August Programs for Job Seekers at the Portland CareerCenter

August 2, 2013

For Immediate Release: August 2, 2013
Mike Roland, Portland CareerCenter, 347-3250; Julie Rabinowitz, Department of Labor, 621-5009

PORTLAND?The Portland CareerCenter offers many training programs for individuals looking for a new job or career. The August schedule features workshops and programming those who wish to upgrade their skills or increase their employability.

?There will be several jobs fairs held across the state this fall,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?August is a great time to improve your resume and to prepare for those job fair interviews. CareerCenters can help both individuals who need a job and businesses that need to hire workers.?

Workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. Maine veterans receive priority of service in all CareerCenter programs. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 771-5627.

Gateway to Employment? Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Offers an overview of basic information on resumes, interviews and job search skills as well as CareerCenter and community resources available during a job search. No registration required, walk-ins welcome.

Unemployed Professionals Group?Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This workshop is a resource for the unemployed, under-employed and employers seeking individuals looking for work, as well as a useful tool for career exploration. It provides support, job leads, networking and complimentary tickets to area business meetings/functions. Each week a different topic on seeking employment is covered, either through hands-on workshops or by employers who come in to address the group on specific issues. No registration required, walk-ins welcome.

Resume/Cover Letter Workshop? Fridays, August 2 and 16, 9 to 11 a.m. Let our staff show you how to write your resume and cover letter using key words, highlighting the skills/accomplishments that match each job you apply for, identifying ?transferable skills? and using O*Net as a resource. Last, learn how to submit your resume by email attachment online. Call 771-5627 to register.

Interviewing Skills? Friday, August 30, 9 to 11 a.m. This workshop explores interview preparation techniques. Practice the most commonly asked questions in an interview setting. Call 771-5627 to register.

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation? Wednesdays, August 7 and 21, 9:45 to 11 a.m. Vocational Rehabilitation is a statewide program that helps adults and high school adolescents who have disabilities to prepare for, find and keep jobs. This orientation goes over the process on eligibility and how to apply. Call 771-5627 to register.

Maine Educational Opportunity Center? August 12 and 19. Sessions cover Help with College Awareness and Planning as well as Financial Planning and Financial Assistance. To register for the next workshop, call 1-800-281-3703.

Women, Work & Community offers several workshops each month.

Career Planning: Find Your Place in Today?s Job Market - Mondays and Wednesdays, August 19 to 28, 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. Located at WWC, University College at Saco, 110 Main St., Saco. Prepare for your next career or job with a plan that?s right for you. In this class you will review your skills, interests, and experiences and relate them to occupations, identify educational opportunities, research the local job market, and develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals. Whether you are unemployed, underemployed, or considering a career change, this class will help you achieve employment success for today and tomorrow. To register call Ruth Graves at 286-1722.

Training Orientation? August 12, 9:30 a.m. and August 26, 1 p.m. Conducted by Goodwill Workforce Solutions, this workshop provides an overview of free training opportunities, federal re-employment programs, and other programs that can provide financial assistance with training. Call 775-5891 for dates and to register.

Introduction to Computer Series? This monthly course has three separate classes: Introduction to Computer, Introduction to Word and Internet, and Introduction to Excel and Email attachments. Each individual who signs up must attend all three classes. Call 775-5891 to register.

CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O?Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge.

The Portland CareerCenter, located at 185 Lancaster Street in Portland, is open 8 a.m.? 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and can be reached at (207) 771-5627 or 1-877-594-5627 (TTY users should dial Maine Relay 711) or portland.careercenter@maine.gov. Parking is available in lots along the block on Lancaster Street with signs marked Bayside or Government Center. If attending a workshop, do not park in 1-hour parking spaces. You can also park up the street at the Public Market Parking Garage at corner of Elm Street and Cumberland Avenue.

More information is available at the CareerCenter website, www.mainecareercenter.com. Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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