Page 26 - BusinessWest September 30, 2024

“As Massachusetts strengthens its world- class workforce, we must provide a world-class support system with greater intentionality to reduce barriers to employment and support persistence and success in job-training programs.”
LAUREN JONES
administration is teaming up with training providers and proven workforce programs to further attract and retain untapped talent and provide added resources aimed at improving outcomes and opportu- nities for more job seekers in Massachusetts.”
Molly Jacobson, president and CEO of Commonwealth Corp., said her organization is excited to see the tangible impact the Massachu- setts Workforce Skills Fund will have on job seekers’ lives across the Commonwealth. “This initiative not only provides essential support for people who need it, but also encourages participants to seize new opportunities for their future.”
Meanwhile, Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Com- missioner Jeff McCue said the Workforce Skills Fund will be an instrumental resource for clients to utilize as they strive to reach their career goals and full employment potential, by providing flexible dollars that will help individuals and families overcome barriers to participating in the workforce.
“The Department of Transitional Assistance currently serves one in six Massachusetts residents with food and cash assistance,” he noted. “In addition to providing essential resources to the most vul- nerable people in the Commonwealth, DTA also aims to connect cli- ents with meaningful employment to improve economic mobility for families and ensure their long-term success.”
Statements of Support
Aisha Francis, president and CEO of Franklin Cum- mings Tech in Boston, called the Massachusetts Work- force Skills Fund a crucial resource for the Common- wealth’s technical and trade workforce.
“Stipends make it possible for individuals to complete high-quality training and secure jobs,” she added. “In part- nership with the Workforce Competitive Trust Fund and JVS, Franklin Cummings Tech sees the positive impact
of financial support on program outcomes. I applaud the Commonwealth’s leadership for recognizing this opportu- nity and acting quickly to innovate.”
Paul Bello, director of Career and Community Devel- opment at South Shore Vocational Technical High School
in Hanover, noted that the school will train hundreds of veterans
and unemployed or underemployed residents on the South Shore to prepare them for fulfilling jobs in carpentry, manufacturing, landscap- ing, welding, hospitality, automotive, and HVAC, and looks forward to assisting residents as they embark on new careers with new skills.
“There is great confidence that this program will make an imme- diate positive impact in people’s lives and will help produce vital members of the workforce in the South Shore area and around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he added.
Meanwhile, Susan Almono, director of Grants and Workforce Development at Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover, noted that the school has provided adult workforce-development training to hundreds of area residents through the Career Technical Initiative.
“We are proud to facilitate entry into lucrative technical careers. However, often candidates can’t take advantage of this opportunity because they need to work rather than increase their skills, in order to pay the bills. We’re thrilled with the new Mass Workforce Skills Fund stipend program and the impact it will have on the lives of area residents. Trainees will be sustained through training and have access to career ladders to stability.” BW
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