In response to widespread workforce shortages across the state, the Maine Community College System is convening a workforce attraction and development summit for employers and workforce experts to share strategies and tools for businesses to boost hiring and retention.
The Maine Talent Summit will be held Nov. 17 in Augusta. The event will feature national speakers, a training and vendor expo, regional roundtables and breakout sessions — all focused on the goal of strengthening Maine’s talent pipeline.
“This summit is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when Maine’s employers, educators and workforce and economic partners commit to solving problems together. No single organization can build the workforce Maine needs on its own,” said Dan Belyea, who is chief workforce development officer for the Maine Community College System, which includes seven schools.
The day will spotlight job outlook and data, regional and statewide workforce solutions and best practices, alongside focused tracks covering attracting workers, retaining employees, upskilling an existing workforce, AI tools and tips, how employers can stand out in a competitive market and connecting with Maine’s future workforce.
Business owners and leaders, human resources leaders and workforce and economic development professionals are encouraged to attend.
The summit will be presented by the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, based in Augusta, which coordinates short-term workforce training at Maine’s community colleges. It will be co-hosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Live + Work in Maine and the University of Maine System.
The event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Augusta Civic Center. Tickets are $150. Frontline workers are eligible for a 50% reimbursement through the Maine Workforce Development Compact.
