Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I N O. X V I I A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 2 5 24 big. But more than that, every single member said workforce. A lot said, "We could do more work if we had more people." MB: How did you address that? KF: e solution is what is now known as the Maine Construction Academy. We looked at: Where do I find workforce today? Where do I find workforce that we can develop for the future? How do we help people know that the oppor- tunity exists? MB: How did you stand up the program? KF: In 2022, we received a grant of $1.47 million from the Department of Labor's Maine Apprenticeship Program to develop and promote apprenticeships in construction. We used that money to stand up the first construction academies and develop apprenticeships. In order for apprenticeships to work, there has to be a place for people to go to work in which employers are willing to train them. ere was an internal marketing campaign about hiring people who are less skilled than you want and then training them along the way. Instead of employers think- ing, "I need to find an experienced carpenter," it became, "How do I find people who have the capacity to learn what I need?" We had three employer partners when I started that conversation. We currently have 32. MB: What are the next pieces? KF: Partnering with education insti- tutions and communities to find people who might be the future work- force. We started in 2022 with four high schools and career and technical education programs. Now we're part- nered with 18. Our workforce development team brings support services to individu- als. When someone registers for the Maine Construction Academy, an assessment is done. Are they on food stamps? Do they need transporta- tion or child care assistance? What might prevent this person from being successful? We're putting together all the pieces of what the employers and what the individuals need. MB: What's ahead? KF: We'll expand our adult programs and refine our youth programs. We are now funded by several sources and are seeking new funding all the time. at's a big part to my job. MB: What makes an effective leader? KF: Recognizing that I can't solve all problems by myself. ere's no way this program could happen without good partners, including my staff that works tirelessly. I never sit back and say, "Hey, look what we've done." We might take a quick victory lap once in a while. But we're always thinking about, "How can we serve more people?" Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz Find a credit union near you at mainecreditunions.org Success happens when drive meets partnership. Behind every thriving business is a story of vision, ambition, courage, and perseverance. At Maine's Credit Unions, we champion those stories by offering personalized support, flexible financing, and a commitment to keeping your entrepreneurial spirit strong and focused. Wherever your business's journey goes, we're proud to walk beside you. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Associated General Contractors of Maine 188 Whitten Road, Augusta agcmaine.org Founded: 1951 What it does: Member-driven industry association that advocates for contractors on legislative policy, regulatory reform, business network- ing and workforce development. Employees: 4 I can't solve all problems by myself. There's no way this program could happen without good partners, including my staff that works tirelessly.

• Cover