Page 28 - BusinessWest September 30, 2024

Innovative Strategy
State Expands Job-training Programs for Homeless Individuals
“Training and job- placement programs provide more access to underserved communities while helping our businesses stay competitive.”
The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced the expan- sion of job-training programs for individuals who face barriers to employment, including those staying in Emergency Assistance (EA) shelters. These programs are part of the administration’s efforts to meet the needs of the state’s employers who are looking to hire skilled talent and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with the training they need to get jobs and move out of shelters into more stable housing.
The administration has created a new ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) for Employment program to connect individuals expe- riencing homelessness with ESOL training, job-placement programs, and career wrap-around services. Eligible applicants, including commu- nity-based organizations, training providers, employers, community col- leges, and industry associations, can apply at the Commonwealth Corp. website, commcorp.org/funding. The program is open to work-autho- rized individuals who are eligible for EA, which includes both long-term Massachusetts families and newly arrived immigrant families.
“Employers across Massachusetts have job openings in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, human services, and hospitality. We also have individuals in EA shelter who have their work authoriza- tions, who want to contribute to our communities and economy, and who want to move their families out of shelter into more stable hous- ing,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These programs help us meet all of those needs by providing EA residents with the training they need to succeed in the workplace and connecting them directly with employers who are hiring. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their continued partnership as we work to lessen the strain on the EA system and strengthen our economy.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added that “training and job-placement pro- grams provide more access to underserved communities while help-
ing our businesses stay competitive. We know language is a barrier to employment, and that’s why the administration has launched a cross- secretariat effort to increase ESOL programs across the state, which will improve worker skills and productivity for our businesses.”
The administration has also made additional funding available for current Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) awardees to incorporate additional cohorts or slots into pre-existing, currently active grants, including Kenneth Donnelly Success grants, ESOL Continuation grants, and Healthcare and Behavioral Health Hub grants. The WCTF invests in initiatives aimed at increasing access to well-paying jobs for residents facing employment barriers and improving the competitive stature of Massachusetts businesses by enhancing worker skills and productivity.
The funding for these programs was provided for in the April 2024 supplemental budget and distributed by Commonwealth Corp.
Additionally, the Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) has made $500,000 available for training programs for individuals and families in the Emergency Assistance program or in temporary respite sites across the state.
“The Healey-Driscoll administration has been intentional in our efforts to connect work-authorized individuals with job training and placement, and these grants will help this effort by providing necessary workforce supports for some of our most vulnerable residents,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones said. “We look for- ward to working with applicants as they provide vital ESOL training and help individuals and families foster economic stability.”
Commonwealth Corp. President and CEO Molly Jacobson added that “this funding will support employers, training providers, and regional partners breaking down barriers for thousands of job seekers, particu- larly those experiencing homelessness.” BW
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