The MaineLinks Newsletter

Weeks of February 26th and March 4th, 2024

What to Know 

Foreign labor certification programs permit U.S. employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary or permanent basis to fill jobs essential to the U.S. economy. Certification may be obtained in cases where there are insufficient qualified U.S. workers available and willing to perform the work at wages that exceed the prevailing wage paid for that occupation in the geographical area of intended employment. Foreign labor certification programs are designed to assure that the admission of foreign workers into the United States on a permanent, or temporary, basis will not adversely affect the job opportunities, wages, and working conditions of U.S. workers.

• H-2A Temporary Labor Certification (Agricultural)

The H-2A labor certification program establishes a means for agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor, or services of a temporary, or seasonal nature.

• H-2B Temporary Labor Certifications (Nonagricultural)

The H-2B nonimmigrant program permits employers to hire foreign workers to come temporarily to the United States and perform temporary non-agriculture services, or labor on a one-time, seasonal, peak load, or intermittent basis.

Veterans Corner
Vets in the Valley Winter Session is being held at Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn on March 16^th from 10a.m.-5p.m.  All military veterans, active duty & reserve guard members & their families ski & snowboard free! All military veterans, regardless of the length of service, receive a free lift ticket that day for themselves and immediate family. Ski & Snowboard rental equipment is available for purchase at a special discounted Military rate of $35 (reg $50) for all vets and their dependents. Meet and greet with Veterans Agencies like Career Center Veteran Services, Veterans Inc., Gold Star Mothers, Vet Center Lewiston, Tri-County Mental Health Services and more!

Training Talk

The U.S. Department of Labor announced $52 million in grant funding for organizations that provide reentry services to incarcerated individuals before release from state correctional facilities or county or local jails. By eliminating gaps between release from prison or jail and enrollment in a workforce develop program, the funding will help enhance reintegration efforts and reduce recidivism. Authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, these Pathway Home grants allow organizations to establish partnerships with employers to help participants acquire training and industry-recognized credentials to  transition into employment and their communities. The funding will also support apprenticeships, occupational training & supportive services for participants after they return to their communities. 

Notable Quote:

“Know Your Worth, Then add Tax.”  — Various

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

• 2/28—Hiring Event: Northern Light Health Bangor
• 3/1 & 3/2—Hiring Event General Dynamics/ Bath Iron Works at the Lewiston CareerCenter
• 3/5—Hiring Event Sponsored by Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice and the Presque Isle CareerCenter

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

Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:

• 2/28—Introduction to the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III
• 2/29—Cultural Education: A journey through immigration (In-Person)
• 3/1—  Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History presented by Workforce Solutions

CareerCorner –February/March

A surveyor uses specialized field equipment to measure and record land areas and property boundaries. Surveyors must have strong math, technical, and communication skills, as they are responsible for measuring the land’s contours, elevation, and dimensions for use by mapmakers, engineers, and public officials. Most surveyors require a bachelor’s degree in land surveying or a related field, such as forestry or engineering, and should have experience working under a licensed surveyor. Surveyors in Maine must also attain certification from the Board of Licensure for Professional Land Surveyors.

And MORE!

MyFreeTaxes helps people file their federal and state taxes for free, and it’s brought to you by United Way. To qualify for free tax preparation services, you must meet all the criteria:

1. Your household’s income for the year is $64,000 or less.
2. No unusual types of income or expenses, such as rental property, farm income, or SE with more than $35k in expenses.
3. No one lived or worked outside of Maine in 2023.
4. You or your spouse were not active military in 2023.
5. No one in your household is a foreign student, teacher, or trainee in the US on a F, J, M or Q visa.

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Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters provide equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.