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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 D E C E M B E R 9 , 2 0 1 9 F O C U S WO R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T A leg up for logging industry It's been two years since the launch of the first training program for mechanized logging operations, but the program is already paying off. The program was developed in a partnership between Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, Northern Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community College, Washington County Community College and industry lead- ers like Milton CAT and Nortrax. Supported through Maine Quality Centers, the free program gives students hands-on overviews of mechanized harvesting equipment, timber growth, tree species, markets and safety. The program resulted from demand for skilled operators. Many current opera- tors are reaching retirement age. Typically, training takes at least a year. The cost for companies to train operators themselves is about $100,000 each. OUTCOMES Third and largest class, with 15 students (including the first two women), graduated in September, with a 100% completion rate The class received nearly 50 job offers 12 have taken jobs in the industry Entry-level jobs average $43,000 in the first year Plans are underway for two classes in 2020, with a goal of enrolling 30 students An aquaculture certificate program In September, the University of Maine's Aquaculture Research Institute received a $123,735 federal workforce development grant to roll out a 12-credit aquaculture certificate program. Designed in response to Maine and East Coast aquaculture workforce and extension needs, the low-cost program includes learning modules and industr y and academic intern- ships. Pilot modules will be taught at UMaine's Aquaculture Research Center and Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, both in Orono; Darling Marine Center in Walpole; and Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research in Franklin. OUTCOMES 12 UMaine undergraduates held paid intern- ships this past summer; future interest is expected from coastal residents and adults looking for career change. Internships will con- tinue in summer 2020 First module on recirculation aquaculture sys- tems to launch spring 2020 and second on shellfish husbandry in summer 2020. Additional modules scheduled for academic year 2020-21 Future modules could include sea vegetable farming and biosafety Need help finding or retaining a skilled workforce? Building an Economy that Works for Everyone CEI helps grow good jobs, environmentally sustainable enterprises and shared prosperity through financing, advising and policy advocacy 207.504.5900 www.ceimaine.org S U P P O R T I N G M A I N E ' S WORKFORCE South Portland • Brunswick • Offsite • Online To learn more visit www.smccME.edu SMCC OFFERS: 90% of SMCC graduates stay in Maine • Degree Programs • Classes & Certifi cations • Short-Term Job Training " " When BIW needed to hire over 1,000 people, we partnered with SMCC and the Maine Quality Centers to provide both a manufacturing certificate and a welding program. SMCC and the Quality Centers delivered, working with our shipyard to develop a talent pipeline that is crucial to both BIW and Maine's workforce needs. Jon Mason, Director of Human Resources Services at BIW • Training for Your Employees • Internship Opportunities C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » The entire cohort of 15 students graduated this past September from The entire cohort of 15 students graduated this past September from Professional Professional Logging Contractors of Maine's Logging Contractors of Maine's training program in mechanized logging operations. training program in mechanized logging operations. All together, they received nearly 50 job offers. All together, they received nearly 50 job offers. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F P RO F E S S I O N A L L O G G I N G C O N T R A C T O R S O F M A I N E Gracie Robie Gracie Robie worked in worked in collaboration with the collaboration with the Maine Maine Department of Marine Department of Marine Resources Resources as an intern as an intern through the through the University University of Maine's Aquaculture of Maine's Aquaculture Research Institute Research Institute. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F J E F F K I R L I N

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