Maine Dept. of Labor News and Updates - September 2026

September 17, 2026

Maine Dept. of Labor News and Updates - September 2026

Your monthly update from the Maine Department of Labor, featuring announcements, hiring events, safety trainings, workshops, reports, resources, and opportunities for employers, jobseekers and others interested in Maine's workforce.

State offices are closed: Mon, Oct 12 in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Deaf Culture Week

Maine Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) hosts its 35th Annual Tea on September 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the State House, kicking off Deaf Culture Week, which Governor Mills has proclaimed September 20-26. The event celebrates Deaf culture and the heritage of American Sign Language, while highlighting MDOL's commitment through the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services to advancing employment, independence, and community integration for Mainers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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Competitive Skills Scholarship Program Rules Updated

The Maine Department of Labor has updated the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP) rules to reflect recent statutory changes, expand participant supports, and increase flexibility. The revised rules took effect on August 2, 2026 .

MDOL is seeking input on the CSSP cohort model at listening sessions on September 18: 10 a.m. virtual or 2:30 p.m. in person at 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta.

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Public Hearing on Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Authority will hold a public hearing on September 29 at 9 a.m. to hear about employers', employees' and self-employed individuals' experiences with the PFML program. Comments may be made in person or online, with up to three minutes per speaker.

The hearing will be held at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, and online.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Hiring Events

• @Lewiston Public Library - Tue, Sep 22 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Hire-A-Vet (all jobseekers welcome) @Bangor - Tri-County CareerCenter - Thu, Sep 24 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• McCain Hiring Event @Presque Isle CareerCenter - Thu, Sep 24 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Maine-NH Hiring Event @Kittery Community Center - Thu, Oct 1 | 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• @Greater Portland CareerCenter - Wed, Oct 7 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Fall Job/Resource Fair @University Maine Augusta, Randall Student Center - Wed, Oct 7 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• @Lewiston CareerCenter - Tue, Oct 13 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Hire-A-Vet (all jobseekers welcome) @York County Regional Training Center - Thu, Oct 15 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Browse Hiring Events

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• Online Workshops for Jobseekers

• Creating and Navigating Your Maine JobLink Job Seeker Account

• Exploring Self Employment

• Applying for Jobs within Maine State Government

• Resources for Laid Off Workers

• Interviewing with Confidence

• Creating a Winning Resume

• 3D Printing

And more!

Browse Workshops and Register

SafetyWorks! and Wage and Hour Classes

• - Tue, Sep 22 I 9 a.m. 12 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Preventing Musculosketal Injuries through Pre-Placement Employee Selection - Part 2 Tue, Sep 22 I 1 3 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Wage & Hour Compliance Wed, Sep 23 I 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Rockland Career Center, 91 Camden St, Suite 201, Rockland

• OSHA Recordkeeping Thu, Sep 24 I 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m. Sanford Adult Education, 668 Main St, Sanford

• 10-Hour Construction Thu, Sep 24 |8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. & Fri, Sep 25 I 8:30 a.m. 1 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Trenching & Excavation Tue, Sep 29 I 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Work Zone Safety Wed, Sep 30 I 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Fire Extinguisher/Emergency Action Plans/Workplace Violence Thu, Oct 1 I 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Bloodborne Pathogens - Train-the-Trainer Wed, Sep 30 I 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Safety & Health Management Systems Tue, Oct 6 I 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Wage & Hour Compliance Wed, Oct 7 I 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Joseph L. Ferris Community Center, 318 Wilson St, Brewer

• Mental Health First Aid Thu, Oct 8 I 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Cold & Heat Illness Prevention Fri, Oct 9 I 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Welding/Compressed Gas Tue, Oct 13 I 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! Training Institute, Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta

• Wage & Hour Compliance Wed, Oct 14 I 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Lewiston CareerCenter,5 Mollison Wy, Lewiston

• Emergency Scene Traffic Control Emergency Scene Traffic Control- NEW DATE Fri, Oct 16 I 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Virtual

• Browse ALL Classes and Register

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Ongoing Online Events

SafetyWorks! Online, on-demand classes

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Other Events Where You'll Find MDOL

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Resources for Laid-Off Workers

Being laid off can bring a lot of questions about what comes next. The Maine Department of Labor's Rapid Response Team connects workers affected by layoffs with information and resources to help them navigate their transition. Weekly virtual sessions cover unemployment insurance, CareerCenter services, Maine JobLink, health insurance options and training opportunities.

The team can also help workers understand available employment and training services and connect with local resources. Rapid Response sessions are held Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and are open to anyone.

Learn More about Rapid Response Services and Resources

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WORK AT MDOL

We are looking for: Employment & Training Specialist, Career Center Consultant, Rehabilitation Counselors, Chief Labor/Safety Inspector, Fraud Investigators and more!

Learn More about These and Browse ALL Jobs with the State of Maine

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AWARDS

Safety & Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE)

Congratulations to the Town of Brownville for becoming a SHAPE recipient. SHAPE recognizes public sector employers who maintain an exemplary safety and health management system, which is an achievement that distinguishes your organization as a model for workplace safety and health. The Town of Brownville is the 15th entire town and 99th overall to receive SHAPE.

Learn More about SHAPE

CELEBRATION CORNER

Maine Career Pathways Funding Supports Three Programs

Nearly $500,000 in Maine Career Pathways funding will support new career pathways at three Maine education programs:

• Lewiston Adult Education: $170,890 for early childhood education

• MSAD 7, North Haven Community School: $46,000 for early childhood education

• MSAD 35, Marshwood High School: $224,882 for healthcare occupations

The two-year pilots will connect students and adult learners with work-based learning, postsecondary coursework and support to earn credentials in high-demand fields.

Read the Full Press Release

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Employer and Jobseeker Success Stories

A Brunswick jobseeker participating in the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program wanted to transition from electrical drafting to a CDL career. With support from a team member, he identified a Transportation Worker I position with the Maine Department of Transportation, highlighted his transferable skills on his resume, and secured the job at $22 per hour.

With support from Vocational Rehabilitation and community partners, a participant overcame significant anxiety following a car accident, completed her master's degree and began a career as a Social Worker/Case Manager serving local schools. She has since earned additional credentials and is pursuing a second master's degree.

The Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign kicked off last month with Governor Mills and engaged 135 employers and 273 jobseekers, including 85 veterans. The campaign aims to connect 100 veterans with jobs in 100 days, with results to be shared in December. There arethree more eventsin September, October and November.

Word version of the September 2026 MDOL Newsletter

PDF version of the September 2026 MDOL Newsletter