$1.5M workforce development grant to aid five Maine counties
Posted on July 16, 2020 | Success Stories
Eastern Maine Development Corp. of Bangor has been awarded $1.5 million to provide workforce development services for people and businesses in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset counties.
The Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board will provide funding through a Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act contract, according to a news release.
The project, a partnership between EMDC and Community Concepts Inc. of Lewiston, will be implemented by existing staff and new hires at both organizations.
“EMDC’s programmatic strengths working with key community partners, and focus on innovative approaches to serving workers and employers with education, training and job placement services, will be a boost for the five-county central Western Maine region,” state Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said in the release.
Interactive, individualized services will be provided to youth and adults under the new contract. EMDC will provide services in Somerset and Kennebec counties and through CCI in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.
By collaborating with educational organizations, businesses and industry leaders, EMDC creates customized, sector-based training and career pathways programs for in-demand occupations. The development corporation works to help people further their education and careers, overcome barriers and find meaningful long-term employment.
Partnerships with local regional service providers give EMDC a platform to offer other programming to the central western Maine region, increasing access to job seekers, community partners and employers.
“This expansion recognizes our continuous high-quality effort to provide direct services to job seekers and businesses,” EMDC President and CEO Lee Umphrey said. “Our collaborative approach has proven to be a laboratory for innovation and success in the eastern Maine region. By partnering with CCI, we will bring that same vigorous community-based approach to people and businesses in central western Maine.”
By Mainebiz