Video Explains the Need to Revamp Maine?s Workforce Training System

January 19, 2013

For Immediate Release: Jan. 19
Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009

AUGUSTA?Fred Webber, Chair of the State Workforce Investment Board, explains the board?s proposal to revitalize and restructure Maine?s workforce development systems funded under the Workforce Investment Act in a video released Jan. 18. The short video is available here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjl1sFdK8No .

The Maine Department of Labor?s Susan Wasserott, director of legislative affairs, hosts the discussion of the plan with Webber and Julie Rabinowitz, director of communication for the labor department. Webber urges the public to learn more about the new five-year plan that directs how the state?s federal funding under the Workforce Investment Act will be used and to submit comments.

Public comments, although not required for approval of the plan, will be considered by the SWIB in its submission of the plan to the U.S. Department of Labor. Members of the public and businesses are encouraged to review the plan and provide comment. Emails may be sent to SWIB.DOL@maine.gov until Jan. 29. The plan, along with an executive summary, can be viewed at http://www.maine.gov/swib/wia_plan.html .

The plan, which must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, makes several changes to the current system and reflects Gov. LePage?s desire to make workforce development part of a larger strategy of economic development and job creation.

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