February 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.

"Our CareerCenters help Mainers put their best foot forward when looking for a new job or starting a new career," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "CareerCenters' no-cost workshops help you improve your job applications, write a targeted resume, strengthen your interview skills and prepare for our state's many upcoming job fairs. I encourage both job seekers and employers to connect with their local CareerCenter this hiring season for job search and recruiting services."

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.

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. 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.

For more information on any of the CareerCenters programs, visit www.mainecareercenter.gov or call 207-373-4000.

**Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop - Wednesday, February 8, 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, February 15, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.**

Dedicated to exploring proper interviewing techniques and tips.

**Computer Boot Camp -** Individual sessions held 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, February 7 and 21**

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, February 19, 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, www.mainecareercenter.gov. Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.