The Associated General Contractors of Maine has announced that Gorham High School, in Partnership with Westbrook Regional Vocational Center will be one of its inaugural locations for the 2023 Construction Immersion Program. The Construction Immersion Program is a new opportunity for in-school and out-of-school youth to explore construction career pathways and earn several basic construction certifications.
As the nation and State of Maine recover from the effects of COVID-19, the entire industry remains under pressure to educate new skilled workers. “We have known for years that our construction workforce is aging and that we need to train new skilled workers. The time is now, and this is the program to accomplish that goal. Each detail of the program is designed to support both the student and the construction industry. We have done our very best to address every barrier.” said AGC Maine Executive Director, Kelly Flagg. The team is prepared for up to 100 students across the state, with up to 20 being in the Gorham/Westbrook program. Each student will be paid a stipend during the program, will receive all necessary personal protective gear for a construction career, including safety toe work boots, and will receive 5 basic construction certificates before being introduced to a minimum of 10 different construction craft pathways.
Upon graduation they will also receive a tool kit valued at $250. Flagg says “They will have both hands-on experiences and actual construction site visits. We want them to see what is really out there for them.” In late 2022 AGC Maine secured grant funding from the Maine Department of Labor with a focus on workforce development, specifically for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. Their original proposal included only 3 local programs, but demand for workers has been so high, that they sought additional funding and have added several more program locations, including Gorham/Westbrook for the 2023 class year.
“Our partners in our local Maine communities such as Gorham and Westbrook are a critical component of the program. Our mission is to demonstrate that construction apprenticeship can be the way to lifelong career without the burden of student debt. It can also be the onramp a student needs to choose a college education pathway in a related field. We are the on-ramp, it is up to the student which exit into the industry they take.” There are still spaces available for the program. Visit buildingmaine.com for more information or to apply. Learn more about AGC Maine at agcmaine.org or call (207) 622-4741.