Career and Technical Education programs, or CTEs, are essential to ensuring that young people gain the skills and hands-on experience needed for good-paying, lifelong careers.
For years, however, Maine lagged behind in updating and expanding these vital programs — leaving students and employers without the workforce resources they needed.
Now, Maine is changing that trajectory through historic investments in technical education, modern facilities, and cutting-edge equipment to prepare the next generation for success.
Rebuilding Maine’s Skilled Workforce
Governor Mills emphasized the state’s urgent need for more plumbers, electricians, truck drivers, and skilled tradespeople. To address this gap, she has prioritized CTE expansion throughout her career.
“Maine needs more plumbers, more electricians, more truck drivers — more people overall in the trades — and that’s why I’ve worked so hard to make historic investments in career and technical education centers,” Mills said.
Her efforts date back to her time as Attorney General, when she used settlement funds from a Bath Fitter Company case to launch new plumbing programs at four high schools across the state.
The Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan
Under the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, Governor Mills directed $20 million in federal funds to expand and modernize CTE centers — the first significant investment in decades.
Of that, $4.5 million was distributed to 23 CTE programs statewide for new and upgraded equipment to ensure students are trained for today’s high-skill industries.
- Sanford Regional Technical Center received nearly $117,000 to enhance its Engineering Architectural Design and Machine Tool programs.
- The Sanford School Department also received a $321,000 Pre-K expansion grant, which funded the construction of three new classrooms and expanded its Pre-K program from half-day to full-day.
These investments have created new opportunities for students and strengthened the state’s long-term workforce pipeline.
A Visit to Sanford Regional Technical Center
Governor Mills recently visited the Sanford CTE to see the impact of these investments firsthand.
She toured several classrooms and programs, including:
- Culinary Arts, where students prepared snacks for her visit
- Law Enforcement, where she tested a new police driving simulator funded through the Jobs Plan
- Building Trades, observing students studying plumbing, electrical, and carpentry while constructing a house
- Business and Video Production, where students are earning college credits through their CTE coursework
- STEM programs, exploring advanced technologies and innovative learning environments
“I’m so excited to watch as the students I met this week graduate from Sanford Regional Tech and put their new skills to use in good-paying jobs that will make rewarding careers for them and that will benefit our economy overall,” Mills said.
Record-High CTE Enrollment
Maine’s focus on workforce training is paying off. The number of students enrolled in CTE programs has climbed to nearly 11,000 — a record high, up from about 8,000 just seven years ago.
This growth reflects the expanding appeal of hands-on, career-oriented learning and the strong partnerships between CTEs, local industries, and higher education institutions.
Building the Future of Maine’s Workforce
Governor Mills reaffirmed her commitment to supporting students of all ages as they pursue credits, certifications, and degrees that open doors to success.
“My administration will keep doing everything we can to support students of any age to earn the credits and credentials, and certifications, or college degrees they need to succeed in our state and make Maine the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”
Through sustained investment in CTE programs, Maine is equipping its residents with the tools and training needed to build a stronger, more resilient economy — one skilled worker at a time.
