County website promotes career help

7 years ago

CARIBOU — Whether you live in Aroostook County, are a recent college graduate, or are from away and looking to move here, Opportunities Aroostook offers all the tools to start a job search, including internships and volunteer options in Aroostook County.

Opportunities Aroostook grew out of the Aroostook Partnership for Progress Education to Industry Initiative, which looks to connect high school and college students with emerging jobs in The County. Aroostook Partnership and Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) came together after AAI received a grant to form the Internship Hub of Aroostook, and decided to move forward with one website managed under AAI’s roof.

Robert Dorsey, president and CEO of Aroostook Partnership, says a program like this is important to the area.

“It is vital to have one place where job seekers and employers can go to get information on the job availability in Aroostook,” said Dorsey.

Opportunities Aroostook is designed to be user-friendly for both applicants and companies. Applicants are able to create profiles, upload resumes and see the most current job postings, internship and volunteer opportunities in the area. Companies can create profiles from which they post job openings specific to their business or organization, and can also post internship and volunteer opportunities.

“With approximately 31,000 jobs and a 10 percent turnover rate, combined with an aging workforce and only 725 students graduating every year, it is imperative that County high school and college students are aware of the types of careers and the growing need for employees as they prepare for post high school education,” said Dorsey.

Kristen Wells, executive director of AAI, said managing Opportunities Aroostook works well with the mission of the organization.

“It’s so important to know the opportunities that are here. It’s especially important that young people are aware of jobs available now and in the coming years. This helps everyone make better, more informed decisions about where to live, work, and receive education,” said Wells.

To learn more, visit opportunitiesaroostook.com, like them on Facebook, or call 760-0558.