WCTF: $7.4 Million to Train and Place Over 1,100 Workers in Industries Statewide

SPRINGFIELD, MA — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $7.4 million in workforce development grant funding for 16 initiatives across Massachusetts, 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 health care, 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 Corporation 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, 7 grants 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,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These programs help people earn good wages, build long-term career paths, and connect directly with employers who need their talents.” 

“Investing in workforce development through programs like Workforce Success Grants is key to growing stronger local economies across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By preparing residents with the skills employers need, these grants help businesses fill critical roles, drive economic growth in every region, and ensure our communities remain vibrant and competitive.” 

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones made the announcement at Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Among the 16 grantees, Springfield Technical Community College plans to train, upskill, and provide employment for 120 individuals in IT support and cybersecurity-related roles. 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to team up with training providers and employers to help jobseekers gain critical skills to compete in the workforce and career opportunities across Massachusetts,” said Secretary Lauren Jones of Labor and Workforce Development. “This latest round of Workforce Success Grants builds on our workforce strategy and investments that will strengthen our talent pipeline and ensure employers have the skilled workforce to thrive in Massachusetts.”  

“We commend and thank these 16 grantees for their commitment to facilitating economic opportunities in our communities across the Commonwealth,” said Molly Jacobson, President and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “Through these investments in workforce training and job development, we are empowering job seekers to build meaningful careers in high-demand industries and supporting strengthening employers with a well-prepared workforce.”  

 The following is a list of the sixteen grant recipients receiving approximately $7.4 million to provide training and placement services to 1,161 individuals throughout Massachusetts: 

 Action for Boston Community Development, Inc., Boston: $400,000 

Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. will provide training and placement services, 110 unemployed and underemployed participants for Early Childhood Education roles. They will partner with Head Start, TARTTs Day Care, Longwood Medical Area Child Care Center, THRIVE Early Learning Academy, and Ellis Early Learning Center.  

Asian American Civic Association, Boston: $500,000 

Asian American Civic Association will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 50 unemployed and underemployed participants for Maintenance Technician, Facilities Technician, and Maintenance Worker roles. They will partner with Cocoran Jennison, Sahra Construction, Cynergy LLC, and Genesis Management Group LLC. 

Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, Brockton: $375,117 

Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board will provide training and placement services to 30 unemployed and underemployed participants for Commercial Driver roles. They will partner with the Brockton Area Transit Authority, T&K Asphalt Services, Diesel Direct, Cape Cargo Inc., Schneider, Champion Container Corporation, and Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast. 

Center for Community Health Education Research and Service, Inc., Boston: $500,000 

Center for Community Health Education Research and Service, Inc. will provide training and placement services to 72 unemployed and underemployed participants for Home Health Aide roles. They will partner with Advanced Home Care and Dignity Hospice. 

Children’s Hospital Corporation, Boston: $500,000 

The Children’s Hospital Corporation will provide training and placement services to 66 unemployed and underemployed participants for Healthcare Customer Service and Administrative roles. They will partner with Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Beth Israel Lahey Health. 

City of Worcester/MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, Worcester: $423,185 

The City of Worcester/MassHire Central Region Workforce Board will provide training and placement services to 40 unemployed and underemployed participants for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator roles. They will partner with Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Weston & Sampson, Town of Grafton, Town of Uxbridge, and MA Water Environment Association.  

 Community Action, Inc., Haverhill: $254,015 

Community Action, Inc. will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 25 unemployed and underemployed participants for Help Desk Technician, Technical Support Specialist, and Junior Systems Administrator roles. They will partner with Northern Essex Community College Haverhill Campus, Crystal Engineering, Opportunity Works, NorthEast Computer Services LLC, City of Haverhill, and Historic New England. 

Community Servings, Boston: $500,000 

Community Servings will provide training and placement services to 50 unemployed and underemployed participants for Culinary and Food Service roles. They will partner with Tatte Bakery and Cafe, MAX Ultimate Food, and City Experiences Boston Harbor City Cruises. 

 Franklin Hampshire Employment and Training Consortium, Greenfield: $500,000 

Franklin Hampshire Employment and Training Consortium will 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. 

 Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston: $499,890 

Hebrew SeniorLife will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 120 unemployed and underemployed participants for Certified Nursing Assistant roles. They will partner with Hebrew SeniorLife Inc., Boston Medical Center, CareOne, and Tufts Medical Center. 

 Jewish Vocational Service, Boston: $500,000 

Jewish Vocational Service will provide training and placement services to 69 unemployed and underemployed participants for Early Childhood Educator, Teacher Assistant, and Substitute Teacher roles. They will partner with Little Sprouts, Longwood Medical Area Child Care Center, Tiny Hands Enrichment Center, and Everbrook Academy. 

 Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation, Cambridge: $500,000 

Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 53 unemployed and underemployed participants for Biomanufacturing Technician, Clinical Trial Associate, and Lab Support Specialist roles. They will partner with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Sarepta, Rentschler Biopharma, and AbbVie. 

 Middlesex Community College, Lowell: $498,160 

Middlesex Community College will provide training and placement services to 104 unemployed and underemployed participants for Certified Nursing Assistant roles. They will partner with Carlton Willard Village and Sunny Acres. 

 Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, Boston: $471,592 

Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries will provide training and placement services to 72 unemployed and underemployed participants for Social and Human Service Assistant and Residential Counselor roles. They will partner with Arbor Associates, Bay Cove Human Services, Communities for People, Pine Street Inn, Vinfen, Walnut Street Center, and Whittier Street Health Center. 

 North Shore Community Action Programs, Peabody: $452,812 

North Shore Community Action Programs will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 130 unemployed and underemployed participants for Home Health Aide roles. They will partner with NSCAP Homecare Department, Crossway Homecare, and Brightview Senior Living in Danvers. 

 Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield: $500,000 

Springfield Technical Community College will 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, Center for Human Development, City of Holyoke, and Entre Technologies.
 

Statement of support 

John B. Cook, President of Springfield Technical Community College:
“Continued investment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration in high-demand sectors like IT and Cybersecurity is tremendous. As technology continues to impact every facet of our lives, institutional support and innovation that brings a focus to skill-building and credential attainment make a big difference for families and communities.” 

Jeff Turgeon, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Central Regional Wastewater Board:
“With this critical funding from the EOLWD and Commonwealth Corporation, our wastewater treatment operator program will help ameliorate the regional workforce crisis in municipal and private sector wastewater treatment facilities. Given the role water plays in our lives, this is a massive ticking economic and ecological issue that our program addresses. Boosted by our program partners’ strong community presence and networks, we have the capacity to engage, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents from Central MA, including those from traditionally marginalized groups.” 

Joanne K. Hilferty, President and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries: 

“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Commonwealth Corporation for their abiding commitment to helping individuals who face barriers to self-sufficiency achieve independence and dignity through work. This investment in the Human Services Employment Ladder Program will enable Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries to continue to help community residents prepare for jobs in human services, where they will have access to training and opportunities for career advancement. Human service employers across the Commonwealth have significant vacancies, and their active engagement has been key to the success of the program.”