As we welcome Spring at the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, we are looking to share our news, our aspirations and our successes with you. It is our hope that as you learn more about our work our partnerships will deepen our collaboration in support of the businesses and job seekers in Metro North. Below is a snapshot of some of our work thus far in 2019!
We hope you enjoy our first newsletter as the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board!
MassHire Metro North Workforce Board and the MassHire Metro North Career Centers joined the 16 regions across the state to become part of the MassHire network! We celebrated our Launch on ___, 2018 at the Career Center in Woburn with staff, local businesses, and legislators. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Rosalin Acosta, was our keynote speaker.
On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board and the MassHire Metro North Career Center hosted a Workforce Development Leadership Forum and Discussion at the State House for legislators and city leaders from the 20 city Metro North Region. The event was co-sponsored by senate and house leaders from our region.
On September XX, 2018 we successfully launched our first cohort of the Retail Academy at Bunker Hill Community College. Prior months were spent partnering with local area employers to help us assess the curriculum and assist with identifying their employees that would be the best fit for the training.
One of our partners, LSG Sky Chefs, had an unusual issue with their employees. LSG Sky Chefs’ entry level positions are in a union bargaining unit. Once the company identified an employee for promotion to the management team that new manager encountered very specific issues that were hard to overcome when the newly promoted employee was now supervising individuals they once worked with. Professional communication, conflict resolution, and productivity were high on the list of issues that this employer needed addressed with first level management. Upon completion of the first cohort the H.R. Manager, Hillary Bauman said “we think this is just the right program to help our union, lead employees transition into supervisor roles. The ability for our participants to experience training and classes in a college setting with others in similar circumstances, looking to advance, is unique. It makes them know that we value their potential and future.
Trained and Promoted!!
Kendra Barrera, a high school graduate, was referred to the Retail Academy by her manager at Starbucks.
At the initial intake it was easy to see that Kendra was customer focused and respected by her employer. A great work environment and the excellent benefits provided by her employer, paired with confidence in her ability to do the job and provide a positive customer experience, inspired Kendra to seek a career with Starbucks.
The Retail Academy program's insight and practical knowledge in the principles of accounting, and professional communication gave Kendra the confidence to take a leadership role. After completing the Retail Academy Training, Kendra received her certificate and was promoted to an assistant manager position in the Chelsea store. After completing the training program Kendra was confident in her ability to be a supportive team leader while managing the responsibilities of her new role.
Our Career Pathways Committee is developing a series of colorful posters and handouts that can be placed in schools, community organizations, and job training facilities. The material will focus on our Priority Industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Hospitality, and Healthcare. Take a look at the handout we are working on for Career Pathways in Advanced Manufacturing. Additional handouts will be featured in future newsletters.
