AUGUSTA, Maine — As National Apprentice Week begins, the Maine Department of Labor (DOL) is hosting its first Maine Apprenticeship Summit at the Augusta Civic Center.
The event on Monday is tailored for businesses, unions, associations, education providers and other organizations to network, share best practices, and continue to evolve the state's apprenticeship program.
According to state data, more than 3,000 apprentices were actively working to gain their skill certification in 2022, and 90% of apprentices who complete their program are still working with their employer after one year.
DOL Commissioner Laura Fortman said while the state's unemployment rate is low, businesses are still looking to find talented and skilled workers. So, Fortman said, apprenticeships provide a "win-win" scenario as businesses can train skilled workers and retain them and workers can take advantage of new opportunities with their employer.
Fortman said many industry sectors, like heath care and aquaculture, use apprentices, along with traditional skilled trade jobs.
"We are the first state in the nation to have an aquaculture registered apprenticeship program," Fortman said. "So I think as we're innovating, we're also attracting attracting folks to come to the state and helping them be successful and businesses being successful."
Monday's summit will also dedicate time to exploring how businesses can engage women or workers from other under-represented groups and get them more involved in apprenticeship opportunities. Fortman added that it will also be a chance for state officials to listen to stakeholders and address any issues, concerns, or positive feedback they may have not thought of.
Gov. Janet Mills will deliver remarks to kick off the summit. According to the governor's office, more than $12 million has been invested to expand the state's apprenticeship program, which has doubled the number of new apprentices in the state.
While the summit is sold-out, you can find more information about the Maine Apprenticeship Program here. Anyone who is at least 16 years old can become an apprentice in Maine.