State Awards $6.8 Million to Train, Place 1,112 Workers in Industries Statewide
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced $6.8 million in workforce development grant funding for 15 initiatives across Massachusetts, representing partnerships with employers, training providers, and regional collaborators to train, upskill, and provide job placement for 1,112 workers for in-demand occupations in healthcare, education, finance, and more.
The Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants are funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corp. through the state’s Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund. Each awarded grant aims to close the skills gap, increase access to good-paying jobs for unemployed and underemployed residents, and strengthen productivity and workforce needs among employers in regions throughout Massachusetts.
“The Workforce Success Grants continue our commitment to supporting our workers and providing access to good-paying jobs and long-term career success,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “By providing job training and upskilling for underemployed and unemployed job seekers, we are helping unlock potential, strengthening competitiveness, and connecting our world-class talent with innovative companies across the state.”
Two of the 15 grants are in Western Mass. Greenfield Community College received $417,997 to provide training and placement services to 48 unemployed or underemployed participants for early Childhood Educator positions. They will partner with Ja’Duke Preschool and Early Education Center, the Early Learning Center at Hampshire College, the Learning Knoll, Williston Northampton Children’s Center, and Y Academy at the Bolger Center for Early Childhood Education.
Meanwhile, Holyoke Community College received $500,000 to provide training and placement services to 60 unemployed and underemployed participants and incumbent workers for medical assistant positions. It will partner with Baystate Medical Center and Valley Health Systems/Holyoke Medical Center.