Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1535247
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 / W O R K F O R M E 25 Make CTE a core partner. Career and Techni- cal Education (CTE) programs are one of the most direct links between education and employment. Go beyond attending advisory meetings — offer feedback on curriculum, provide equipment or real-world projects, and create internship pipelines. Support teachers, too. Teachers are your best allies in workforce development. Of- fer externships so they can bring industry relevance into the classroom. Invite them to tour your facilities and see your opera- tions firsthand. The more they understand your world, the better they can prepare students for it. Designate a liaison. If possible, appoint or fund a liaison — internally or through a workforce partner — who can manage re- lationships with schools and ensure your engagement is coordinated, strategic, and sustained. This role bridges two very different systems and ensures continuity over time. Why this work matters Businesses often ask, "What's the ROI?" The answer is long-term, but it's real. Com- panies that lead in education engagement often see: 1. A more prepared and aligned talent pool 2. Increased visibility and reputation as an employer of choice 3. Stronger community relationships and brand loyalty 4. Reduced hiring costs over time In a tight labor market, visibility matters. So does alignment. Education reform led by industry ensures students aren't just educated — they're ready. Let's lead the way It's no longer enough to hope the system delivers the workforce you need. The system was never designed to do that alone. Businesses have a unique opportunity and responsibility to help shape what education looks like moving forward. Whether you're a manufacturer, a utility, a healthcare pro- vider, or a small business, your insight and involvement can make a lasting difference. The next generation is already forming opinions about their future. Let's help them see what's possible — and show them that the world of work is worth getting excited about. n Today's manufacturing operations often bear no Today's manufacturing operations often bear no resemblance to factories of the past. Workers resemblance to factories of the past. Workers are trained in technology. There are also design, are trained in technology. There are also design, sales and administrative jobs to be filled. sales and administrative jobs to be filled. MANUFACTURING MANUFACTURING T H E N E X T PAG E T H E N E X T PAG E » S p o n s o r e d P r o f i l e s S TA RT I N G O N S TA RT I N G O N C o m m e n t a r y 2 6 2 6 Building Building awareness for awareness for future workforce future workforce Companies look Companies look to bridge the to bridge the "awareness gap" "awareness gap" 3 0 3 0 Directory of Directory of Manufacturers Manufacturers in Maine in Maine With year founded With year founded and Maine-based and Maine-based employee range employee range 33 33 Auburn Manufacturing Inc. Auburn Manufacturing Inc. Making heat-resistant Making heat-resistant fabrics fabrics 34 34 General Dynamics General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Bath Iron Works Building Navy ships Building Navy ships 36 36 Harvey Performance Co. Harvey Performance Co. Making speciality tools Making speciality tools 37 37 Hews Co. Hews Co. Supplying truck parts Supplying truck parts 38 38 Hunting Dearborn Inc. Hunting Dearborn Inc. Highly engineered Highly engineered components components 39 39 VELUX Greenwood LLC VELUX Greenwood LLC Skylight specialists Skylight specialists 40 40 Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney, an RTX Business an RTX Business North Berwick Aero Systems North Berwick Aero Systems (NBAS) (NBAS)