Spring into a New Job with the Portland CareerCenter?s April Programs Bookmark and Share

April 3, 2013

For Immediate Release: April 3, 2013
Contact: Mike Roland, Portland CareerCenter, 347-3250; Julie Rabinowitz, Department of Labor, 621-5009

PORTLAND?The Portland Career Center is the place to begin this spring if you are looking to make a career change or upgrade.

?I encourage all Maine people to take advantage of the training provided by our CareerCenters,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Asking for this free assistance with your job search and networking can help you get a new or better job, which benefits both you and your community.?

The schedule for April 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?Tuesday April 9, 16, 23, 30; 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, underemployed 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?April 5, 12, 19; 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 to which you apply, 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?April 26, 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?April 17; 9:45?11 a.m. Vocational Rehabilitation is a statewide program that helps adults and high school adolescents who have disabilities to prepare for, to find and to keep jobs. This orientation reviews eligibility and how to apply. Call 771-5627 to register.

Maine Educational Opportunity Center?April 8, 16, 22, 25, 29. 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: Creating your Future: Career Planning in the New Economy, April 8?24; 9 a.m.?1 p.m. This 24-hour class examines your work values and interests, identifies your transferable skills and explores your earning potential. Participants learn about local projected growth industries and identify the skills, education, and training needed to build their careers. This class will be held at University College at Saco, 110 Main St., Saco. To register or for more information, please call 286-1722.

Training Orientation?April 10, 16, 24, 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.

Introduction to Computer Series?This computer class consists of three separate classes that 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.

Recruitment: Bonny Staffing?April 19; 8 a.m.?4 p.m. Bonney Staffing is an agency that will work with jobseekers to help find temp to hire job placements.

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. to 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. Like the Portland CareerCenter on Facebook to learn about events and programs.

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.