A Maine web design company is celebrating the first anniversary of its web design program.CMMOS, Maine’s first Web Design Certification Program, has been in the works for almost two years.
The first CMMO class was held at CMMOs office in Portland on Oct. 6, and the next class is scheduled for Feb. 28 in Maine.
“We’ve had over 400 people come through, and so we’re going to be hosting a big party to celebrate this first year,” said CMMoS Web Designer Matthew Gifford.
The CMMos program was launched in February 2018 by the Maine Department of Commerce and Economic Development and the Maine Economic Development Authority.
The purpose of the program is to train new web designers, and to provide them with the resources they need to build a successful website.
The program is open to anyone, regardless of their background, age, education level, or skill level.
“You’re going in knowing you want to do this,” said Giffard.
The most challenging part of the process, said Gaidord, is figuring out how to get started.
“It’s a really fun thing to be able to do, and a lot of fun for the students to see people that are doing it, and see what they’re doing,” he said.
In addition to providing information about the program, the web designers have to create their own content for the site.
“When you do that you really learn a lot,” said Katie Hester, who teaches the web design class.
Gifford said the program also provides a good platform to get exposure to local businesses, businesses that might be able help you build your website.
Hester also said there are benefits to getting the CMMOSS certification.
“One of the things that people say is that it’s not just a certification, it’s a certificate of excellence,” she said.
“It shows you’re actually good at what you do, which is a really important thing.”
While the program started with a focus on web design and business, Giffords goal was to teach the web to the whole community.
“There’s a lot that we can do to improve the quality of life for Maine,” he added.
