Worker Training for the Future
Let's strengthen Maine's economy
Maine’s Growing Need for Skills
As the workforce continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever for workers to have the skills they need to succeed. The Alliance for Maine supports workforce training and education for workers of all ages.
We know that Maine’s economy is changing, and we need to make sure our workforce is prepared for the future. That’s why we support worker training and education. We want to help workers gain the skills they need to succeed in the new economy and ensure Maine employers have access to a skilled workforce.
Investing in Better Training for Everyone
Currently, more workers are leaving the workforce than coming in, so it’s important to make sure Maine is positioned to attract workers from within and outside of the state.
So, how can we do this?
There are a few key ways:
- Invest in worker training and education: We need to make sure our workers have the skills they need to succeed. This means investing in worker training and education.
- Focus on attracting young workers: We need to focus on attracting young workers to Maine. This includes making the state an attractive place to work and live.
- Support our current workforce: We need to support our current workforce with ongoing training and education to advance in their current careers or learn new skills that allow them to transition to different and emerging industries.
- Welcome newcomers: We need to welcome newcomers to Maine with open arms. This includes supporting immigrants and families looking for a new way of life.
- Work together: We all need to work together—businesses, government, educators, and workers—to ensure Maine’s workforce is prepared for the future.
What’s more, businesses have to focus less on degrees and more on skills. There is a fundamental need for traditional skills that many students can’t learn in college. That’s why it’s important for vocational schools to work toward making their courses more appealing to kids who might not know what they want to do after high school.
Vocational schools are excellent places to learn a trade—something that can be used in many of Maine’s manufacturing firms.
The need for skills cannot be overstated. Between 1979 and the 2000s, the number of Maine’s manufacturing jobs dropped from 114,600 down to just 28,000. And with much of the current workforce retiring, the state needs to see a dramatic shift in manufacturing job interest.
We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to workforce development. But we also know that by working together, we can find the right solutions for Maine.
Help Us Make a Difference
The Alliance for Maine is committed to improving the workforce in our state. We’ll continue to invest our efforts in improving worker training and education, focus on attracting young workers, support our current workforce, welcome newcomers, and work together to find solutions. We’re confident that by doing so, we can build a stronger economy for everyone.
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