Lewiston CareerCenter Focuses on Skilled Trades

May 5, 2009

Continuing its focus on growth sectors, and occupations that will be in demand once the economic slump ends, the Lewiston CareerCenter highlighted skilled trades as part of its Industry Information Tuesday series. This was the fourth Tuesday event held since early March. Previous sectors focused on have been precision manufacturing, healthcare, and construction trades.

The New England School of Metalwork provided a hands-on experience for visitors by setting up its Mobile Weld Training Center in the CareerCenter parking lot. The self sufficient training unit allows anyone interested in welding the opportunity to suit up and experience welding firsthand. Deputy Commissioner of Labor, Jane Gilbert, visited during the morning, and tried her hand at running a welding bead.

Both Warren Swan, director of the school?s welding program, and instructor, Ron Guimond, allowed several interested candidates to don welding jackets, helmets, and gloves, and wield torches inside the Training Center.

Guimond highlighted the need for skilled trades people when he stated that ?the average age of skilled craftspeople, like welders, is 56-years-old.?

Mindful of this aging workforce, as well as the continued demand for skilled trades people like welders, and metal fabricators, the CareerCenter, as well the Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board, which is the one-stop operator of Maine?s CareerCenters, will continue to focus on sectors where growth and opportunity will prevail.

These Industry Information Tuesdays happen every first and third Tuesday, at the Lewiston CareerCenter. The next information day will focus on Green Jobs, and Green Technologies, and will take place on Tuesday, May 19, from 9:00 to Noon. FMI, contact the CareerCenter at 753-9001. The Lewiston CareerCenter is located at 5 Mollison Way, in Lewiston.