Webinar: Economy, Demographics, and Meeting Maine’s Technical Workforce Needs

Join MTUG for the big picture discussion of Maine’s economy, demographics and how it impacts our unique challenge for meeting the tech-skilled workforce needs of all Maine businesses.

Amanda Rector, State Economist of Maine, will present on “Maine’s Economic and Demographic Outlook” — an overview of Maine’s current economic and demographic conditions, and the outlook for population, employment, and macroeconomic trends. In this presentation with MTUG, Amanda will bring some additional information on tech-related sectors in Maine, as well as educational trends, to give the background of the forces impacting Maine businesses in their ability to find and employ a skilled technical workforce.

Jeremy Qualls, Dean of the College of Science, Technology, and Health at USM, will present his experiences “Advancing STEM programs and the Technical Workforce” at the University of Southern Maine. USM — a regional, liberal arts, comprehensive public university with campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, is charged with addressing both Maine’s workforce challenges and serving the higher education needs of northern New England. This two part mission presents numerous educational and STEM pathway opportunities and challenges. Jeremy will provide an assessment of trends in STEM education, and introduce new programs and initiatives at USM designed to meet these opportunities.

MTUG thanks volunteer board members Uli Stewart, Ron Brown & Tonia Ennis for arranging for this session’s speakers & topic.