October 23, 2026

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Autumn Mahoney, Communications Specialist | [email protected]

Program will rapidly connect 500 Maine workers with training and employment opportunities in defense shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trades

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) has been awarded $5,576,341 in federal funding to prepare workers for in-demand careers and help employers fill skilled workforce needs. Over three years, the Maine Rapid Reskill Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant program aims to serve 500 workers statewide, with a focus on training and employment opportunities in defense shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, construction and related skilled trades.

Maine employers in these industries are looking to fill critical roles that support continued growth. The grant will help connect people with training, industry-recognized credentials and work-based learning opportunities to prepare entry into these sectors more quickly.

"Employers need skilled workers to keep Maine's key industries moving forward," said Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. "This grant will help connect people with the training, skills and credentials employers are looking for, while opening doors to new careers in high-wage in-demand jobs."

The program, administered through MDOL's Bureau of Employment Services (BES), will serve 500 eligible individuals navigating significant employment transitions due to economic changes, business closures, natural disasters, self-employment challenges or military-related relocations. Participants will receive individualized career planning and access to short-term training, pathways to industry-recognized credentials and paid work-based learning opportunities, including pre-apprenticeships, Registered Apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Supportive services may also be available to address barriers to training and employment.

The grant's goal is to help participants enter paid employment, Registered Apprenticeships or structured on-the-job training within six months of enrollment.

CareerCenter staff will also connect participants with existing workforce development resources, including Maine's Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP), established pre-apprenticeship programs and other critical programs offered by workforce partners, such as AFL-CIO Maine's Union Construction Academy and AGC Maine's Maine Construction Academy Immersion Program.

The Maine State Workforce Development Board (SWDB)'s existing industry partnerships with employers, labor unions, industry organizations, workforce partners and training providers will align training with current hiring needs and prepare participants for employment opportunities in Maine's high-demand industries.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the grant awards on Oct. 19 as part of a national investment of $95.5 million supporting 20 projects across 17 states. The grants are authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and are intended to accelerate reemployment while helping employers meet workforce needs in growing industries.

Last year, 11 MDOL CareerCenters recorded more than 30,000 in-person visits and 68,000 online users of MyWorkSourceMaine.gov seeking employment, training and workforce resources.

Employers interested in learning more about workforce training resources should start at WorkSourceMaine.com .