Written by Sherrie Brann, Central Region Workforce Specialist
Have you ever been interested in a career in technology or computing? If you have strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills you are a strong candidate for an IT job. Best of all, there is no need to leave Maine to find training and a rewarding career in IT. In fact, Maine businesses need employees like you!
Why IT?
Job Satisfaction and High Wages
IT jobs provide supportive management, collaborative work environments, and a sense of achievement. They also provide high salaries. US News and World Report ranks the top technology jobs of 2017 here.
Job Growth and Low Unemployment
There is very little unemployment among IT professionals. Employment in the industry has grown by 37% since 2003 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.) Along with the rest of the country, Maine will continue to see an increasing need for IT professionals in the next decade. Employees are needed to maintain existing networks and security, create software, and develop mobile apps. Visit Techmaine.com for a list of the fastest growing IT occupations in Maine.
What’s Happening in Maine?
- Project Login connects Maine people to technology learning opportunities at the K-8, high school, and college levels. They also connect potential employees to internships and company training programs for IT careers. There are trainings and jobs available in analysis and security, support and training, data and networking, management and strategy, and programming and development. Click here to learn more.
- TechHire Maine, part of Project Login, encourages people to seek IT jobs in Maine through nontraditional paths. Their goal is to connect employees in Maine with local businesses offering training and employment. TechHire Maine’s mission is “to recruit, assess, train, and place young adults and underserved individuals into Maine’s IT industry.”
- Live and Work in Maine is another program actively working to promote jobs in Maine and recruit talent to our state, highlighting “the great quality of life we offer” as a reason to remain or relocate to Maine. The staff at Live and Work in Maine recognize that Maine’s workforce is aging and retiring. To grow our economy, Maine will need to attract new employees.
Give an Internship a Try
As Maine employers struggle to fill IT positions, many recognize the value of paid internship opportunities. If this is a field that interests you, check out these IT and Technology internships that are currently available:
If you have ever wondered if Internet Technology would be a good field for you, now is a great time to explore the many resources and opportunities available in Maine.
Interested in learning more about how to reach your career goals? Check out our tuition-free workshops and trainings that can help you with your next steps!