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National Retail Training Program, RISE Up, Offered in Waterville by Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education

August 5, 2019

WATERVILLE, ME – The rise of distribution and call centers has cemented the retail industry’s importance to mid-Maine’s economy. In Kennebec County, retail employs the second-largest number of workers, and the region’s largest employer, the T-Mobile call center in Waterville, continues to grow.

To support this cornerstone industry amidst a workforce crunch, Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education has partnered with the National Retail Federation (NRF) to deliver the RISE Up Retail Industry Fundamentals training program in Waterville this September. Created by the NRF, the program awards the nationally recognized Retail Industry Fundamentals certification which applies to entry-level careers in distribution centers, call centers, retail stores, restaurants, and hospitality.

“Many of us get our start in retail – over 30% of all first-time jobs are in the retail industry. A national certification sets you apart and indicates your skills even without prior work experience,” explains Hannah Bard, director of Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education. “RISE Up is the perfect opportunity to explore the variety of retail careers, develop the skills you need to be successful, build your resume, and position yourself for promotion.”

The 15-week course, which covers basic and advanced aspects of the retail industry, is appropriate for students, adults entering the job market, and current retail employees looking to gain new skills. Once the program is completed, Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education provides customized support to assist participants with their employment search.

“As mid-Maine’s service center and logistics and population hub, Waterville is an attractive location for retail-related businesses,” explains Garvan Donegan, director of planning and economic development for Central Maine Growth Council. “Yet, the local talent is the most important factor of success for retail businesses, and we applaud Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education for training our workforce with such relevant skills and expertise.”

RISE Up will be held Tuesdays, from 2:00-5:15pm, from September 3 to December 17, at 1 Brooklyn Avenue in Waterville, and the cost before scholarship is $125. Those interested in enrolling in RISE Up may attend an information session at Waterville Public Library to learn about the course schedule, enrollment process, and scholarships. Sessions will be held on Wednesday, August 21 from 10:15-11:00am and from 3:00-3:45pm. Alternatively, those interested in enrolling may contact Hannah Bard at 207-873-5754 or hannahbard@aos92.org.

About Mid-Maine Regional Adult and Community Education

Mid-Maine Regional Adult and Community Education provides a comprehensive range of adult education courses that are local, affordable, and designed to fit into students’ schedules. Program categories include workforce training, college and career preparation and advising, HiSET (formerly GED) and high-school diploma completion, English as a Second Language classes, and personal enrichment classes.

Last modified: August 5, 2019

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