Program helps get the ‘most’
from a skilled workforce
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — An upcoming program will provide manufacturers an opportunity to be matched with trained workers, using M.O.S.T. (Mobile Outreach Skills Training).
The Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) invites interested parties to attend an open house featuring the M.O.S.T. program, a fast-track and intensive course offering basic manufacturing skills training to prepare individuals for a wide range of entry-level production jobs. The two-week training covers shop math, blueprint reading, precision measurement, safety, quality, “Lean to Green” manufacturing concepts and more.
“The M.O.S.T. program is a fast-track training initiative that utilizes a mobile classroom. Outfitted with cutting-edge computer-numeric controlled (CNC) equipment, the mobile unit delivers an intensive skills training program that consists of hands-on curricula utilizing computer-based 3-D simulations and training modules,” said Alain Ouellette, division director, planning and development, Fort Kent office, NMDC.
Ouellette said participants stand to receive more than the skills they’ll need in today’s job market – they may even get a job.
“Participants who successfully complete the program not only gain job training, but receive interviews with employers ready to hire qualified applicants. The Maine MEP’s effort to identify employers with job openings and connect those employers with the trainees differentiates the program from many other training programs and contributes to the M.O.S.T. program’s high level of successful job placements,” said Ouellette.
The staff of M.O.S.T. will be in Presque Isle in mid-May to discuss how businesses can benefit from this employee recruitment, assessment, training and placement assistance program, with tours of mobile training unit being offered and more.
With the support of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, this program will help manufacturers fill entry-level production jobs quickly and at no cost to them. The M.O.S.T. vehicle will be at the upcoming CareerCenter Job Fair on Wednesday, May 11, at the Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center, located at 150 Maysville Street in Presque Isle.
“I would urge manufacturers to take a moment to visit the Career Fair this coming May 11 to learn more about M.O.S.T. and what it can bring to their business,” Ouellette said.
The M.O.S.T. vehicle will be at the Crow’s Nest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 11. For more information, contact Ryan D. Pelletier, director of workforce development, 800-427-8736. For more information on the M.O.S.T. program, contact Maine MEP, 623-0680.
