The Maine Adult Education system provides programs that focus on easing and facilitating adult learners' transition to postsecondary education or employment, including training programs and student support services that enable individuals to secure a job or advance in an in-demand industry or occupation.
Maine College and Career Access (MCCA) is a comprehensive academic and advising program leading to enrollment in post-high school education or training that results in a credential of value and high-quality employment. Participants in MCCA programming will acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue their learning and employment goals.
MCCA is offered through local adult education programs and provides high-quality, cost-effective and accessible pathways to success. Adults who are studying to earn high school credentials receive help in transitioning to college, and adults who have high school credentials receive preparatory support for college. Counseling, mentoring, and support services are provided to enable these adults to successfully transition to college and earn degrees.
The Maine DOE Adult Education State Office releases guidance to local adult education programs annually. This guidance is developed in consultation with regional MCCA coordinators across the state, and describes programming and learner eligibility requirements for MCCA programming. These guidelines are found in the MCCA group in Schoology.
Information for practitioners, including resources and sample lessons and syllabi are also available in the MCCA group in Schoology.
WorkReady is a workforce training program developed by the Maine DOE Adult Education State Office and local workforce investment boards. Trainings are designed to prepare participants for the attitudinal and disciplinary rigors of employment and to provide a highly structured simulated work environment that encourages the behavior required for workplace success.
In this 60-hour training program, participants take ownership of their decisions and develop concrete skills necessary to get a job, such as resume writing and interviewing. Before leaving, participants learn the basic qualities that constitute a good employee: reliability, punctuality, a strong work ethic, and a positive demeanor.
WorkReady is based on seven standards, which cover personal motivations and challenges, plans for employment, working with others, effective communication, the principles of getting a job, employee rights, and work-related safety information.
WorkReady programs, in partnership with local businesses, provide participants with real-time feedback through mock interviews and other workshops with human resource professionals. Successful participants will receive a credential issued by the Maine DOE and recognized by employers throughout the state.
For more information about the WorkReady program and curriculum, please contact Steve Airoldi, Workforce Development Coordinator.