Maine apprenticeship programs get $5.6M boost from feds

The Maine Department of Labor has been awarded $5,594,187 in federal funding to support and expand apprenticeship programs across the state, according to an announcement last week from Maine’s U.S. senators.

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s State Apprenticeship Expansion, Equity and Innovation Grants Program.

The State Apprenticeship Expansion, Equity and innovation Grants Program aims to support and expand apprenticeships by expanding systems to support the development, modernization and diversification of registered apprenticeship programs.

The federal support is also intended to improve partnership and alignment to support workforce system integration; increase the number of apprentices enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs, including underrepresented populations; and promote innovation in program development and recruitment strategies.

The Maine Department of Labor runs a formal, industry-led, nationally recognized Maine Apprenticeship Program that provides in-house skill development through on-the-job learning supplemented with technical and theoretical coursework, according to the agency’s website.

Employers including Pittsfield-based construction contractor Cianbro Corp., Washington County Community College in Calais and Portland-based Paradigm Windows offer apprenticeships through the program.

Megan Diver

Megan has worked in Maine politics for more than ten years and all of her professional career, having served in many roles for elected officials (including former Secretary of State Charlie Summers), in-house with the Maine Association of REALTORS®, legislative specialist at Pierce Atwood LLP providing lobbying services and support to Pierce Atwood’s government relations clients and most recently senior government relations specialist at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Megan currently is the Vice President at the Maine Energy Marketers Association, utilizing her vast knowledge and legislative experience at the State House to represent MEMA on policies relating to the Association and its members.