LEWISTON – A 60-hour training program will be offered at the end of January for workers desiring to upgrade their employment skills.

WorkReady, an employer-endorsed credential supported by a variety of Lewiston-Auburn businesses, will begin Monday, Jan. 29, and conclude Feb. 16. The program will take place at B-Street Community Center on Birch Street in Lewiston.

There is no cost for participants; tuition costs are covered by JOLI funding, providing training opportunities for low-income residents in Androscoggin and Oxford counties.

Applicants may begin the process through the Lewiston CareerCenter. When calling 753-9094, or toll free, 800-741-2991, candidates should note “WorkReady” as their program of interest.

Additionally, 15 participants who demonstrate WorkReady skills will have the opportunity to participate in the WorkReady Plus Office and Clerical Fundamentals training at Central Maine Community College, beginning Monday, Feb. 26. That training will run through the last week of March. The Office Clerical Fundamentals Training held at CMMC will simulate the typical work day, with classes scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be a 30-minute lunch break and a 15-minute break. A third training program will be the JOLI-sponsored WorkReady PLUS Manufacturing Fundamentals training, set to begin in March.

This initiative is being facilitated between a partnership with Lewiston Adult Education, the Lewiston CareerCenter, the Central/Western Workforce Investment Board, Coastal Enterprises Inc., and Central Maine Community College.

For more information, contact one of the following: Mary LaFontaine, manager, Lewiston CareerCenter, 753-9094; Paul Scalzone, JOLI Project Coordinator, CEI, 1-877-340-2649 ext. 125; Jim Baumer, business assistance coordinator, Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board, 753-9026.

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