PRESQUE ISLE - A common theme of cooperation, collaboration and integration, voiced at the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) "Education to Industry" summit, may be the keys to linking employers with educators to address a number of challenges in Aroostook County, including the outmigration of the young, securing a skilled workforce and stimulating economic growth in the region.

   Nearly 100 people took part in the half-day summit held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Tuesday, Aug. 6. Attendees represented small, medium and large business; nonprofits; education, K-12, post secondary and adult education; and state officials.

   The summit is part of a larger APP "Education to Industry" initiative, which looks to promote more job shadowing and/or internships to show middle, high school and college students there are good jobs available in the region with the right skills.

   "I think we got our message across," said Dorsey. "The people were engaged and the presenters did a fantastic job."

   Following a welcome from UMPI President Linda Schott, Dorsey outlined why the Partnership is addressing the issue.

   "We want employers and educators together in the room to address the declining 18- to 44-year-old workforce in Aroostook County," he said.

   SAD 27 superintendent Tim Doak and Schott gave an overview of their needs and suggested changes in the educational system.

   "What we're hearing from our own students and those in higher education and business circles is the ever-increasing importance of internship opportunities," Schott said. "The immediate benefits to students and area businesses are numerous and, with a greater focus on internships and other career preparation efforts here on our campus, we hope to help create some powerful, positive change in our business community."

   Sandy Gauvin, of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI), presented on how AAI is tackling some of the same issues and how cooperation will be paramount. The vision of the initiators of the AAI/Gauvin County scholarship fund is to promote higher learning Aroostook County, in turn investing in the region's economic future through investment in our young people.

   A current program, which is growing in Aroostook, is Junior Achievement (JA). JA is volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs that fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential. Aroostook JA Chairman Mark Wilcox told the gathering how JA is willing to work with employers to tailor a job shadow program to their needs.

   Also on the agenda was an overview of a business survey conducted by LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development. Nearly half of the respondents said their organization did provide job shadowing and/or internships and of the 50 percent, which did not, 80 percent would be willing to offer the opportunities.

   Following a short break, two panel discussions were held. The first was with current employers, Jennifer Curran of TEMPO, Lynn Lombard of MMG, Phil Bosse staff for Senator Susan Collins and Steve Pound of the Cianbro Institute.

   "The employer panel session was exceptional," Dorsey explained. "We had four unique perspectives that were all very valid and combined to give a great assessment for the value of internships to employers and students alike."

   Dorsey said another high point for him during the summit was the panel discussion by current interns at MMG. Kyle Corrigan, Cameron Anderson and Chris Nadeau, all of Caribou, are not that far removed from high school and provided insight from a younger perspective.

   "Young people are not aware of the opportunities available to them in this area," said Anderson. "College students are under the impression that there aren't good jobs available in Aroostook County. Internships are a great way to provide experience to college students and to give them a better idea of what they might be good at, or enjoy in a career. They are also a great way for businesses to attract young talent back to Aroostook County."

   "Businesses need to take the initiative," Nadeau said."There is a dire need for young talent in Aroostook County, and if the demand is not met, there will be ramifications. I feel to help business meet their employee needs; they need to attend job fairs not only locally, but also to venture downstate to the larger schools such as U-Maine, Husson, USM and even the smaller private Universities. This will help to get their name and brand out to the future employees and shows that there is great opportunities for them in Aroostook County."

   Dorsey said the summit is a good start, but there is much more work to be done. Working groups will be formed to address retention, attraction, finance and mentoring.

   For more information, contact Dorsey at rdorsey@nmdc.org or by phone at 498-8736.