CEI a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) community development corporation and CDFI headquartered in Wiscasset, Maine, received a $450,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the JOLI Program.

Funds will be utilized to:

• Provide training to 75 TANF recipients, non-custodial parents, Micmac Indians, and low-income people in Aroostook County;
• Capitalize a revolving loan fund for manufacturing and fabrication businesses at Loring Commerce Centre (LCC) and in Caribou, Maine;
• Provide project coordination, management and evaluation.

The project target area is within the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone.

The 17-month project will create 75 entry-level manufacturing and fabrication jobs, with above-minimum wages, benefits and opportunities for advancement for project participants. Training will focus on metal manufacturing, fabrication, and machining. CEI will provide financing, human resource assistance, employee retention support, and service coordination to job-generating businesses in the target area.

CEI will partner with local education and training providers to design and implement training that will prepare participants for new entry-level jobs. Some training will be general, covering the basic skills needed to obtain jobs, and some will be tailored to meet the needs of specific businesses. Training will be short-term, local, and easily accessible and will complement existing training programs. The project will also include cultural diversity/awareness training and career exploration opportunities.