May Programs for Job Seekers at the Southern Midcoast CareerCenter

BRUNSWICK, Maine - 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.

"Maine had the fourth lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. in March, and over 4,500 more Mainers are working this year versus the same time last year," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Employers need qualified people to fill many open jobs, so I urge you to connect with your closest Maine CareerCenter. Our team will help you search for a new or better job, improve your resume writing and interview skills, and get the most out of the job fairs happening right now."

The following services and programs are free to the public and will be held at the CareerCenter in Brunswick unless otherwise noted. All services/events require appointments or pre-registration in person or by phone. For more information on any of the CareerCenters programs, visit http://www.mainecareercenter.gov or call 207-373-4000.

**Career Directions / Putting the Pieces Together - ** Explores your career interests, aptitudes, values, personality, motivation and how each transfer to today's job market. By appointment.

**Gateways to Employment-Every Tuesday, 8:30 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. Call to pre-register.

**Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop -** Covers the basics of how to evaluate or create an effective resume and cover letter. By appointment.

**Effective Interviewing Skills Workshop -** Dedicated to exploring proper interviewing techniques and tips. By appointment.

**Computer Boot Camp -** All sessions are by appointment only. Basic instruction on how to use a computer for work search purposes. (Intended for novice computer users only).

**Career Exploration Workshop-Wednesday, May 16, Thursday, May 17, and Friday, May 18.** An extensive and informative three-day workshop offered to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients to explore a variety of career paths and research the required skills needed for those careers. Registration through Vocational Rehabilitation is required. Please call 373-4018 for more information.

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

**Essentials of College Planning Workshop - Tuesday, May 1 and 15**

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 Aide 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 .

**Writing Your Business Plan - Thursday, May 24, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.**

Anyone considering starting a small business has heard the question "Do you have a business plan"? Just what is this document and why is it so important? In this two-hour workshop, Maine Small Business Development Center Master Business Advisor from CEI will explain the importance of writing a business plan for all small businesses. Using a case study and presentation approach, Swanson will walk through all the components of a business plan and coach participants on writing their own plan. Call 373-4000 to Pre-Register.

**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 Workforce Solutions at 207-775-5891 and ask 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 http://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. to 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.