AGC Maine Kicks Off 2024 Maine Construction Academy
As summer vacation kicks off in the Maine, students from across the state are choosing to head back into the classroom, and the job site, this summer with the Maine Construction Academy.
Heading into their second year, the Maine Construction Academy is hosting a total of 15 Construction Immersion Programs in 2024, in partnership with local schools, technical centers, and Maine employers. This program provides pre-apprenticeship pathways through four weeks of instruction in both the classroom and hands-on experiences this summer.
“With the recent commitments to investment in our state’s transportation infrastructure, climate resiliency, clean energy and vertical building construction, these trainings and career opportunities will provide a solid foundation for the future of our workforce,” says Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of AGC Maine.
The program, funded by a combination of sources including grants from the Maine Department of Labor, The Governors Energy Office Clean Energy Partnership and a new gift from the Skowhegan Savings Foundation, is geared toward growing pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities in the State of Maine. AGC Maine, along with several partners worked together to bring the program to life in the summer of 2023 and are excited for this expansion in 2024.
“On behalf of the Skowhegan Savings Foundation, we are thrilled to support the Maine Construction Academy apprenticeship program as it will directly impact contractors and students in areas that we serve. Local contractors need skilled talent and those participating in the program will receive professional development that sets them up for a very rewarding career path,” says John Witherspoon, Board Chair of Skowhegan Savings Foundation.
The Construction Immersion Program offers students classroom & hands-on instruction and upon graduation receive several industry recognized credentials including OSHA 10, Construction First Aid & CPR, and NCCER Core Badge. The program concludes with resume preparation, a class on money management, and guaranteed interviews with participating contractors. A total of over 250 students applied, with just over 175 ultimately joining the upcoming program. Students also have the opportunity to earn a stipend during the program and are outfitted with hard hats, steel-toed boots and other necessary PPE for the job site.
As hammers clang and dreams take shape, the future of the industry and seasoned veterans will collaborate to hone their skills, earn industry certifications, forge lasting connections, and build the foundations of tomorrow.