Industries are facing the dual challenge of finding skilled talent in a tight labor market and ensuring the development of a diverse and equitable workforce.

The Workforce Skills Cabinet and Commonwealth Corporation have launched RENEW to reduce this fiction with funding to develop programs that will train workers to address employers’ hiring needs and help companies meet their diversity hiring goals.

The program is designed to bridge the gap between employers and local training providers with the goal of establishing sustainable talent development pipelines. Within these partnerships, employers will provide input into curriculum design, specify the types of workers they need help recruiting, and pay upon completion of training and job placement.

In addition to program funding, partnerships will receive technical assistance and recruiting support from MassHire Career Centers and regional workforce boards.