A strong manufacturing sector is key to a strong economy, but we know our workforce faces a skills gap. As leaders, we need to build creative partnerships between government, the manufacturing industry and educational institutions to help workers bridge that gap.
As the Senate chairperson of the Workforce Committee, last month I had the opportunity to join colleagues from around the country to hear what other states are doing to build their manufacturing sectors, and encourage students and workers to pursue careers in skilled production. One idea that could work for Maine is Individual Career and Academic Plan programs.
ICAP is a model of career path development aimed at reducing high school dropout rates by working with students and their parents to visualize a career path that includes secondary and post-secondary education on the way to a good job in manufacturing. This kind of partnership between students and schools to achieve a tangible goal of a good career has the potential to fundamentally change the dynamics that drive dropout rates and encourage students to pursue manufacturing skills.
Partnerships between government agencies and the business sector deserve serious consideration. The practice of agencies hiring an entrepreneur in residence has improved communication between the public and private sectors and is an effective tool for enabling the growth of small businesses. EIRs are entrepreneurs who have successfully started and operated a small business, and can use their experience and knowledge to help state agencies assist other entrepreneurs. EIR legislation has been passed or proposed in seven states in the last year. This kind of direct communication link between entrepreneurs and state agencies has the potential to simplify and streamline government programs for new and growing businesses.
Some creative partnerships like EIRs and ICAPs are already at work in Maine. On Oct. 4, National Manufacturing Day, the Manufacturers Association of Maine launched the “Dream It. Do It.” program. Through this initiative, the manufacturing industry will partner with schools to conduct outreach to students and parents about the benefits of manufacturing careers.
It’s important for people to know about the changes that have taken place in the manufacturing industry. This is a new generation of Maine manufacturing, not the manufacturing of our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. Great opportunities for Maine workers in the manufacturing industry do exist. According to the Maine Department of Labor, between 2007-11, the average wage for manufacturing jobs in Maine grew 13 percent to more than $50,000 per year, while jobs in Maine overall saw wages rise only 8 percent to $38,000.
Continuing our work, the Workforce Committee will be hosting a public forum at Southern Maine Community College on Thursday, Nov. 7. Entrepreneurs and small business owners will join us to discuss new ideas for growth and development for Maine’s manufacturing workforce. I look forward to continuing our efforts to strengthen Maine’s workforce.
— Sen. Linda Valentino is a Democrat who represents the communities of Senate District 5: Buxton, Dayton, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and part of Biddeford. Her column appears on the second Monday of each month.
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