s Small Business Training Workshops

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

• Calais Community Hospital – virtual event – March 31
• Hannaford in Rockland – April 2
• Job Fair at Machias CareerCenter – April 6
• Hannaford in Rockland – April 9

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

• Your Maine JobLink Account – Wednesdays
• Career Exploration presented by EMDC – Tuesdays
• Create and Promote Your LinkedIn Account – April 13

And MORE!

CA$H Maine is a statewide collaboration of ten coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability. Since 2003, they have offered free tax preparation to qualified filers during tax season and educated hard-working families and individuals about programs in their community that can increase their income, reduce debt, and build savings. 

Maine.gov online services make it possible to complete your transactions with state and local government online, saving you time and hassle.

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.