At our 2023 Annual Meeting, members of the Manufacturers Association of Maine voted to change to bylaws to create a new Academic membership category. Education is a key pillar of workforce development for MAME, and it is critical that we prepare the next generation of careers in manufacturing. Below is a list of our Academic members and their programs that contribute to the manufacturing industry.
Educate Maine
The Manufacturers Association of Maine works with Educate Maine to set up apprenticeships with our members. Educate Maine champions career readiness by increasing the educational attainment of Maine people, enabling all students to succeed in postsecondary education and in the workplace. All Maine people will reach their greatest educational and economic potential to power a vibrant, globally competitive Maine economy.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement’s programs, in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.
Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation
In 2024 the Manufacturers Association of Maine partnered with Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation to distribute our Maine Manufacturing Career and Training Foundation Scholarships. With their help we were able to greatly increase the number of applicants and we awarded $6,500 to students preparing for careers in manufacturing. As the average age of Maine trade workers continues to rise, it’s time to invest in the future of our state! The Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation aims to break down barriers and reinvigorate the trades that built America.
Maine Community College System
- Southern Maine Community College: The Precision Machining program equips its graduates with an in-depth multi-disciplinary education in mathematics, physics, engineering technology, both manual and CNC machining, manufacturing processes and methods, as well as a broad education in computer studies, business and liberal arts.
- Central Maine Community College: CMCC hosted our 2024 Manufacturers Celebration. Their Precision Machining Technology Certificate introduces students to a variety of entry-level precision machining concepts and methods. Through in-classroom and hands-on training in our state-of-the-art technology lab, students learn skills needed to enter the machining industry as an entry-level operator. Individuals in the certificate program have the option of transferring into the Precision Machining Associate in Applied Science Program.
- Kennebec Valley Community College: The Precision Machining Technology program offers a one-year Machinist Certificate and a CNC Operator Certificate. Both offerings are stackable to allow a pace convenient to students. The program is designed to prepare traditional and non-traditional students for entry-level positions. Students will be trained in the conventional areas (lathe, mills, drills and grinders}, as well as in Computer Numerical Control (CNC).
Maine Maritime Academy
Maine Maritime Academy is a public, co-educational college located in the coastal town of Castine, Maine. Our student population numbers approximately 950 students in courses of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation. Our rigorous courses and experiential programs equip students with the practical skills, knowledge, and training to launch successful careers upon completing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
Maine Space Grant Consortium
The Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) is an Affiliate-based 501(c)(3) corporation and a member of the national network of Consortia in all 50 states. Their mission is to Improve their Affiliates research infrastructure in areas of mutual interest to NASA and the state of Maine, encourage more students to consider careers in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and enhance NASA’s presence throughout the State of Maine.
Maritime Industrial Base
Formally the Submarine Industrial Base, the scope of the program was changed to include ships. The Manufacturers Association of Maine co-hosted the first annual Maritime Industry Day in October of 2024. Whether you’re new to the industry, switching careers, or a seasoned expert seeking to update your skills, there’s a training program to help you start a career in the Maritime Industrial Base. With training programs across all 50 states, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your career goals. In just a few months, you can gain skills and certifications in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, metrology, or welding.
Robotics Institute of Maine
The Manufacturers Association of Maine handles the administrative duties of the Robotics Institute of Maine (RIM). RIM is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities to middle and high school students to explore robotics in a competitive, yet supportive environment. We work with both the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC), VEX Robotics Competition (VRC), and FIRST® LEGO League to ensure that every student in every corner of Maine has the opportunity to participate, learn, and grow. Every year, RIM works directly with thousands of students, as well as hundreds of teachers, mentors, and volunteers to expose students from all across the state to a hands-on STEM education.
STEM Coliseum and Learning Center
The Manufacturers Association of Maine worked with STEM Coliseum to put together a team for the 2024 International Brilliant Blue Challenge. The Lobster Bots Team won the world championships in the autonomous marine systems category! STEM Coliseum’s mission is to inspire young people to be mechatronics and technology innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders through cost-effective, mentor-led experiential programs and competitions, cultivating workforce readiness for the benefit of Maine’s future.
University of Maine System
- Advanced Manufacturing Center at UMaine: The AMC program is committed to maintaining a first-class facility equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies. The Advanced Manufacturing Center will design and build prototype and development projects ranging from large scale fabrications to machined parts with micro-millimeter tolerances. It has the ability to expand its range of expertise by working with engineering faculty, other UMaine research centers, and our partners in private industry.
- Composites Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) at USM: CERL is an industry focused consulting laboratory that operates in partnership with Maine Composites Alliance. The mission of CERL is to provide New England composites industries with applied engineering expertise for manufacturing, process development and optimization, complete, advanced analytical services, focused educational training, and prototype manufacturing. This broad spectrum of services all within one industry owned organization, fulfills CERL’s charter to facilitate the needs of our industry as it strives to compete in the global marketplace.
University of New England
- Roux Institute: Through integrating graduate-level learning, world-class research, industry partnership, and groundbreaking entrepreneurship, Northeastern University’s Roux Institute operates as a tech talent and innovation hub for Maine and beyond, driving bold innovation at the intersection of tech, data, and the life sciences.