Challenges and Opportunities in Maine's Immigrant Workforce
Maine's immigrant population presents a hidden talent pool that can greatly benefit the workforce, yet they face numerous barriers such as language fluency, lack of professional networks, and technical skill gaps. Initiatives like the New Mainers Resource Center aim to address these challenges and unlock the potential of immigrant professionals in Maine.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Workforce Development: Challenges, Opportunities & Resources Opportunities to Grow Maine s Workforce The Immigrant Population EDCM June 16, 2017 Sally Sutton, Program Coordinator New Mainers Resource Center Portland Adult Education
1,470 ECONOMISTS AGREE Immigrants bring broad economic benefit to the US Immigration is one of America s significant competitive advantages in the global economy The benefits that immigration brings to society far outweigh their costs Immigration brings diverse skill sets that keep our workforce flexible, help companies grow, and increase the productivity of American workers An Open Letter from 1,470 Economists on Immigration to Congressional Leaders New American Economy 2
Changing Demographics 14,096 foreign born people have moved to Maine since 2000 1,329,192 Maine s Population 44,968 foreign born 50% of foreign born people in Maine live within 40 miles of Portland More than 15% of Portland is foreign born 2015; Source: US 2015; Source: Census 2011 American Community Survey 3
Who are our New Mainer Community Members? Primary Refugees Asylum Seekers Granted Asylees Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) 4
Maines Immigrant Population - The Hidden Talent Foreign born and foreign trained professionals who currently reside in Maine; many of whom have experience in professional fields 5
Barriers Need for immediate survival job income to support family Lack of career information and guidance Language fluency Lack of professional networks Lack of culturally appropriate U.S. job search skills Technical skill gaps Age or stage in career IMPRINT: Talent is Ready: Promising Practices for Helping Immigrant Professionals Establish Their American Discrimination Family obligations Careers Professional licensing Lack of U.S. work experience Employer concerns about visa sponsorships or lack of context for foreign education and experience 8
New Mainers Resource Center Mission: To support Maine s economic development by meeting employers demands for a skilled and culturally diverse workforce Vision: To grow Maine s economy by fully utilizing the skills of foreign trained professionals To help employers hire and retain qualified workers for a skilled and diverse workforce To help Maine s immigrants and refugees overcome barriers and re-enter their professions 9
New Mainers Resource Center Who We Are - What We Do NMRC is a program within Portland Adult Education serving area immigrants and refugees Works with employers to help meet their workforce needs Provides case management and advice to skilled professionals, guidance regarding credential evaluation, intensive classes focused on job readiness skills, contextualized English classes, networking and professional support groups, workshops, connections to training or other resources and community partners and other offerings 10
and Integrating Immigrants Into Maine s Economy National Resources - Global Network - Welcoming America - New American Economy - Migration Policy Institute Local or Municipal Resources - Welcome Dayton (Ohio) - Aurora Colorado Office of international and Immigrant Affairs - Louisville, KY Office of Globalization 11
Questions? Sally Sutton, Program Coordinator New Mainers Resource Center Portland Adult Education suttos@portlandschools.org 207 874-8155 www.nmrcmaine.org 12
