March Programs for Job Seekers at the Portland CareerCenter

March 1, 2013

Start the spring with a new job or train for a new career

For Immediate Release: March 1 Contact: Mike Roland, Portland CareerCenter, 347-3250 Julie Rabinowitz, Department of Labor, 621-5009

Start the spring with a new job or train for a new career

PORTLAND?The Portland Career Center is the place to begin if you are looking to train for a new career or get a new or better job. The schedule for March features workshops and programming for job seekers and those who are considering training to upgrade their skills to increase their employability.

All workshops and events are held at the CareerCenter unless otherwise noted. To register for sessions held at the CareerCenter, call 771-5627.

Gateway to Employment?March 4 (Monday), March 12, 19 and 26 (Thursdays), 1?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.?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 for seeking employment is covered, either through hands-on workshops or employers who come in to address the group on specific issues. No registration required, walk-ins welcome.

Resume/Cover Letter Workshop?March 1, 15, and 22, 9?11 a.m. Let our staff show you how to write your resume and cover letter using key words, to highlight the skills/accomplishments that match each job you apply for, to identify ?transferable skills? and use O*Net as a resource. Last, learn how to submit your resume by email attachment online. Call 771-5627 to register.

Interviewing Skills?March 29, 9?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?March 6 and 20, 9:45?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?March 4, 7, 11, 18 and 28. 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: - One-on-One sessions?Tuesdays at the Portland CareerCenter, counselors help both men and women recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, find resources, develop a plan, take action towards their goals: start a business, find a career, return to school, build assets, be active in the community. Please call the Portland CareerCenter to register at 771-5627. - My Money Works?March 18?27, 9?1 p.m. at University College in Saco. This 15-hour class can help you gain the skills and confidence you need to stretch your money, pay bills, reduce debt, find money for savings, plan for retirement and set personal financial goals. To register call Ruth Graves at 286-1722. - Careers in Energy Services?March 4?April 29, 5:30?8:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Adult Education in Fairfield. This eight-session workshop will explore opportunities in the growing field of energy services. For more information or to schedule an orientation, contact Jean Dempster at 621-3434.

Training Orientation?March 5, 13, 20 and 29, 12:30?4 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 to register.

Spanish Speaking Computer Workshop?March 20 and 27, 9?11:30 a.m. This basic-level class is for people without any computer skills. In two sessions, 2.5 hours each, it covers the basic use of a computer, how to use Microsoft Word and how to use the Internet. Space is limited to 10 participants. Call 347-3246 to register.

Spanish Speaking Job-Seekers Workshop?March 28, 9?1 p.m. Conducted in Spanish for customers in the Latino community who are trying to find employment in Maine. This workshop will allow you to discover how to develop your abilities and which strategies to use so your job search can be successful. Call 347-3246 to register.

Introduction to Computer Series?These three separate classes are held monthly: Intro to Computer, Intro 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.

Ex-Offender Interview Workshop?March 13, 5:30-8 p.m. If you have a conviction (felony or misdemeanor) on your record and are looking for employment, this workshop can help prepare you for your interview. Call 370-3900 to register.

Recruitments - Icicle Seafood, March 6, 9?5 p.m.: This company is hiring for various positions for the upcoming 2013 summer salmon season in Seward, Alaska. Just stop by the Portland CareerCenter, no sign up necessary.
- Others T.B.A. ?Check our website, come in or call to find out more.

March Job Fairs in the Greater Portland Area - St. Joseph?s Annual Career Fair: Rescheduled for March 6, 2?5p.m., St Joseph?s College - University of Southern Maine Job Fair: March 12, 1?5 p.m., University of Southern Maine - PATHS ?Thinking Outside the Box? Career Fair: March 15, 8?1 p.m., Portland Arts & Technology High School - MaineJobs Spring Career Fair: March 20, 1?5 p.m., Seasons Conference Center in Portland

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, http://www.mainecareercenter.com. Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.