PRESQUE ISLE - Planning is underway for an ambitious summit that looks to link employers with educators to foster more job shadowing, internships and awareness of good jobs in Aroostook County.

   The "Education to Industry" summit sponsored by the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) is set for August 6 from 8 a.m. to noon at the University of Maine Presque Isle Campus Center.

   The half-day session will feature a panel discussion with current or just graduated high school students to hear their thoughts on their learning experience and job prospects. Education officials will discuss the changing dynamic in schools. In addition, members of the business community will present on their expectations and future needs. Part of the "Education to Industry" initiative looks to leverage existing programs, so an overview of Junior Achievement will also be presented. The summit will wrap up with a discussion of long-term plans and what should be the next steps going forward.

   "We are hoping to get as many employers and educators together in the room to address the declining 18- to 44-year-old workforce in Aroostook County," said APP President Bob Dorsey. "We feel increased opportunities for job shadowing and internships will help in retention efforts and show middle, high school and college students there are good jobs available in the region with the right skills."

The APP "Education to Industry" tiger team met recently to discuss the Aug. 6 summit. From left: Chelsea Henderson, F.A. Peabody Co.; Ryan Pelletier, NMDC; Tim Doak, SAD 27; Lynn Lombard, MMG; Mark Wilcox, Dead River; Sandy Gauvin, Aroostook Aspirations; and Bob Dorsey, APP.

   "We need to get the word out that we have good jobs and opportunities here in Aroostook County," said Lynn Lombard, a member of the planning team and vice president and director of human resources at MMG.

   "Internships are increasingly important today, it is a way to see how businesses actually work and which skills are needed by employers," said Tim Doak, superintendent for SAD 27 and a member of the planning team. He added collaboration is the future of education.

   Chelsea Henderson, vice president of human resources F.A. Peabody Company, is on the front line of hiring for her company and agreed to help the initiative because she realizes there are some challenges ahead.

   "As employers, we need to be prepared and willing to do what we can to grow our workforce," she said. "We will struggle if we don't have the skilled workers to fill our projected needs in the near future.The future of The County truly depends on the ability of employers and educators to work together and facilitate programs that will keep our workforce growing and sustainable."

  To register for the free event, log on to the NMDC website, www.nmdc.org, and click on the "Education to Industry" link in the events/calendar section.