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W O R K F O R M E / S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 4 S p o n s o r L e t t e r Maine's manufacturing industry has grown, as have wages paid The Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAME) is pleased to once again be a part of the 2023 Work for ME publication. As with many organizations entering the post-COVID envi- ronment, the last year has been one of transition for the Manu- facturers Association as well. Longtime Executive Director Lisa Martin joined the ranks of the actively retired, and I joined the organization in September 2022. As a University of Maine Orono graduate and longtime manufacturing practitioner, I am thrilled to celebrate the vibrant ecosystem that is Maine manufacturing. Manufacturing is Maine's fourth largest industry sec- tor, contributing almost 10% of Maine's GDP. The state has almost 1,900 manufacturing establishments, up 1.6% over last year's report. W h i l e t h e o u t p u t f r o m Maine's talented manufac- turers was just a tenth of the economy, 14.5% of the payroll generated is for manufacturing sector participants, grounded in an average salary of $62,230, a 10.5% premium to the average annual wage across all sectors. Even with a compelling story to tell, Maine manufacturers need people to staff and support their growth ambitions. Conse- quently, MAME has gone to work providing support to manufac- turers facing recruitment and retention challenges, using its network of affiliated organiza- tions to not only solve today's issues, but build a framework for a sustainable employee pipe- line for the future. The MAME network of member companies assists in everything from stra- tegic plan and succession devel- opment, to sales and marketing revitalization, to lean on other manufacturing process-based improvement opportunities. The strength of the MAME model is clear, enabling mem- ber companies to shorten the path to improvement and growth by learning from each other and working together. The core of MAME's effort is in advocacy, working to assure that at the state legislature, and with the young people of Maine and their parents, we are presenting both the challenges and the opportunities in manu- facturing, to foster a healthy manufacturing ecosystem for many years to come. — Mike Roughton Executive Director Manufacturers Association of Maine mike@mainemfg.com Manufacturers Association of Maine Maine's job seekers have plenty of options Congratulations! You're getting ready to move into the next chapter of your life. It is a great time to be joining the world of work — job seekers have a lot of options, and employers are ea- ger to connect with you! Maybe you aren't sure what your next step is — that's okay! Whether it be training, school, or a career, the Maine CareerCenters 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 a wide range of industries listed on the Maine JobLink, as well as internships, extern- ships, and apprenticeships: joblink.maine.gov. At the Maine Department of Labor, CareerCenter staff can provide customized services to help you find a job that inter- ests you and help you get the skills you need to be successful. All services are available both online and in-person, with loca- tions 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. And if you are under 16 and looking to join the workforce in the near future, look at our website for how to submit a work permit application, and information on your rights as a minor in the workplace: maine.gov/labor/ labor_laws/publications/ minorsguide.shtml. Please visit the CareerCenter website, mainecareercenter. 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 workshops, job fairs, and other opportunities you may be interested in. We look forward to working with you! Sincerely, — Laura Fortman Commissioner Maine Department of Labor Maine Department of Labor Laura Fortman Mike Roughton 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