Free Apprenticeship Works Seminar Offered for Manufacturers

October 16, 2017

Three dates available: October 31, November 1 and November 2.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2017

Media Contact: Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, 621-5009

AUGUSTA--Maine Apprenticeship Program at the Maine Department of Labor is offering manufacturing employers a free, two-hour seminar about the benefits of sponsoring an apprenticeship. Registered Apprenticeship is an ?earn and learn? training model that combines work-based learning with related classroom instruction using the highest industry standards.

"Apprenticeship is a training model that benefits both employers and workers," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Businesses can build a pipeline of workers skilled in their company's specific needs. The apprenticed worker trains both on the job and in the classroom while earning a salary. These workers earn while they learn, supporting their family without taking on crushing student loan debt, and have a good paying career as a result. This is a win-win for workers and employers."

The seminar is being conducted by Lucinda Curry, Director of Apprenticeship Works, Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing. The two-hour seminars will be at the following locations:

• October 31, 9 a.m., Springvale CareerCenter, 9 Bodwell Court, Springvale, ME
• October 31,1 p.m., Greater Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland, ME
• November 1, 3 p.m., Lewiston CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston
• November 2, 9 a.m., Bangor CareerCenter, 45 Oak Street, Bangor, ME
• November 2, 2 p.m., Maine Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Room, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME

Manufacturers can register online at www.maine.gov/labor/jobs_training/apprenticeship.html .

Registered Apprenticeship provides world-class training for employees, combining hands-on, work-based learning with related classroom instruction using the highest industry standards to complement skills gained on the job. Employers that sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship will help their company gain, train and retain a highly-skilled and diversified workforce, improve productivity, profitability and the bottom line, and offset training costs.

Employers interested in learning more about the Apprenticeship Works seminars and how to sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship can contact Eileen Miazga, Apprenticeship Program Specialist at 207-623-7966 or eileen.miazga@maine.gov.

About Maine Apprenticeship Program

The Maine Apprenticeship Program assists in setting up structured yet flexible training programs designed to meet the specific needs of Maine employers through on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction. Apprenticeship Programs can be sponsored by employers, employer associations, or labor/management groups that can hire and train in a working situation. http://www.maine.gov/labor/jobs_training/apprenticeship.html .

About Apprenticeship Works

Apprenticeship Works ? the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program at the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) ? makes apprenticeships more accessible and affordable for employers, helping reduce skills gaps. Through Apprenticeship Works, RCBI and its team of national partners help companies develop and implement customized, world-class training that combines hands-on, work-based learning with related classroom and online instruction using the highest industry standards. http://http://www.rcbi.org .

The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

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