Mainebiz

V O L . X X V N O. X X V I I I D E C E M B E R 9 , 2 0 1 9 18 WO R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T F O C U S Creating technically skilled biotech workers In 2000, MDI Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor launched the statewide IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence. The network comprises 13 research and academic institutions creating a technically skilled workforce by providing biomedical research experiences and training to undergraduates and research support and mentorship to young faculty members. In May, the lab received nearly $18 million from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to fund the network's renewal for another five years. OUTCOMES Since 2000, generated more than $160 million in federal funding Trained nearly 3,000 Maine students Created more than 100 full-time jobs in Maine's life science sector Revving up trucking jobs Bangor-based Hartt Transportation Systems Inc., like the trucking industry in general, is facing a driver shortage. In 2018, Hartt President Jeff Castonguay told Mainebiz recruitment initiatives included working with Bangor's Eastern Maine Community College to develop training programs; setting up apprenticeships for promising graduates; and reaching out to law enforcement, firefighter and military retirees considering a second career. In June, those efforts expanded with the creation of a driver-training program, says Scott Welch, HR director for Hartt. Trainees must already have a commercial drivers license and be 21 or older. The program, based at Hartt's Auburn terminal, provides 300 hours of one-on-one instruction. An additional 100-hour program pro- vides regional road training. Welch credits De Echols, Hartt's Northeast recruiter, with helping to develop the program. OUTCOMES The program recently graduated its fourth driver Average age: early 40s. Many previously drove professionally, like dump- trucks, but not commercial tractor-trailers; others retired from different professions Goal: train 10 to 15 drivers per year Hartt's turnover ratio: 32%. National average: 105% Building shipbuilders Navy contracts and looming retirements are driving a dramatic expansion of Bath Iron Works' recruiting program. Beyond traditional talent acquisition (online job boards, career fairs), examples include a pipeline partnership with Maine Community College System. A key program, with partners Southern Maine Community College and Maine Quality Centers, created pre-hire credential training for general manufacturing skills and welding. Courses are free and offered either full-time or part-time after hours. The MAKE YOUR WORK AND WORLD A SAFER PLACE WITH THE MEMIC SAFETY EXPERTS PODCAST Get expert advice on: ĝ Ergonomics to Eliminate Aches and Pains ĝ Seasonal Workforce Challenges ĝ Caregiving for Dementia ĝ Preventing Holiday Fires ĝ Winter Driving Safety Help your friends and coworkers avoid painful injuries at memic.com/podcast » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M D I B I O L A B Colby College Colby College student student Trisha Trisha Mukerjee Mukerjee at at MDI bio lab MDI bio lab The program, based at Hartt's Auburn terminal, provides 300 hours of one-on- one instruction.

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