Join us in April for a virtual information session to learn how Pathways for ME works, what programs are available, and how to apply. 
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From High School to High Demand

 

Start your career training this Summer with Pathways for ME

 

Pathways for ME is a FREE career launch program for graduating Maine seniors.  You'll train, earn college credit, and connect directly to employers - fast. 

 

✔ Short-term training

✔ College certificate program

✔ Paid work experience

✔ A clear path to accelerate your career

 

No tuition cost.  No guesswork.  Just a faster path to your career.

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What is Pathways for ME?

Pathways for ME is a new program through Maine's community colleges designed for recent high school graduates who want a direct path into a high-demand career.

 

Instead of choosing between work or college - you can earn college credit for your hands-on work experience.

 

You will:

⚪ Complete an accelerated, hands-on training this summer

⚪ Interview for a paid work experience with a Maine employer

⚪ Continue to earn college credits in a certificate program 

 

This program is designed for recent high school graduates who:

⚪ Are not planning to attend college this fall

⚪ Want to start earning sooner

⚪ Prefer hands-on learning

⚪ Are interested in skilled trades in high-demand industries

 

Participants begin with targeted short-term training and may move into a paid work opportunity with employer partners.

 

Pathways for ME is built to help you take a clear, supported step from high school into the workforce.

 

Start with focused, hands-on training designed with employers.  You will:
  • Build real, job-ready skills
  • Work with industry instructors
  • Earn college credits
  • Prepare to move directly into the workforce

This phase builds momentum quickly - so you can see progress right away

Train alongside instructors and industry professionals who know what the job demands.  Get your hands on the tools, technology, and equipment used in today's workplaces.
  • Earn college credits
  • Complete a one-year certificate with hands-on experience
  • Gain a college credential at no cost to you
  • Gain skills aligned with high-wage, high-demand careers

Your training is structured to connect directly to employment and long-term advancement.

Connect with employers hiring Pathways for ME trainees.  You will

  • Interview for paid positions
  • Enter structured, employer-supported work experience
  • Apply your skills in real workplaces
  • Continue building experience while earning income

This isn't just a job.  It's the beginning of a career pathway.

Career areas

Pathways for ME connects you to careers where Maine employers are actively hiring - and where your skills lead to real growth, strong wages, and long-term stability.

 

These aren't temporary jobs.  They're skilled professions with advancement built in.  Career pathways include:

 

Program Description: Learn the tools of carpentry and the construction trade.  Courses cover construction and tool safety, OSHA 10, print reading, framing and leveling, building concepts, and technical math.

Start date: July 13, 2026 - July 31, 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Previous experience needed: None required

Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, proof of work in the US, and a resident of Maine.

Academic Certificate Program: Advanced Construction Institute, Construction Technology

Program held at: Southern Maine Community College, South Portland campus

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Program Description: The Foundations of Machining training covers the foundational skills an individual needs to succeed as they transition into a machining role in a manufacturing setting.  Topics include collaboration, communication, critical thinking, blueprint reading, layout & CMM, CNC operations, GD&T, ethics, precision measurement, math for manufacturing, and basic machine tool.

Start date: June 22, 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (three weeks)

Previous experience needed: None required

Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, proof of work in the US, and a resident of Maine.

Academic Certificate Program: Skilled Technical Trades

Program held at: York County Community College, Wells

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Program Description: 

Students will learn the fundamentals of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including how climate control works, basic electrical components, and system design. The program includes hands-on training with tools and equipment, troubleshooting common issues, and learning industry safety practices. Students will also earn industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA 10 and EPA 608 certification, while visiting employers and learning about HVAC career pathways.

Start date: June 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Previous experience needed: None required

Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, proof of work in the US, and a resident of Maine.

Academic Certificate Program: HVAC Certificate

Stipend: Includes a weekly stipend

Program held at: Central Maine Community College, Auburn

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This project is funded through a grant from the Maine Department of Energy Resources, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Training for Residential Energy Contractors program.  

Program Description: The Certificate in Electrical Construction will provide students with the foundational skills needed to work as an electrician's helper.  After gaining 4,000 hours of experience working under a master electrician, the helper becomes eligible to sit for the Maine State Journeyman's Electrical License exam.  The 4,000 hours of work completed during this period count toward the total 8,000 hours required to qualify for the exam.  This certificate serves as a stepping stone, allowing students to progress toward becoming a licensed journeyman electrician.  Includes DC theory, print reading, residential wiring, technical writing, technical math, renewable energy, AC theory, commercial wiring, industrial wiring, and industrial controls.  

Start date: July 2026.  One-year program.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Previous experience needed: None required

Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, proof of work in the US, and a resident of Maine.

Academic Certificate Program: Electromechanical Technology

Program held at: Central Maine Community College, Auburn

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Program Description: Blueprint reading, technical math, hand and power tool operation and safety, operation of air tools, oxy cutting, tack welding, basic layout, material handling, drilling and fastening, and more.

Start dates:

June 8 - June 26, 2026 or

July 6 - July 24, 2026, or

August 3 - August 21, 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Previous experience needed: None required

Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, proof of work in the US, and a resident of Maine.

Academic Certificate Program: Precision Machining or CNC Machine Operator

Stipend: Includes a weekly stipend 

Program held at: Southern Maine Community College, Brunswick campus

 

Program Description: This training builds essential skills for success in repair and maintenance for Pipefitting and Marine Machine Mechanic roles.  Topics include safety procedures (PPE, hazardous materials, ORM/JSA, hot work, upstream/downstream system status verification), tooling identification and use (basic hand tools, fixed shop, pneumatic, and specialized tools), blueprint reading (GD&T, orthographic P&ID, and task group instruction implementation), precision measurement instruments (PMI tooling, micrometers, gauges, calipers, and various measurements and conversion techniques).  Training culminates in full mockup assembly and disassembly assets.

Start date: June 22, 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (6-weeks)

Previous experience needed: None required

Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, proof of work in the US, and a resident of Maine.

Academic Certificate Program: Skilled Technical Trades

Program held at: York County  Community College, Wells

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Program Description: This all-expense-paid, accelerated 10-week training program provides 320 hours of hands-on instruction in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and introductory Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) for industrial and fabrication settings.  Students will develop the practical welding skills, safety awareness, and technical knowledge needed to meet current industry standards.  Training emphasizes real-world shop practices, including welding in multiple positions, equipment setup, blueprint and welding symbol interpretation, and basic inspection concepts.  Participants will also build essential workplace skills such as documentation, teamwork, and professional communication.

Start date: June 22, 2026 (10-weeks)

Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Previous experience needed: None required

Prerequisites: Minimum 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent, proof of work in the US, and a resident of Maine.

Academic Certificate Program: Skilled Technical Trades

Program held at: York County Community College, Wells

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Why Pathways for ME?

Each year, nearly 5,000 Maine graduates don't enroll in college or training.  Pathways for ME creates a better option.

 

⚪ A free, structured pathway

⚪ Real employer connections

⚪ College credit without traditional barriers

⚪ A clear step after high school

⚪ A direct route to higher wages and long-term growth

 

 

You don't have to figure it out alone.  We've built the path - you just step into it.

 

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Pathways for ME Locations

Pathways for ME is launching as a pilot through Maine's community colleges, bringing training and career opportunities directly to the regions where employers need skilled workers most.  Pilot programs will be offered at Central Maine Community College in Auburn, Southern Maine Community College in Brunswick and South Portland, and York County Community College in Sanford and Wells.  Each location works closely with local employers to ensure training reflects regional workforce needs and connects students to meaningful employment opportunities close to home.

 

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Program Eligibility

Applicants must:

 

⚪ Live in Maine

⚪ Be graduating high school (or earning a diploma-equivalent) in 2026

⚪ Be 18 by June 30, 2026

⚪ Be eligible to work in the United States

⚪ Have transportation to/from college and the employer

 

Not sure what's right for you?

 

We've got you.

 

You don't need to have everything figured out.  If you're interested in Pathways for ME, but aren't sure which career area fits your strengths or goals, that's OK. 

 

That's what we're here for.  We'll help you find the best fit.

Pathways for ME Interest Form
Pathways for ME is proudly brought to you by:

The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce coordinates all short-term workforce training programs from Maine's community colleges, working closely with businesses and industry leaders statewide.  Launched in 2021, the Alfond Center has served over 47,000 Mainers.  A historic $75.5 million, five-and-a-half-year initiative 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.