Opinion: Maine can fill important job vacancies through science and business education
The BDN Opinion Section operates independently and does not set news policies or participate in the reporting or editing of articles anywhere in the newspaper or bangordailynews.com
Colleen Coffey is adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine. Sarah Fucillo is an assistant professor at Lindsey Wilson College. This column reflects their opinions and expertise and does not speak for the university. They are members of the Maine chapter of the National Scholars Strategy Network, which brings together scholars across the country to address social issues and their policy outcomes. Members’ columns appear in BDN every week.
It’s no secret that there is a labor shortage in many of the tech and business sectors here in Maine. In order to address these deficits, both public support and determined policy measures are needed to encourage and expand access to technical and business education – often available free of charge throughout our country.
Demographic changes in our country have combined with decades of trends in education that have moved away from the development of the arts. This has created a huge demand in our businesses and communities for skilled workers. Next to health care, business and technical jobs are in high demand.
At the same time, Maine has many people who are starting to work from transition stages in their lives. These include those coming out of health and correctional facilities, returning to society after incarceration, young people starting their working life, among many others.
We propose using the short-term training programs offered by our community colleges, adult education programs and the Maine Learning Program, as part of any development-focused treatment plan. of life. Schools and nonprofits across our country are working hard to address our workforce shortages. The Harold Alfond Center for Maine Workforce Development, local Job Centers, Workforce Recovery, Labor and many non-profit organizations are just a few examples.
Labor training and apprenticeships lead to not only high-demand jobs, but often high-paying jobs. They include commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, welding, electrical, heating and plumbing, carpentry, broadband fiber optics, Google Certifications, vocational training, aquaculture, manufacturing and technology. of production, and the list goes on. However, comprehensive service delivery methods are needed to inform the public about these programs, as well as a strong commitment to education and training as part of treatment, relapse and recovery. Those in direct support positions should be made aware of such opportunities for their clients.
If they don’t, staff, treatment groups and direct support providers should include educational plans with a view to finding activities that will benefit you. Such case plans may include job evaluation, personality tests and vocational counseling in partnership with job centers and workforce development stakeholders.
Because they have experience supporting young people at risk, it is not uncommon for young people to appear confused when asked what they want to do with their future. Most of the time, they did not think that they could survive their teenage years. So, when adults take the time to listen to goals and dreams it can be rare. For example, one young man wanted to be a rapper and a businessman. When he was asked how he wanted to achieve those dreams, he was afraid that he was being taken seriously. He and another staff member researched the training needed to learn how to produce music. But it got to the point where it could happen, leaving the young man confused as to why the therapy team couldn’t get him the training he needed to fulfill his goals. Staff training in business practices would have been ideal.
Unfortunately, stories like these highlight the important silos that exist between providers, educators and employers. Many are unaware that such opportunities exist for residents throughout Maine. Smart marketing, word of mouth and targeted strategic initiatives can help bridge the gap between providers, educators and employers, addressing Maine’s current and projected workforce shortages. However, the public, business leaders and policy makers must devote more attention and resources to closing the gap. Such efforts must include workforce training as part of treatment plans for those in transition, leading to job opportunities in Maine and an equitable future for all.
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