Business Forums During National Disability Employment Awareness Month Highlight Tapping a Broader Talent Pool Bookmark and Share

September 22, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2016 Registration Contact: Charles Woodbury 624-5195 Media Contact: Tim Sardano, 626-6232

AUGUSTA--In observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, in central and western Maine will offer business forums for employers who want to learn more about finding qualified employees during a labor shortage.

?Maine businesses in need of qualified talent find it especially difficult in a tightening labor market," said Labor Commissioner, Jeanne Paquette. "Even during a time of low unemployment, we can guide employers to individuals that can fill a business?s immediate needs or work with them to identify training programs that will help upskill their current workers, which in turn opens entry-level or easier-to-fill positions. It?s a win-win-win for businesses, workers, and the Maine economy.?

The forums will include an overview of the current labor shortage and how to access untapped talent among people with disabilities, ex-offenders, and others with barriers to employment. The forum will also provide information on worker training opportunities and business tax credits available when hiring from the under-utilized workforce.

The forums will be held in four locations, with information provided by Maine CareerCenter staff:

  • Tuesday, October 4, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Lewiston CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston
  • Thursday, October 20, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Skowhegan CareerCenter, 98 North Avenue, Skowhegan
  • Monday, October 24, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Wilton CareerCenter, 865 US Route 2E, Wilton
  • Thursday, October 27, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Augusta CareeRCenter, 21 Enterprise Drive, Suite 2, Augusta

For more information or to RSVP, contact contact Charles Woodbury at Charles.Woodbury@maine.gov or 624-5195.

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. The theme for 2016 is "#InclusionWorks

These forums are sponsored by the Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board, the Maine Disability Employment Initiative, and the Maine Department of Labor, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.

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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