U.S. Secretary of Labor Acosta and U.S. Senator Collins Highlight Importance of Skills-Based Education in Maine

WASHINGTON, DC – During tours today in Maine of the Penobscot Job Corps Center and the Cianbro Institute, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) highlighted the importance of ensuring all Americans have the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow. With Maine’s unemployment rate holding at a record low for two straight months, Secretary Acosta and Senator Collins focused on the importance of ensuring that workforce education programs meet the needs of job creators and job seekers.

“President Trump’s Administration is working to ensure all Americans learn the skills they need for good, family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary Acosta. “Maine’s employment situation is very strong, with the unemployment rate at a record low for two straight months and 7,600 jobs added in the state since the President’s election. I appreciated the opportunity to join Senator Collins in meeting with Mainers who are working to prepare job seekers for success in the workplace.”

“I was delighted to welcome Secretary Acosta to Maine and show him two workforce development programs in our state that are giving Mainers the tools they need to build successful careers: the Penobscot Job Corps Center and the Cianbro Institute,” said Senator Collins.  “Penobscot Job Corps helps young adults gain hands-on job training skills, putting them on track to excel in high-growth fields, and the Cianbro Institute offers intensive training and education to Mainers seeking good-paying jobs in the construction industry.  I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Acosta to support these types of workforce training programs that create opportunities for all Americans.”

Secretary Acosta and Senator Collins visited the Penobscot Job Corps Center in Bangor, Maine, and the Cianbro Institute, a workforce education facility, in Pittsfield, Maine. Following a discussion with leadership and staff at each location, the two toured each facility to learn more about their workforce education programs.