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We’re building bridges between Maine’s businesses, colleges, universities, and people to cultivate and retain top talent.

Workforce Programs

We’re building Maine’s workforce capacity by engaging students and young adults in various pathways to skills development and jobs in Maine.

FocusMaine’s workforce programs are designed to engage career explorers in developing skills in FocusMaine sectors and cross-cutting sectors, creating a network of similarly situated career explorers and connecting with Maine employers and job openings. The result is an increased supply of interested early-stage employees with an affinity for living and working in Maine.

FEATURED PROGRAM

Your interns can enjoy Maine Career Catalyst!

Take advantage of Educate Maine’s programming and enroll your interns in Maine Career Catalyst. An internship in Maine is an unforgettable experience with great employers, unlimited networking opportunities, and fun social activities.

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Aquaculture Pioneers

In partnership with Educate Maine, and incorporating our Maine Career Catalyst program, we work with employers across the downeast, mid-coast, and southern coastal regions to support experiential learning opportunities at farms and hatcheries.

Participants in the Aquaculture Pioneers program can receive internship credit through their high school or higher education institution. Participants will also be enrolled as pre-apprentices to provide them with credit if/when they are interested in pursuing an aquaculture registered apprenticeship in the future.

Employers who host Aquaculture Pioneers will become partner employers of Maine Career Catalyst (MCC) giving them access to added program support and a community of like-minded employers interested in elevating experiential learning in Maine. Pioneers hired through this initiative will be enrolled in the MCC program and will become a part of a cohort focused on building skills and their network in Maine’s aquaculture sector.

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Maine Career Catalyst

Equity in Internships Program (EQUIP)

Tell your interns about the EQUIP stipend! The program goal is to provide financial support to black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), first-generation, and women in STEM students interning with Maine companies during the summer. Students with these identities who are interested in building career skills to work in Maine’s growing economy are encouraged to apply (applications open in March).
Previous interns reported their award contributed to costs related to housing, transportation, relocation, and general financial stability during their summer internship.

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Our Partners

Maine Career Catalyst Impact

Valuable results of FocusMaine’s partnership with Educate Maine

2,700

INTERNS IN MAINE CAREER CATALYST FROM 2018-2022

78%

INTERESTED IN MAINE CAREERS

$300

INVESTED PER PARTICIPANT

26%

BIPOC

61%

GENDER DIVERSE

22%

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

2,700

INTERNS IN MAINE CAREER CATALYST FROM 2018-2022

78%

INTERESTED IN MAINE CAREERS

$300

INVESTED PER PARTICIPANT

26%

BIPOC

61%

GENDER DIVERSE

22%

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

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We are Stronger Together

When you make a donation to FocusMaine, you help create opportunities for economic growth in Maine. Donate today.

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Testimonials

“We are proud to partner with FocusMaine to expand quality jobs in Maine in a variety of sectors. FocusMaine is able to bring together diverse stakeholders from across Maine to collaborate together and execute programs that attract, train, and retain essential current and future talent. Addressing the talent shortage is one of Maine’s most pressing challenges, and FocusMaine is helping to show that Maine has dynamic employers, wonderful local communities, and many career opportunities.“

– Jason Judd, Ed.D., Executive Director, Educate Maine

“From agriculture to aquaculture to biopharmaceuticals, FocusMaine is an innovative leader with a record of economic success in maximizing our state’s vast resources. The industry-led organization’s vision of sustainability and commitment to creating good jobs that tap into Maine’s natural assets and talented population makes it a key driver of opportunity in our state. I’m grateful for all they continue to do to make Maine a leader in the industries of the future.”

– Senator Angus King

“The University of Maine has found great colleagues in FocusMaine. The future of our state depends on the opportunities for success that we provide to the people of Maine, and we are proud to work with this dynamic team as they catalyze growth in key fields and continue to look for sustainable economic solutions for our state and our future.”

– Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President, University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias; Vice
Chancellor for Research and Innovation, University of Maine System

Post your job openings!

Recruit for your organization on the BioME or the Live and Work in Maine job board.

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