As Maine contends with a rising demand for skilled labor in the construction sector, one organization is paving a promising path forward. The Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC Maine), through its Maine Construction Academy (MCA), is equipping students, job seekers, and career changers with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly essential industry.

Founded in 1951, AGC Maine has long been a cornerstone of the state’s construction community. The Augusta-based, member-led association promotes high standards in safety, sustainability, and craftsmanship while advocating for policies and programs that benefit contractors, suppliers, service providers, and developers throughout the state.

Maine Construction Academy: Bridging the Skills Gap

In response to critical labor shortages and an aging workforce, AGC Maine created the Maine Construction Academy to build a reliable talent pipeline for the construction industry. The MCA offers immersive training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities designed to introduce individuals—whether they’re fresh out of high school or changing careers—to rewarding paths in the trades.

The academy’s immersion program is a cornerstone of this effort, combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning in real job-site environments. Participants get firsthand experience working with tools, reading blueprints, and developing the essential skills employers need today.

One of the standout features of the academy is its pre-apprenticeship program, which offers several distinct advantages:

• Paid, on-the-job training with industry professionals
• Industry-recognized credentials upon completion
• Direct hiring opportunities with Maine contractors
• Lower education costs compared to traditional college pathways

The academy also works in close collaboration with local schools, workforce agencies, and business partners to ensure each participant has the support they need throughout the training journey.

Industry Impact and Youth Engagement

The results speak for themselves. MCA’s hands-on, supportive approach is already having a measurable impact on the state’s labor force. By introducing young people and adults alike to opportunities in the trades, the program is narrowing the workforce gap and opening doors to stable, high-wage jobs across Maine.

The academy has made particular strides in engaging youth. By partnering with schools statewide, MCA offers students early exposure to construction careers—often through four-week summer programs or elective courses integrated into school curricula. This early connection helps break outdated stereotypes about the trades and inspires the next generation of builders.

Getting Involved

MCA offers entry points for a wide range of stakeholders:

• Youth: High school students can explore the trades through hands-on school-based programs and summer camps.
• Adults: Career changers and job seekers can join immersive training programs and access apprenticeships.
• Contractors: Businesses can partner with MCA to host trainees and hire program graduates.
• Schools: Educational institutions can integrate MCA training modules into their classrooms or collaborate on summer programming.

By building strong partnerships with educators, employers, and community leaders, the Maine Construction Academy and AGC Maine are investing in more than just training—they’re building a future-ready workforce with opportunity at its foundation.

Originally reported by SBG TV in WGME.