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MTI Blog

3/8/11 - Growing Higher Wage Jobs

In his Feb 13 Maine Sunday Telegram column, Charles Lawton highlighted the importance of growing higher wage jobs, and their related skills in our workforce, as we develop strategies for growing jobs in Maine. His conclusion was that it's not just the number of jobs, but the wages they pay that will determine our future. Looking at projections from Maine’s Department of Labor, Lawton observed that one in five job openings expected between now and 2018 is expected to be in the higher than average wage earning areas of health, medical, technical, math, science, financial and managerial jobs.  And that these 3000 jobs need skills to match in order to make the most of their potential.

We agree. Maine needs to continue to advance strategies to develop higher-paying jobs, and the skills to match, across the state. Ten years of funding  innovative companies and activity in Maine has revealed some proven results in this area. We know, through the annual state R&D evaluation, that the average wage of MTI-funded companies was $49,053, higher than Maine’s average of $36,317 and higher even than the US average of $45,563. (Maine Comprehensive Research and Development Evaluation published in early 2010). The companies and R&D activity that MTI funds ranges from our traditional industries such as agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and marine science to emerging industries such as information technology and biotechnology. The jobs associated with these projects build on traditional Maine skills and know-how in farming and textiles to the new skills of biomedical research and advanced materials development.  We also know that, in addition to producing higher wages, these projects and companies that MTI funds are making a real difference in inspiring students and trades people of all ages to develop skills and pursue career paths that will help them successfully move into those higher paid jobs.

In Eastport, for example, Ocean Renewable Power Company, has worked closely with the town in their development, launch and testing of tidal energy turbines. Their project has brought real jobs to local residents whose marine-related skills complement the development of tidal power. But just as importantly to many in Eastport, ORPC has brought hope to a community that has struggled during the economic downturn. “Having people here that bring a different viewpoint and skill set gives our kids more insight into the value of getting an education,” explained Captain Bob Peacock, chairman of the Eastport city council.  “In the long run, the inspiration of our youth and on the town’s psyche is invaluable.”

In Mechanic Falls, Auburn Manufacturing has been in the textile manufacturing business for more than 30 years. Today, they are innovating, with MTI funding, to meet new markets in building insulation and are evolving both their systems and training their workforce accordingly to meet the new market demand. Says owner Kathy Leonard, “New commercial opportunities should allow us to increase sales by 50%.” And as Lead Technician Dan Gurney explained, “Learning the computer-driven technology we purchased to automate the production of new insulation kits has been a wonderful opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology and to understand the capabilities of the machine for future innovations.”

Growing skills and inspiring students to careers in Maine will help fuel the engine of growth that is driven by higher wage jobs. Targeting the growth of higher wage jobs and encouraging tech-intensive businesses and the research and development that support their growth then is a two-fold win for Maine. We contribute to the overall future prosperity for Maine by increasing the wages, the tax-base and the purchasing power of Maine’s residents across the state. AND we inspire Maine’s students and workforce with an exciting vision for a prosperous future for Maine that is matched by real examples of jobs in their communities that are meaningful, challenging and a way to achieve a good quality of life.

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