May Programs for Job Seekers at the Portland CareerCenter Bookmark and Share

May 10, 2013

For Immediate Release: May 10
Contact: 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 Portland CareerCenters provides job seekers with tips, tools, and fresh ideas that can jump start a job search,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Their workshops and counseling sessions provide sound advice and proven techniques that can land you a new job.?

All businesses looking to hire and people looking for work should register with the Maine Job Bank. This month the Job Bank has approximately 23,000 registered job seekers and more than 5,000 job openings. There is no cost to create a profile if you are a job seeker or to list a job if you are an employer.

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, May 7, 14, 23 and 28, 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?May 3 and 17, 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?Call 771-5627 for times and to register. This workshop explores interview preparation techniques. Practice the most commonly asked questions in an interview setting.

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation?May 1 and 17, 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?May 7, 13, 20, 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 (WWC) offers several workshops open to both men and women each month: - Moving Your Business Forward: Wednesdays, May 1 through 29, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the WWC office at 175 Main St. in South Portland. This 15-hour course will help existing business owners move their business to the next level. The course covers money management and financial tools critical to good decision-making; marketing strategies and strategic planning for growth; and the role of business financing. If your business is at a plateau or is not bringing in enough income, then this class will help you to address any road blocks, develop a plan of action, and move your business forward. A follow-up session is scheduled to provide additional networking and support. To register, please call 799-5025. - Mature Workers: Friday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanford Community Adult Education Center at 21 Bradeen Street, Suite 201 in Springvale. This workshop is for women and men who are 50 +. Mature workers have a number of distinct challenges in today?s economy affecting employment and retirement choices. Are you seeking employment, re-employment, needing to work longer or supplement your income? Are you looking for ways to adjust to current economic trends, or considering phased retirement? This event will identify emerging trends that impact how mature workers view the world of work and what they need to assess for change beyond work. Come explore what community agencies, educational services and professionals are available to help you with building ideas and strategies to consider as you look ahead. To register, please call 286-1722.

Training Orientation?May 1, 7, 15, 22, 31, 12:30 to 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?This is a two-part workshop; May 22 and 29, 9 to 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?May 30, 9 to 1 p.m. Conducted in Spanish for customers in the Latino community who are trying to find employment in Maine. This workshop will help you discover how to develop your abilities and identify strategies for a successful job search. Call 347-3246 to register.

Introduction to Computer Series?May 9, 16 and 23, 2 to 4 p.m. This monthly course has three separate classes: 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?May 15, 5:30 to 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.

For updates about events, like the Portland CareerCenter on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-Career-Center/490380577691525?ref=ts&fref=ts%29 ).

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.

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.

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