New program up-skills Mainers into Renewable Energy careers

A new workforce program will up-skill Mainers into high-skill, high-wage career pathways as engineering and construction/skilled trades managers related to Renewable Energy. The program is no-cost to participants, reducing financial barriers to career growth.  

The program, called Green Jobs for ME, is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration grant awarded to and managed by Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc. Workforce Solutions, operated by Goodwill Northern New England, will provide the services. 

“We’re very excited to be able to provide jobseekers with the education and training they need to have successful careers in renewable energy with this grant,” said David Wurm, Senior Director of Workforce Services for Goodwill Northern New England. “Green Jobs for ME will add over 300 skilled and qualified workers to the state’s workforce – which is huge.”  

Providing education and training

Green Jobs for ME will provide education and training in the form of on-the-job training, subsidized training and work experience pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships, stackable credits and certificates, and associate and bachelor’s degrees to jobseekers.  

“A lot of our partners are local businesses in the renewable energy field who will benefit from working with program participants as much as the jobseekers will benefit from them,” Wurm said.  

Employment partners include:

• Cianbro
• ReVision Energy
• ClimateWork Maine
• Dirigo Solar
• Evergreen Home Performance
• Association of General Contractors
• Reed & Reed
• Assured Solar
• Croft

“The resources available to participants of this program are incredible,” said Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine. “We’re excited to be a partner in this work.” 

Green Jobs for ME is currently open for enrollments. Find more information at https://workforcesolutionsme.org/inquiry-form/ 

This 2-million-dollar-project is fully funded by a U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration grant awarded to and managed by Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc., the Local Workforce Development Board for Maine’s six coastal counties. This program/activity is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 

Goodwill Northern New England is a nonprofit that invests in people who need support to achieve their work and life goals. Goodwill’s workforce and disability services support more than 10,000 people each year. The stores drive sustainability through re-use, while offering good jobs and free supports to all employees. Goodwill NNE operates in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. For more information visit GoodwillNNE.org.