WATERVILLE — Thomas College and the Maine Development Foundation announced a partnership that will provide workers in some Maine businesses with special rates to apply to the Waterville school and discounts for its courses.

For all current employees of more than 140 participating businesses, the Thomas College Graduate and Continuing Education Division will waive all application fees, provide 10 percent course discounts, and provide the first course free of charge.

Discounts apply to part-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, not accelerated or full-time programs. The “first course free” applies to eligible new students beginning in fall 2012.

The partnership is being realized through a Maine Development Foundation program that helps Maine employers promote educational and career advancement opportunities for their employees. MDF is a private nonprofit that promotes economic growth.