Mainebiz takes a look at how Thomas College is preparing students to address Maine’s workforce shortage, and we win two awards for our coverage of the problem.
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No matter where you go in Maine, the worker shortage is there to greet you.
Your morning coffee shop cut its hours, the dinner you ordered is taking the better part of an hour to arrive at the table, the electrician hasn’t called back with an estimate.
There are inconveniences and then there are crucial shortages. The worker shortage is affecting hospitals, trucking firms, grocery stores and, yes, your favorite coffee shop.
This issue focuses on Augusta, Waterville and central Maine — but the worker shortage is just as persistent there.
That’s one reason we decided to look at a college that has put careers at the forefront of the curriculum.
As Senior Writer Renee Cordes reports in our cover story, in Maine business circles it’s not unusual to run into Thomas College grads, of which there are around 8,000. Four out of five Thomas grads stay and work in Maine after graduating.
As Laurie Lachance, Thomas’s president, says, “We’re all about careers … The students that we attract need to get employment. They’re far less likely to graduate and then go tour the world backpacking.”
More than half of Thomas College students qualify for its job-guarantee program. It promises that students will find a job related to their major within six months of graduating, or get a break on student loans or tuition.
But students have to meet certain criteria, which are spelled out in a contract. They must meet strict academic standards, register with career services, take part in professional development, write and update a résumé and perform community service.
“If you do those things, guess what? You’re highly employable,” says Lachance. “It’s the use of a carrot rather than a stick.”
Renee’s story starts on Page 14.
Mainebiz wins two national awards
The aforementioned worker shortage was the topic of a series of stories that won Mainebiz a silver award at the annual Alliance of Area Business Publishers’ meeting in Atlanta.
The workforce development stories were written by Senior Writer Laurie Schreiber, who has been with for Mainebiz for five years, and our new digital editor, William Hall, who had been a freelancer for a year before being hired in June.
Laurie’s story looked at ways doctors are being recruited for busy summer months at Mount Desert Island Hospital, while Will’s story looked at how the labor shortage is affecting companies like Scott Dugas Trucking and Excavating in Yarmouth.
“The well-reported story on the labor shortage in Maine contained excellent anecdotes and lots of specifics. Who would’ve thought truck drivers could be in short supply? Or the innovative way that Bar Harbor attracts physicians during the busy summer season? The stories reflect a deep knowledge of the state, give great context, and raise important questions,” the AABP judges said in making the award.
Mainebiz also won a bronze award for best overall design, including for the annual Fact Book. This is a credit to Art Director Matt Selva.
“This is a well-organized publication that makes effective use of color-coded sections, clean aesthetic style, and carefully considered use of whitespace. It all adds up to an easy-to- navigate and pleasing reader experience. A stand-out feature included the Maine Fact Book that was clear, well-handled, and utilized attractive side bars, and pull-quotes. There is a consistent strategic use of color throughout to great effect,” the judges said.