News Release



For Immediate Release: April 7, 2025

*State Workforce Board Releases Preliminary Report on Maine Industry Partnership Program*
"The program funded six pilot projects in key industries throughout Maine – Forest Products, Hospitality & Tourism, Retail, Oral Healthcare, Healthcare, and Social Services."

AUGUSTA - The State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) is pleased to release the following report - “Maine Industry Partnership Program: Preliminary Impact Snapshot” [ [link removed] ] in partnership with the Catherine Cutler Institute, which lead the evaluation through their Data Innovation Project.

“The Industry Partnership Program is part of Governor Mills’ workforce strategy and a key priority to Maine’s long-term economic growth,” *said Christopher Quint, Director, SWDB.* “These partnerships unite businesses, industry associations, education and training providers, and community-based organizations to recruit, retain, and advance workers in meaningful careers.”

The Industry Partnership Program [ [link removed] ], a $3.7 million Maine Jobs and Recovery Program launched in 2022, funded six pilot projects in key industries throughout Maine – Forest Products, Hospitality & Tourism, Retail, Oral Healthcare, Healthcare, and Social Services. As hubs of excellence that grow and attract local talent, the Industry Partnership Program aligns with Maine’s 10-year strategic economic development strategy [ [link removed] ] and the 2024-2027 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Unified State Plan. [ [link removed] ]

The report highlights several emerging themes from the Industry Partnership Program pilots:
1. Creating employment opportunities for Maine workers
2. Exposing workers to critical industries in Maine
3. Positive impacts on Maine communities and the Maine economy
4. Providing cross-industry learning and support
5. Continuing public and private investment to yield results

“This report highlights the value of collaboration between industry and community partners to serve the needs of workers and employers in sectors that are critical to Maine’s success,” *said Vaughan Woodruff, Chair, SWDB.* “The work of the Industry Partnership Program to define career pathways, make these careers more visible to current and future seekers, and provide valuable training opportunities demonstrates an effective solution to Maine’s unique workforce challenges.”

The full report can be read here: Maine Industry Partnership Program: Preliminary Impact Snapshot [ [link removed] ]

The SWDB recently launched a series of webinars [ [link removed] ], open to anyone who is interested in learning
more about Maine’s Industry Partnership Program.

The State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) [ [link removed] ] is an employer-led board whose purpose is to ensure that Maine’s workforce development system helps Maine people and businesses compete successfully in the global economy. The SWDB advises the Governor on workforce policy and the development and evaluation of the Workforce Development System (WDS), which includes public and private agencies such as Maine employers and workers, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine Community College System, and the University of Maine System.

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