June 9, 2023 – Gathered around their class hard hat, Maine Construction Academy’s first Construction Immersion Program class of 2023 graduated on Friday. All graduates were either current or past students at local area high school and leave the program with nationally recognized certifications, hands-on & classroom experience in many different trades, and a pathway towards a career in the construction industry.
The Construction Immersion program through the Maine Construction Academy is being provided across the state this year, providing basic work-ready certifications and multiple craft exposures for students through hands-on experience and job site visits. At the completion of this program, participants will be offered guaranteed interview opportunities with Maine companies, where they will move on to either a post-secondary education or a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
“This program is exactly what Maine needs. It is smart, well coordinated and every detail has been considered to ensure participant success.” Says Eliza Kenigsberg, Career Aspirations & ELO Coordinator at Aspire Gorham.
Maine Construction Academy is managed by the Associated General Contractors of Maine and brings together industry, K-12 Education, higher education, workforce development teams, and local workforce boards to create the Maine Construction Academy. AGC Maine has chosen to focus first on out-of-school and in-school youth over 16 through their Construction Immersion Program, however there are plans to expand to the adult population.
“We’re so excited to celebrate this achievement with our first class of the Construction Immersion Program and look forward to watching our other classes learn, connect, and grow through these career pathways,” said Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors of Maine.
The Maine Construction Academy offers Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship and Incumbent worker training throughout the state of Maine and supports the veteran community, those in active recovery, immigrants and the disability community in partnership with experts in each population.
For more information visit buildingmaine.com.