BRUNSWICK

Coastal Counties Workforces Inc. was awarded a $4 million federal grant for Internet technology training for unemployed workers in the six coastal Maine counties.

Coastal Counties Workforces Inc. Executive Director Mike Bourret said his organization oversees employment training and retraining for the unemployed or those who have barriers to employment.

Bourret said the TechHire concept from the Department of Labor is a new approach to training centered on a competency-based curriculum as opposed to being degree focused.

According to Bourret, employers are seeing that someone with a traditional bachelor’s degree in computer science may not actually be the right candidate for the job — especially in an industry that grows so quickly. Bourret said the lag in the educational system can’t keep up.

Bourret said the training they will be facilitating will be more focused on the kind of competencies employers need. He said the curriculum is vetted with employers beforehand and is a foundational program.

It all begins with math, Bourret said. Once they have determined a candidate has the right math background, they can begin the foundations of IT training. From there, candidates will get placed in an internship with an employer to receive training in a more customized way specific to that particular employer.

Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, hailed the TechHire grant as it was announced by the Department of Labor.

“This grant is great news for getting Maine people back to work in good-paying jobs that have bright potential for the future,” Pingree said. “The information technology industry is one of our state’s most promising options for filling the gap left by the loss of papermaking and manufacturing jobs across the state.”

Pingree said that not only will the grant go toward helping people find access to employment, but will also help attract more businesses seeking a skilled workforce.

In a release Monday, Pingree said Vice President Joe Biden and Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez announced a total of $150 million in TechHire grants for 39 partnerships across the country.

Those seeking to take part in the program or any other services at Coastal Counties Workforces Inc., can stop by one of their five Workforce Solutions offices or an area CareerCenter.

Different approach

• COASTAL Counties Workforces Inc. Executive Director Mike Bourret said the TechHire concept from the Department of Labor is a new approach to training centered on a competency based curriculum as opposed to being degree focused.

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