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.

"I urge Mainers looking for work to connect with their local Maine CareerCenter," said Governor Paul R. LePage in a news release. "Resources like workshops and computer labs will help you improve your job prospects. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for training that leads to a new career at no cost to you."

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 facebook.com/rocklandCareerCenter or call 207-596-2600.

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 preregistration in person or by phone unless otherwise stated.

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1 p.m., introduction to services for job seekers with a disability that makes it difficult for them to obtain or keep a job.
Career Directions, Putting the Pieces Together — Wednesday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Explores your career interests, aptitudes, values, personality, motivations, and shows how each transfers to today's job market.
Resume and Cover Letter Writing — Wednesday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to noon. Shows the basics of how to evaluate or create an effective resume and cover letter.
Small Business Start-Up-Tuesday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. to noon.
Effective Interviewing Skills — Wednesday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. to noon. Dedicated to exploring proper interviewing techniques and tips.
Planning Your Job Search — Wednesday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to noon. Designed to help you with the latest tips and ideas to conduct a successful job search in today's labor market.
Computer Boot Camp, Tuesday mornings. Arrange time with staff. Designed to introduce the computer to people who have not used one before.

Goodwill Workforce Solutions
Administers federally funded employment and training programs through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Certain eligibility requirements apply. If you are at least 25 years of age and think you might benefit from training that could be classroom based or on the job, contact the Rockland CareerCenter at 207-596-2600 to speak with a Goodwill representative. Interested applicants between 16 and 24 years of age should contact the Belfast Goodwill Workforce Solutions office at 930-7047.

Small Business Development Centers
Interested in self-employment? So what does it really take to plan, start and run a successful small business where you can realize the challenges and satisfaction of working for yourself? Join us for a two hour workshop offered Monthly, where Center Director David Hill of the Small Business Development Center at CEI will walk you through the keys to successful business startup and management, focusing on the business plan: What is it? Why do you need one? What can it do for you?

New Ventures Maine
Offers 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 their Brunswick Administrative office at 207-386-1664 or go to newventuresmaine.org. Visit their Greater Rockland office located at University College Rockland, 91 Camden Street, Suite 402, Rockland.

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 207-596-2600 or 1-877-421-7916. TTY users dial Maine Relay 711.

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