The Healey-Driscoll administration is infusing $7.4 million into Massachusetts’ workforce through a series of grants aimed to train and place over 1,100 workers across the state. These initiatives, designed to close the skills gap and increase access to well-paying jobs, are part of the Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success grants. Funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the grants are managed by Commonwealth Corporation via the state’s Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund.
“Workforce Success Grants give residents the opportunity to gain new skills and launch careers in high-demand fields,” said Governor Maura Healey, in a statement obtained by mass.gov. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the role of these grants in driving economic growth and meeting business workforce needs, across every region, in Massachusetts.
Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones announced the funding at Springfield Technical Community College, which plans to train, upskill, and provide employment for 120 individuals in IT support and cybersecurity. “This latest round of Workforce Success Grants builds on our workforce strategy and investments that will strengthen our talent pipeline and ensure employers have the skilled workforce to thrive in Massachusetts,” Jones told mass.gov.
Molly Jacobson, President and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation, praised the 16 grantees for their commitment to facilitating economic opportunities. “Through these investments in workforce training and job development, we are empowering job seekers to build meaningful careers in high-demand industries, and supporting strengthening employers, with a well-prepared workforce,” Jacobson said to mass.gov.
Among the beneficiaries, Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. will focus on training for Early Childhood Education roles, while Springfield Technical Community College provides for a range of IT and cybersecurity positions. The grants cover diverse industries from healthcare and education to biotechnology and IT, with several programs including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to cater to non-native speakers. Overall, these grants represent a significant investment in the Massachusetts workforce, addressing both the current skills gap and the long-term economic health of the state.