May Programs for Job Seekers at the Machias CareerCenter

May 10, 2013

For Immediate Release: May 10, 2013
Contact: Nichole Jamison, Washington County CareerCenters, 255-1900; Julie Rabinowitz, Department of Labor, 621-5009

MACHIAS?The Machias CareerCenter is offering several workshops for individuals interested in changing jobs or careers.

?People looking for a new job can get free assistance from Maine?s CareerCenters,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Today?s job market is very different than it used to be, and CareerCenter staff can connect you with today?s job search tools, like email addresses and tips on filling out online applications.?

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. GATEways to Employment: Group Access to Employment Session, May 24, 9 a.m. Is your job search in need of a boost? Are you looking for a way to stand out to a potential employer? Do you want to have a significant advantage over other job seekers in today's competitive job search environment? GATEways to Employment will increase your job search success by helping you gain insight on the latest job search techniques and maximize your potential. To register, call Michelle at 1-800-292-8929.

Essentials of College Planning, May 9, 10 a.m. This workshop, presented by the Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC), will cover the basic steps for successful college enrollment. The session will discuss college and trade school options, entrance requirements, readiness and transitional issues of adult students, admissions procedures and financial aid. During the session we will review a typical admissions application, request admissions materials and financial aid information from prospective colleges for each participant, and, if appropriate, will complete the financial aid form. This session is designed to set the stage for future enhanced workshops or individual counseling sessions. Participants should bring their 2012 1040 tax form (or income estimates for 2012) and any high school/GED and college transcripts to allow Sally Daniels, MEOC advisor, to customize workshop details to participants' needs, making the MEOC enrollment and financial aid process easier. To register for a MEOC workshop or for more information, call Sally at 1-800-281-3703.

Financial Aid, May 9, 2 p.m. The Financial Aid Workshop, presented by MEOC, provides an overview of financial basics and the completion of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Discussion will include a review of the federal, state, school-based, and private funding sources. Upon completion of this workshop, students will be able to effectively access the funding they need to complete their college degree. An emphasis will be placed on student responsibility and an understanding of the full financial process and timetable. Participants should bring their last year?s income details to the workshop. Participants should be current college students or prospective college students who have attended an earlier session of Essentials of College Planning Workshop with MEOC. To register for a MEOC workshop or for more information, call Sally at 1-800-281-3703.

My Money Works?Tools for Smart Money Choices, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (5 sessions) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Gain the skills and confidence you need to stretch your money, pay your bills, reduce debt, find money for savings, plan for retirement, and set personal financial goals. Pre-registration is required, and participation in all five sessions is encouraged. Men, women and couples are welcome. This workshop series is offered by Women, Work and Community in partnership with Maine Department of Labor, Disability Employment Initiative, Machias CareerCenter, and UMA. To register, call Dodie at 1-800-292-8929.

CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of workshops and 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.

Call 255-1900 (TTY users call Maine Relay 711) for additional information and to register for workshops held at the CareerCenter. The Machias CareerCenter, 255-1900, is located at 53 Prescott Drive, Suite 1 in Machias. The Calais CareerCenter is located at Washington Community College on One College Drive in Calais. Both CareerCenters are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also find more information 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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