December Programs for Job Seekers at the Southern Midcoast CareerCenter

Brunswick, Maine - The Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, part of the Maine Department of Labor, and in conjunction with its partners, offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills and employers to find qualified workers. Each of the 12 statewide centers provides public-access computer workstations equipped with Microsoft Office, resume writing and cover letter software. In addition we provide internet access and O'Net software for individual skills assessment. Employers can list their open positions on Maine JobLink and take advantage of our online matching system, which identifies and refers job candidates. All CareerCenter services are provided free of charge to employers and job seeking customers.

"As employers hire for the winter season and in preparation of 2017, no Mainers should feel that the job market is too competitive for them. There are good-paying jobs available," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Maine JobLink has about 10,000 jobs from hundreds of local employers, and our CareerCenters continue to hold monthly job fairs with dozens of companies looking to hire. Visit your closest CareerCenter to help you find a job by improving your resume and practicing for that interview, not to mention many opportunities to train for a new career."

The Southern Midcoast CareerCenter in Brunswick continues its series of workshops and programs for job seekers and those considering training to upgrade their skills and increase their employability. For more information on any of the CareerCenters programs, visit http://www.mainecareercenter.gov or call 207-373-4000.

The following workshops and programs are free to the public and will be held at the CareerCenter in Brunswick unless otherwise noted. All events require pre-registration in person or by phone.

**Planning Your Job Search - Thursday, December 1, 9 a.m to noon**

Designed to help you jump start your work search with the latest tips and tools you'll need to know to conduct a successful job search in today's labor market.

**Career Directions/ Putting the Pieces Together - Wednesday, December 7, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.**

Explore your career interests, aptitudes, values, personality, motivation and how each transfers to today's job market.

**Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop - Wednesday, December 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.**

Covers the basics of how to evaluate or create an effective resume and cover letter.

**Effective Job Interviewing Workshop - Wednesday, December 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.**

Dedicated to exploring proper interviewing techniques and tips.

**Computer Boot Camp - Individual sessions held daily 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. All sessions are by appointment only.**

Basic Instruction on how to use a computer for work search purposes. (Intended for novice computer users only).

**The Southern Midcoast CareerCenter also features several sessions led by these partner organizations:**

**Essentials of College Planning Workshop - Tuesdays, December 6 and 20**

Christy Le from the Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) offers a free workshop for adults 19 and older covering College Awareness and Planning along with the Federal Financial Aid process. She will assist participants in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For times and to register for the next available session or for more information, call 1-800-281-3703 or visit MEOC's website, meoc.maine.edu .

**Small Business Start Up Workshop - Thursday, December 15, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.**

Interested in self-employment? So what does it really take to plan, start and run a successful small business where you can realize the challenges and satisfaction of working for yourself? Join us for a 2 hour afternoon session, where Maine Small Business Development Center Certified Master Business Counselor, Brad Swanson will walk you through the keys to successful business startup and management, focusing on the business plan: What is it? Why do you need one? What can it do for you?

**Workforce Solutions** administers federally funded employment and training programs through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Certain eligibility requirements apply. If you are at least 16 years of age and think you might benefit from training that could be classroom based or on the job, contact the Southern Midcoast CareerCenter in Brunswick at 207-373-4000 to speak with a Workforce Solutions representative.

**New Ventures Maine** offers no cost classes in Assertive Communication, Creating Your Future, Creating the Rest of Your Life, Credit Yourself, Entrepreneurial Training, Financing Your Future, Professional Development and Mature Worker Activities. For more information, call 207-386-1664 or go to www.newventuresmaine.org Workshops are held at Brunswick Landing at the University College administrative offices, found on the campus of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) on the first floor wing of Orion Hall, 12 Sewall Street, Brunswick.

CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O'Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge.

The Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, located at 275 Bath Road in Brunswick, is open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and can be reached at 207-373-4000 or 1-888-836-3355 (TTY users should dial Maine Relay 711). You can also find more information at the CareerCenter website, http://www.mainecareercenter.gov . Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.