Staff Spotlight: Jose Ibarra provides grant-funding training to business’s emerging needs

Q: What does your role as Senior Program Manager involve on a day-to-day basis? 

A: Each day, I respond to correspondence from training providers, grant applicants, and employers interested in the Express Program. I review training programs submitted through our provider portal to approve, deny, or request revisions, and I oversee monitoring requests to ensure ongoing compliance with Workforce Training Fund Policies. A significant portion of my work involves issuing and finalizing contracts with grantees. I also contribute to system improvements, such as revamping the grant application through Form Titan, and serve as the primary point of contact for Salesforce inquiries within my team. 

Q: What do you find most rewarding about helping employers train and grow their teams? 

A: The most rewarding part is seeking the direct impact on small businesses. Many employers had to adapt quickly in a post-COVID environment, adopting new technologies, adjusting to evolving client expectations, and building new skills across their teams. Helping businesses secure funding for training not only strengthens their workforce but also allows them to remain competitive, and it’s rewarding to see those results firsthand. 

Q:  What advice would you give to Massachusetts employers who might not yet be taking advantage of WTFP Express? 

A: In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, we awarded over $14 million in training grants, with many employers returning year after year as their teams expand and their training needs evolve. Almost all for-profit employees qualify, and many non-profits do as well. Taking advantage of this resource can be a critical investment in both growth and long-term competitiveness.   

Q: How does this program contribute to building a stronger workforce in Massachusetts? 

A: The program equips businesses with the resources they need to upskill employees and stay competitive. Through success stories, testimonials, and feedback from grantees, we’ve seen how training not only improves individual employee skills but also drives broader business growth. This ripple effect contributes directly to a stronger and more adaptable workforce.

Q: What are your hobbies or things you like to do outside of work? 

A: Outside of work, I enjoy watching scary movies and science fiction, playing with my Corgi, and exploring Peruvian cuisine.