2020 is coming to a close!
As 2021 approaches, it’s time for another Destination Occupation yearly recap. Back in 2019, our year in review featured our efforts throughout the state and this year that work continued despite the pandemic.
We want to start by thanking the many students, job seekers, educators, job coaches, and employers that we supported and collaborated with this year. Through partnerships with the Manufacturers Association of Maine, IntWork, Express Employment Professionals, Fedcap, and the Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign we approached the complex problems of hiring and job seeking together!
From 2020’s turbulent winter and spring to it’s chaotic summer and fall, Destination Occupation remains committed to connecting employers and job seekers, providing strategic opportunities for story-telling along the way.
Winter & Spring: January to May
Before COVID-19’s outbreak in the U.S., Destination Occupation highlighted Immucell and featured insight from their CEO and employees. The growing animal health company has many career opportunities based in Portland, Maine, if you’re interested in pursuing a position!
Destination Occupation also featured Maine companies that were hiring as the pandemic’s effects reached our state. In April and May our blog described Maine manufacturers and their efforts to pivot production due to COVID-19. From Batson River Brewing producing hand sanitizer to Puritan Medical Products producing swabs for virus tests, Maine companies stepped up throughout the state. We also spotlighted state-wide collaboration like Bath Iron Works’ partnership with Cianbro and Puritan Medical Group to increase swab production.
This spring we recognized the increased need for authentic story-telling as career exploration relocated to online spaces. Destination Occupation videos allow employers and job seekers to consider things like best fit from the comfort and safety of their homes.
What an eventful spring!
Summer & Fall: June to December
In June, Destination Occupation spotlighted 3 Maine companies with an international presence. Many small to medium-sized businesses in Maine, including Jøtul, Hancock Lumber, and Modula, export Maine-made goods internationally or have international locations. Read this post to learn more about those companies and how they work with their counterparts in Italy, Norway, and China.
More locally, the summer ended with the Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign kickoff! Traditionally an in-person event, this year it was virtual in early September. For those unfamiliar with the Maine Hire a Vet campaign, it aims to support 100 employers in hiring 100 veterans in 100 days. From help with job searching, resume writing, and interviewing skills, the program helps veterans communicate their military skills to successfully join the civilian workforce. Over the past 3 years, over 750 veterans have been employed through the program.
This year our generous sponsors allowed us to create elevator pitches with four Maine veterans. Michael Davis, for example, was in the US Navy and now seeks a career in project management and lives in Ashland. Check out his video describing two decades of leadership experience and contact him ( Michael7Davis@gmail.com) to set up an interview!
In addition to introducing elevator pitches, we now offer virtual tours! The virtual tour allows viewers to tour a company, seeing and learning about the types of jobs and skills needed to be successful. Prescott Metal EAM’s virtual tour can be found here. In under 6 minutes, potential employees and customers now have access to a behind-the-scenes tour of Prescott Metal’s facilities. Sales Manager Mark Whitmore provides viewers with information about the company’s Biddeford location. Take a look at their tour and consider if anyone you know could benefit from creating a virtual tour of their facilities!
Looking to 2021
What will 2021 have in store for Destination Occupation?
We will continue working with Maine job seekers and companies to promote all types of careers within the state. Destination Occupation has always had the vision of approaching workforce development holistically, ideally involving young Mainers that may not know about opportunities within the state. That continues to be central to our mission and in 2021 we look forward to finding new ways to support Mainers in their career exploration and Maine employers in their search for employees.
Links referenced in this blog post:
2019 Year in review: https://destinationoccupation.com/a-year-in-review-d-o-you-remember/
IntWork (Job board): https://intwork.catsone.com/careers/82361-General/
Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign: https://destinationoccupation.com/mehav2020/
Express Employment Professionals: https://www.expresspros.com/PortlandME/Job-Openings.aspx
Immucell: https://destinationoccupation.com/immucell-one-of-maines-growing-businesses/
Immucell (Job board): https://immucell.com/career-opportunities/
Destination Occupation blog: https://destinationoccupation.com/blog/
Manufacturers pivoting during the pandemic: https://www.pressherald.com/2020/03/29/maine-businesses-learn-to-work-through-pandemic/
COVID-19 ME manufacturer spotlights: https://destinationoccupation.com/maine-manufacturer-efforts-to-pivot-contribute-in-2020/
COVID-19 ME manufacturer spotlights (Part 2): https://destinationoccupation.com/part-ii-maine-manufacturer-efforts-to-pivot-and-contribute-in-2020/
Maine companies with international ties: https://destinationoccupation.com/3-do-companies-with-an-international-presence/
Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign: https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/sponsors/
Michael Davis video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CgGBxAft6E
Prescott Metal virtual tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCDP2SeCsEs