Archives

Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund Connects Workers to Employers

There has been a lot of buzz in the CommCorp halls about the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund: for the first time ever, it has a chance of being funded for a consecutive year. We are excited that this crucial program was included in Governor Baker’s budget because it supports a population in tremendous need and helps employers find skilled, motivated workers.

Employer Partnerships Are Key in YouthWorks

Since its inception in 1999, YouthWorks, Commonwealth Corporation’s summer job program for teens and young adults, has relied on employer partnerships. YouthWorks requires understanding employers who are willing to help coach young adults through what is often their first job. Without them, this program would be impossible.

Skill Building through YouthWorks

In today’s economy, it is difficult for young adults to find jobs. Unless you have legitimate work experience on your résumé, few employers are willing to give you a chance.

Youth Accomplishments Celebrated at 3rd Annual ‘Share Your Art, Share Your Voice’ Showcase

Art is often created for entertainment – to be consumed or invested in. But for the young people in the DYS Arts Initiative, art is a vehicle for healing, growth and learning.

Incumbent Worker Training – Investing in People to Invest in Your Business

The value of incumbent worker training is being recognized by high profile policymakers and business and labor leaders.  President Obama referenced the importance of incumbent worker training in his April 25, 2015 address on the proposed US trade deal. 

A Proven Model to Address Regional Workforce Challenges

Sector partnerships bring together business, education and workforce organizations to design and deliver training and work experiences that are relevant to an industry and specific occupations.  Sector partnerships prepare and place people who are unemployed or underemployed in jobs that are in demand and/or upgrade the skills of incumbent workers.

Safe & Successful Youth Initiative Yields Positive Results

An evaluation conducted by the independent American Institute of Research (AIR) of Massachusetts Safe & Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI) found that over the last two years SSYI engaged cities experiences 139 fewer violent crimes on average per month compared to non-SSYI municipalities.

Responding to Health Care Industry Changes

Health care employers have been critical workforce development partners over the past fifteen years.  Through the ups and downs of economic cycles, the health care industry has been steadily hiring, with many good jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree.

Malden High School Accepts 25 Students into New YouthWorks Plus Program

We had the pleasure of joining Malden High School staff, faculty, and students, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and the Metro North Regional Employment Board to celebrate the acceptance of 25 Malden High School students into the new YouthWorks Plus program.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Talent Today

We are in the midst of a youth employment crisis.  Employment among teens in Massachusetts has dropped by nearly half since the late 1990s, from 54 percent in 1999 to just 27 percent in 2013. About half of today’s high school students have not had any job experience, leaving these young people at a significant disadvantage in the future.