State Awards $7.4 Million to Train, Place More Than 1,100 Workers
SPRINGFIELD — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $7.4 million in workforce development grant funding for 16 initiatives across Massachusetts — including two in Western Mass. — representing partnerships with employers, training providers, and regional collaborators to train, upskill, and provide job placement for 1,161 workers for in-demand occupations in healthcare, education, information technology, and more.
The Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants are funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development 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 well-paying jobs for unemployed and underemployed residents, and strengthen productivity and workforce needs among employers in regions throughout Massachusetts.
Workforce Success grants fund job training and job placement for untapped talent and upskilling programs for incumbent workers. Among the 16 awarded grants, seven will incorporate English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in planned job training — an effort to reduce employment barriers such as language that some job seekers experience.
“Workforce Success Grants give residents the opportunity to gain new skills and launch careers in high-demand fields,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These programs help people earn good wages, build long-term career paths, and connect directly with employers who need their talents.”
Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones made the announcement at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) in Springfield. STCC will receive $500,000 to provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 120 unemployed and underemployed participants for IT support specialist, help desk analyst, hardware technician, computer repair technician, network technician, network administrator, cybersecurity technician, and cybersecurity analyst roles. They will partner with Springfield Public Schools, Baystate Health, Holyoke Public Schools, Springfield Technical Community College, the Center for Human Development, the city of Holyoke, and Entre Technologies.
“Continued investment by the Healey-Driscoll administration in high-demands sectors like IT and cybersecurity is tremendous,” STCC President John Cook said. “As technology continues to impact every facet of our lives, institutional support and innovation that brings a focus to skill building and credential attainment makes a big difference for families and communities.”
The other Western Mass. grant is $500,000 to the Franklin Hampshire Employment and Training Consortium in Greenfield, to provide training and placement services to 50 unemployed and underemployed participants for patient representative, receptionist, and medical secretary roles. They will partner with Community Health Center of Franklin County, Hilltown Community Health Center, and Valley Medical Group.