Workforce

Maine Quality Centers

Maine Quality Center funds are available to new or expanding firms or consortia creating a minimum of eight new full-time jobs with benefits in the state of Maine. The award is based on skill requirements, wage benefit levels, and company and labor market analysis. The program provides customized recruitment and guaranteed fast-track training designed to employer specifications. The program is offered at no cost, and is delivered by the state’s seven community colleges.

Program Example: Faced with a scarcity of skilled workers to fill the growing demand, a group of seven metal manufacturers in York County formed a coalition to promote careers in metals manufacturing. By forming a partnership with York County Community College, Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and the Maine Quality Centers, customized training to meet the groups’ common need of projected new positions was made available to the coalition. Applications were reviewed and a math and reading assessment was conducted, leading to a group of selected trainees. After successful completion of the 170-hour program, trainees received interviews with at least one of the seven companies participating in the coalition. When training was completed, 123 new jobs had been filled.