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Winter 2019
Maine's community colleges offer affordable customized training and continuing education that give businesses and employees the skills they need to compete. Here's what we're currently doing and what we can do for you.
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Dave Daigler
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A new president for Maine's community colleges
David J. Daigler, who has served the Maine Community College System for over 19 years, most recently as vice president and chief financial officer, has been named the System's new president. He replaces Derek Langhauser, who leaves MCCS after 24 years, the last four as president, to join the new administration of Governor Janet Mills as chief legal counsel.
Learn more.
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MCCS to expand short-term training for high-demand jobs
A new $3.6 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation to The Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges will enable the colleges to expand short-term training programs that are designed to help address the state's workforce challenges. The Alfond Foundation's gift, together with a $420,000 grant from KeyBank, will support new training initiatives in key Maine industries, among them: health care, information technology, construction, manufacturing and the trades. The funds will also support new educational pathways that lead from short-term training to college credits and credentials. Learn more.
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New programs at CMCC mean more skilled trades workers for Maine
To address strong need for skilled workers in the plumbing and heating trades, CMCC is launching new certificate and associate degree programs in plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technology. The programs are part of an aggressive effort by Maine's community colleges to answer the statewide need for more highly skilled workers in both the trades and technologies. NewsCenter Maine recently told the story of several students who are taking advantage of affordable, hands-on opportunities to enter high-wage, high-demand fields in traditional Maine industries.
It's worth watching.
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For those in recovery, a path to college
EMCC, in partnership with the Bangor Area Recovery Network, is offering a free, one-credit course this semester to give students recovering from drug addiction the opportunity to begin pursuing a college education. During the three-month class, students will learn to navigate the enrollment and financial aid process and will develop a resume, portfolio, references, and an understanding of the educational opportunities available to them. When they enroll at EMCC, Brian Welsh, who is teaching the course, will continue to work with participants to help them with financial aid, housing, food, and other challenges.
Learn more.
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MCCS training grants boost workers' skills, meet employers' needs
Training grants from the MCCS
Maine Quality Centers (MQC) program are helping Maine businesses expand, train their workforce, and provide new job opportunities for underemployed and unemployed individuals. Current projects include:
Would your company benefit from a workforce training grant? Contact
Dan Belyea to discuss your needs.
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At KVCC a new, improved lineworker training facility
KVCC has moved its unique lineworker technology program into a larger, renovated space on the college's Harold Alfond Campus in Hinckley, allowing it to train more workers year round. The $1.39 million renovation of the Nutter Field House was supported by a $250,000 grant from Central Maine Power's parent company, Avangrid. The facility includes a dedicated classroom for the program, office space for faculty, indoor utility poles, and an outdoor pole yard for hands-on, off-the-ground training. Over 130 students applied for the roughly 27-person program in 2018.
Learn more.
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Maine community colleges: For Those Who Do
Graduates of Maine's community colleges are following their passions, helping others, and building rewarding careers. Here are a few of their stories. Learn what's possible at a Maine community college.
Nicholas Kondax wanted a career change. He enrolled in CMCC's precision machining technology program to work toward a career in automated manufacturing. Balancing work and a busy family life, he graduated with honors in May 2018. He immediately began working as a full-time machinist at General Dynamics and plans to enroll in the University of Southern Maine's technology management program.
Jordanna Sprague always knew she wanted to become a firefighter and help those in need. During her senior year in high school she took early college courses through the MCCS
Embark program and applied the credits she earned toward her degree in fire science technology at EMCC. When she graduated in May 2018, she was honored for her academic achievements and commitment to her community and was quickly hired by the Penobscot Regional Communications Center.
EMCC's
Kate Blanchard turned her passion into a career. She initially enrolled in general classes at EMCC to explore various fields of study. She developed an interest in surgical technology and graduated from the college's program in 2014. She is currently a surgical technologist at Eastern Maine Medical Center and is working on her bachelor's degree in biology at the University of Maine. Recently she participated in a medical mission to Ethiopia where she and her team treated over 1,500 patients.
Read more.
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Nichole Sawyer to head regional workforce development efforts at WCCC
YCCC honors York County businesses
YCCC held its 14th annual York County Business Awards Dinner in November to recognize the best of York County businesses.
Check out this year's winners.
YCCC partners with EMCC to offer EMT training in York County
Read, watch, and listen to more about Maine's community colleges:
- The role that Maine's community colleges play in the state's economy was the focus of a recent Bangor Daily News editorial: "By definition and mission, Maine's community colleges are local workforce-building institutions. They aim to give graduates transferable skills and directly connect local employers to the next pool of talent. And it's an impact that is felt immediately by students, businesses and communities across Maine."
- EMCC and Husson University have signed 23 new articulation agreements making it easier and more affordable for students to get started at EMCC and transfer to Husson to earn their bachelor's degree. WABI Channel 5 reports.
- Charlie Collins, MCCS Acting Deputy Director of Workforce Training, joined other panelists on a recent episode of Maine Calling to discuss "Apprenticeships: How Direct Experience Can Lead to More Employment Opportunities."
- SMCC's culinary arts program and dining room receive high praise for the food the students prepare and serve and for helping to prepare students for careers in the hospitality industry. News Center Maine reports.
- A graduate of CMCC's human services program, Laura Catevenis never let her situation hold her back from helping others and achieving success. In three years Laura went from a mom on welfare to running a multi-million dollar business. Read more.
- New workforce initiatives and programs at NMCC offer expanded opportunities for students across Aroostook County. Read more.
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