Summit to Connect Education and Business in Eastern Maine
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Hollywood Slots
8:00am – 1:00pm

Building a workforce that meets the needs of industries in our region has never been more critical.  Often there is a lack of connection between what our youth are learning in school and how that knowledge can be applied to the job market. Further, our educators need access to information that will guide them as they help students choose career paths that will be in demand. It is just as important for businesses to have a readily available workforce with the education and skills to meet their needs.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation, the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board E3 Program and the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Building Bridges Program are hosting a one-day conference to connect educators, businesses and parents.  These stakeholders each have a vested interest in the future of this region and are committed to ensuring that our youth are informed about employment trends and growth industries.  Our shared goal is to develop a network that will assist parents and their children in becoming more aware of where the jobs will be in the future, what the jobs will be, and the education and skills required to be hired in these jobs.

The summit will offer a day of informative presentations and the opportunity to speak to the experts one-on-one.  The morning program will feature a general session focused on industries and employers based in Eastern Maine now and in the future (including shifts in the current climate), hiring trends and opportunities for employment in these fields, first-hand information from actual employers and current workforce, and education opportunities.  A round table session will also be offered where the participants can ask questions and get advice from a broad range of resources including:  WorkReady; Tri-County Workforce Investment Board; Opportunity Maine; bioscience, engineering, healthcare, and tourism industries; Innovation Engineering; alternative education programs, and more.


Continuing Education Credits:  0.5 CEU’s available for Maine educator re-certification

For more information, please contact Vicki Rusbult at vrusbult@emdc.org