Governor Mills enjoys a spread of pastries and other baked goods prepared by the Culinary Arts students at SRTC
Photo: Lisa Blanchette
By Kendra Williams
Gov. Janet Mills received a warm welcome on Wednesday when she visited the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC), where students and staff eagerly showcased their programs and facilities. The visit underscored the governor’s commitment to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and gave students, from eight York County partner schools, a chance to share how their hands-on training is preparing them for the future.
Mills’ day began in the school’s gardens, where horticulture students were busy tending to plants and landscaping projects. Inside, the SRTC Café buzzed with activity as Culinary Arts and Baking students offered a spread of pastries and dishes they had prepared. The governor sampled their creations, praising the quality and presentation. Student representatives then delivered polished presentations highlighting their programs. Mills engaged them in conversation, asking about their coursework, future goals, and experiences at SRTC.
The tour continued through the building’s 25 programs, ranging from automotive technology and welding to computer science, early childhood education and health care fields. At each stop, students and instructors spoke with Mills about the skills they were gaining and how those experiences were shaping career paths. Several students said that they had already lined up internships and part-time jobs thanks to their SRTC training, while others emphasized the confidence and sense of direction the programs had given them.
Throughout the tour, Mills clearly had some fun while experiencing some hands-on activities, such as the trying out the law enforcement vehicle driving simulator in the Law Enforcement class and learning from some Auto Collision students.
Mills has been a strong advocate for strengthening CTE. Her administration was the first to dedicate capital funds for CTE programs statewide and invested $20 million through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Act with capital funding directed to upgrading technical centers.
“You can’t fix cars and engage in computer technology without the most up-to-date equipment,” she said. I’m proud that these schools have what they need.” She added that maintaining high-quality equipment and facilities will require continued investment.
The governor also reflected on how CTE has changed over the course of her lifetime. She recalled a time when boys were steered toward shop class and girls were limited to home economics. While acknowledging the value of those basic skills, she emphasized that today’s programs must open doors to well-paid, in-demand careers.
Photo: Sam Bonsey
“We need more programs that invite young people to adopt a career,” she said. “We don’t have enough plumbers, electricians, welders and construction folks.” She also underscored the importance of encouraging women and other non-traditional students to pursue careers in the trades.
Throughout the visit, Mills’ message resonated with both students and instructors. For many, her presence signaled not just recognition of the work being done at Sanford’s technical center, but also the importance of these programs in preparing Maine’s workforce.
Although there are currently more than 750 students enrolled in SRTC programs, Director Matt Petermann said he believes that with more resources they could fill more classes. He said Mills’ visit was a great opportunity for the programs. “This visit isn’t about us—it’s about our students. Students who may have struggled to find their place in traditional settings but have found their home here, developing real-world skills that will launch them directly into meaningful careers or give them an incredible head start in their post-secondary education. This was our moment to demonstrate the life-changing impact of career and technical education, and to celebrate the incredible potential of every student who walks through our doors. We are building Maine’s new workforce and future.”
By the end of the tour, the enthusiasm in the halls of SRTC was unmistakable. Students said they appreciated the chance to share their accomplishments with the state’s chief executive, while Mills left with a firsthand look at how the school’s blend of academics and technical training is opening opportunities.
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