For Mentors
We partner with local businesses in the greater Gorham area to help keep the workforce strong and to introduce young people to different trades and skills. Some businesses can offer paid internships, unpaid internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work for our students.
Why Participate?
By creating opportunities for students to join Maine’s workforce, we are more likely to keep young folks in the state
It’s rewarding to help students find their passion and purpose
Community Engagement and outreach will increase your visibility
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact grace.olsen@gorhamschools.org; (207) 222-1356 to learn more or FILL OUT THIS FORM!
Workplace Mentor Expectations:
When a student is paired with a mentor, we require the mentor to be a professional or expert in their given field. We ask that the mentor offer the student support when needed and understand that there will be a learning curve for them as they learn new skills.
We ask that you be in communication with us if there are are any issues with a student. If so, please contact the ELO coach you are in contact with to determine next steps.
You will be asked to sign the student's Design Plan and Liability forms before the ELO begins. Both of these are linked below for reference.
Helpful links:
ELO Contract & Liability Forms
These forms will need to be filled out before a student can complete their ELO.
Each student will be required to create a Design Plan for their ELO with the help from a Coach. This plan outlines your goals and essential questions for the ELO. This Design Plan requires signatures.
FAQs:
Is there insurance coverage for students or do we need to provide it?
Gorham High School has an insurance rider that protects students outside of the school building so they are insured under us.
What qualifications do students need to work with us?
This is dependent on local laws and individual company policies. Some trades require an age requirement to handle equipment or operate machines; electric companies might require obtainment of a Helper Electrician Certification, etc.
What are common labor laws for students in the workforce?
All minors under 16 years of age need work permits in order to work
All employers must keep accurate payroll records for workers under 18
Students aged 16 and 17 cannot work more than 6 days in a row. They must not work for more than 24 hours a week when school is in session.
For more Child Labor Law information, visit the Maine Department of Labor site or check out this infographic.