LEWISTON — Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) Case Manager Cathy Stairs has been assisting Anderson Council, a recent NTI Manufacturing Technician graduate, with career options. Council has secured full-time employment with International Door as a result of the work search guidance.

Council was one of eight candidates who participated in the Northeast Technical Institute Manufacturing Technician program, supported through funding by WMCA and the Bureau of Employment Services’ Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP).

The 14-week training program, valued at over $5,000 for each eligible participant, included 60 hours of WorkReady and 350 hours of manufacturing training. The program promoted pathways to employment and advancements within the manufacturing industry.

“The success of this program is a result of forward-thinking modeling with course content, collaboration among business partners, and the students’ dedication to completing the course. Students were engaged and recognized the manufacturing industry is experiencing an up-tick in the demand for skilled labor in the job market offering attractive wages and benefit packages,” said Patti Saarinen, WIOA site coordinator WMCA — Lewiston CareerCenter.

For more information on future training programs, call 207-753-9005.

Cathy Stairs, Western Maine Community Action, provided career counseling to recent NTI Manufacturing Tech graduate Anderson Council, resulting in a full-time hire with a local employer.