ROCKLAND—The Rockland CareerCenter, part of the Maine Department of Labor, and its partners offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills and employers to find qualified workers.

"For Maine to be competitive with other states, we need a skilled, prepared workforce," said Governor Paul R. LePage in a news release. "Our CareerCenter workshops can help you identify a career path and training resources or better sell yourself in resumes and interviews. I encourage job seekers and those looking for a career change to visit their local Maine CareerCenter."

The Rockland CareerCenter continues its series of workshops and programs for job seekers and those considering training to upgrade their skills and increase their employability. For more information, like the Rockland CareerCenter on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RocklandCareerCenter  or call 596-2600.

The following workshops and programs are free to the public and will be held at the CareerCenter in Rockland unless otherwise noted. All events require pre-registration in person or by phone, unless otherwise stated.

GATEways to Employment: Tuesdays, May 5 and 19, 9 a.m. to noon.
Designed to help you jump start your work search with the latest tips and tools to conduct a successful job search in today’s labor market. 

Career Directions / Putting the Pieces Together: Wednesday, May 6, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Explores your career interests, aptitudes, values, personality, and motivations, and shows how each transfers to today’s job market.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: Wednesday, May 13, 9 a.m. to noon
Understand your personality type as an aid to choosing a career. This workshop requires you to complete a paper quiz at the CareerCenter at least one week before.

Small Business Start-up: Tuesday, May 19, 1 to 3 p.m.
Details how to approach a business plan, for people interested in opening a small business.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Wednesday, May 20, 9 a.m. to noon
Shows the basics of how to evaluate or create an effective resume and cover letter.

Effective Interviewing Skills: Thursday, May 27, 9 a.m. to noon
Dedicated to exploring proper interviewing techniques and tips.

Computer Boot Camp: Tuesday mornings
Arrange time with staff. Designed to introduce basic computer skills to people who have not used one before. By appointment only. 

The Rockland CareerCenter also features several sessions led by these partner organizations:

Goodwill Workforce Solutions administers federally funded employment and training programs through the Workforce Investment Act. Certain eligibility requirements apply. People 22 years of age or older who think they might qualify or benefit from training, contact the Rockland CareerCenter in at 596-2600 to reserve a seat in training orientation sessions offered every other week on Monday afternoons. WIA applications will be made available at the end of the orientation. Applicants 16 to 21 years of age should call the above number and inquire about the WIA Youth Program.

Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community offer no-cost classes in Assertive Communication, Creating Your Future, Creating the Rest of Your Life, Credit Yourself, Entrepreneurial Training, Financing Your Future, Professional Development and Mature Worker Activities. For more information, call Shelley Taylor in Bath at 386-1664 or go to www.womenworkandcommunity.org.

Each of the 12 statewide CareerCenters provides public-access computer workstations equipped with Microsoft Office, resume writing and cover letter software. In addition Internet access and O ’Net software for individual skills assessment are provided. Employers can list their open positions on Maine's Job Bank and take advantage of the online matching system, which identifies and refers job candidates. All CareerCenter services are provided free of charge to employers and job-seeking customers.

Rockland CareerCenter is located at 91 Camden St. and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. They can be reached at 596-2600 or 1-877-421-7916. TTY users should dial Maine Relay 711.

Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.