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W O R K F O R M E / S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 4 S p o n s o r L e t t e r We got this The Manufacturers Association of Maine is so pleased to be part of the 2022 Work for ME publi- cation, as we have been since its inception. Our partnership with Mainebiz has kept manufactur- ing front and center and this publication brings the world of modern manufacturing to thou- sands of students, job seekers, parents and businesses. In Maine, we celebrate man- ufacturing. Over the past few years, Maine manufacturers stepped up to produce PPE prod- ucts to keep Mainers safe and keep products flowing world- wide. Manufacturing took the lead. Manufacturing touches every aspect of our daily lives, from the clock that wakes you, to the coffee maker, to the car you ride in and practically ev- erything in your office or shop floor is manufactured. Maine's manufacturing out- put continues to go upward. Since 2008 we have gone from $5.4 billion to $6.3 billion in prod- ucts manufactured. Although data shows a steady decline in manufacturing jobs over the past several decades, the change in GDP means more is being pro- duced with fewer people. Automation and robotics play a big role in the lack of a skilled workforce, which has been a major issue for the past 15 to 20 years in Maine. Today, workforce challenges are, along with supply chain issues, the biggest issue facing industry. The economic indicators in Maine show 1,850 manufactur- ing business establishments and 54,600 jobs. Manufacturing employment is 8.41% of Maine's entire workforce. The average annual salary of a manufacturing worker is $62,300. The manufacturing pay- roll in 2020 was $3.6 billion, and 12% of overall wages paid state- wide. As shown above, manufac- turing has a $6.3 billion GDP and is 9.80% of the total GDP output in the state, suggesting the role that automation has played in the industry in recent history. Here in Maine, the Manufac- turers Association of Maine is home to the Robotics Institute of Maine, a nonprofit that is governed by a board of direc- tors to raises funds to support student robotics teams across Maine. This program lends ev- ery student the opportunity to participate in real world chal- lenges with automation and robotic solutions. The Manufacturers Associa- tion of Maine and a large group of partners across the state work tirelessly to help change the perception of manufacturing. It continues to be a challenge Manufacturers Association of Maine There are thousands of job openings — and here's how to find them Congratulations! You're get- ting ready to move into the next chapter of your life. May- be you aren't sure what your n e x t s t e p i s — t h a t ' s O K ! Whether it be training, school, or a career, the Maine Career- Centers are here to help. There are many great oppor- tunities and occupations pro- filed in this magazine. Please read more about them on the following pages — it may help you get a better idea of a field that you are interested in. There are thousands of job openings in these and other industries listed on the Maine JobLink. There are also over 1,100 in- ternships, externships, and apprenticeships posted. At the Maine Department of Labor, CareerCenter staff can provide customized ser- vices to help you find a job that interests you and help you get the skills you need to be successful. All services are available both online and in- person, with locations across the state. You can get help with career exploration, résumé development, interview tips and practice, or connecting with training, workshops, and other opportunities to help you reach your career goals. Please visit the CareerCenter website, www.mainecareer- center.gov. There are many resources available online, and you can live-chat with one of our staff. You can also call (207)- 623-7981 or email MaineDOL. CareerCenter@maine.gov for more information on work- shops, job fairs, and other op- portunities you may be inter- ested in. We look forward to working with you! Sincerely, — Laura Fortman Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor Maine Department of Labor Laura Fortman Lisa G. Martin There are many great opportunities and occupations profiled in this magazine. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M D O L P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M A M E