Join us in making Maine’s Construction Industry Stronger.
Join us in making Maine’s
Construction and Trades Industry Stronger
Looking for Training Programs?
Build Your Future in Construction and Trades
Maine’s construction and trades industry is booming — and you can be part of it. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, Maine’s community colleges and the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce can help, with:
- Free In-person training at Maine’s community colleges for hands-on learning in a supportive setting.
- Industry recognized credentials, certifications, and degree programs to ensure the most up-to-date skills, safety standards, and jobsite readiness.
- Professional development funding for current employees through the Maine Workforce Development Compact.
From carpentry and plumbing to welding and HVAC, demand for skilled tradespeople is growing across the state. These are essential, high-paying careers — and they’re available right now. Our short-term training programs are fast, free, and built with Maine employers — so you gain the skills, credentials, and confidence to succeed.
Why Choose a Career in the Trades?
Jobs are in Demand
Earn While You Learn
Opportunities to Grow
Free In-Person Training at Maine’s Community Colleges
Get hands-on experience with free, in-person training at community colleges across Maine. Gain practical skills and real-world knowledge to succeed in construction and trades.
Choose a College to Explore Trainings:
Central Maine Community College
- Welding
- Night Welding
- Broadband
- CDL Class A
- Manufacturing Technician
- Residential Electrician
- High Pressure Boiler Operator
Eastern Maine Community College
- Oil Burner
- Propane Technician
- Heat Pump Installation
- Electric Vehicle Technician
- Large Appliance Connection & Service
Kennebec Valley Community College
- Welding
- Electric Vehicle Technician
- ETL 124 Fundamentals of Electronics
Northern Maine Community College
- CDL Class A
- CDL Class B to Class A
- CDL ELDT Hazmat Online
- Residential Electrician
- Heat Pump Installation
- High Pressure Boiler Operator
- Refrigerant Handling and Safety
Southern Maine Community College
- Welding
- Marine Design
- Large Equipment
- Gas and Propane
- Construction Institute
- Advanced Construction Institute
- Advanced Manufacturing
- High Pressure Boiler Operator
- Yamaha Outboard Motor Repair
York Community College
- Welding
- CDL Class A
- CNC Academy
- Foundations of Machining
- Maine Basic Pump Operation Certification
Alfond Center Scholarships for Construction and Trades
Advance your construction and trades career with certificate and degree programs at Maine’s community colleges – now even more affordable with Alfond Center Scholarships.
Working Mainers can receive 50% off tuition while pursuing programs part-time in fields like Architectural & Engineering Design, Building Construction Technology, Diesel Hydraulics Technology, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Heating, Plumbing, Wind Power Technology, and more!
Designed for flexibility, our programs help you gain the skills needed to succeed in Maine’s growing construction and trades sector.
For Employers: Double Your Training Budget
The Maine Workforce Development Compact
Join the Maine Workforce Development Compact—a free resource from Maine’s community colleges and the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce.
As a compact member, you can receive up to $1,200 per employee in matching funds for training and professional development. Join over 1,700 Maine employers who utilize this program to strengthen their teams. Applying takes just two minutes.
Training is completely employer-driven. Qualified training and professional development can take place at Maine's community colleges, through an in-house training, or with a third-party training vendor of your choice.
Join us in making Maine’s Construction Industry Stronger
Join us in making Maine’s construction and trades industry stronger and more vibrant. If you’re an employer seeking to develop your workforce, the Harold Alfond Center is here to support you every step of the way.
Connect with our Director of Sector Partnerships.
The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce coordinates all short-term workforce training programs for Maine’s community colleges, working closely with business and industry leaders statewide. Launched in 2021, the Alfond Center served over 26,000 Mainers in thirty months. A new, historic gift of $75.5 million from the Harold Alfond Foundation in June 2024 will enable the Center to train an additional 70,505 Mainers by 2030, significantly impacting Maine’s workforce and economy through strategic private and public partnerships.