|
|
|
|
|
Dear Partners and Supporters,
MassHire Metro North Workforce Board (MNWB) started 2022 with a new Strategic Framework, increased staffing and new programs to support Workforce Development in Metro North. We are also relaunching successful programs from the past year(s).
We also have made it easier for you to request Labor Market Information and continue to share flyers for programs that are currently recruiting participants.
As the days get longer, we look forward to working with you to grow our partnerships supporting jobseekers and businesses in the region.
In partnership,
Chris Albrizio-Lee, President and CEO
|
|
Meet our Newest Staff Members on the NAMC Team!
|
|
Chuck Coakley and John Neil joined MNWB recently as Apprenticeship Growth & Expansion Coordinators for the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC).
|
|
|
After working with MNWB and NAMC as a contractor for 6 months, Chuck Coakley officially joined the MNWB team in January 2022 as an Apprenticeship Growth & Expansion Coordinator for NAMC. Prior to joining MNWB, Chuck was a Project Manager for MassMEP, a non-profit organization.
Learn more about Chuck |
|
|
John Neil joined MNWB as an Apprenticeship Growth & Expansion Coordinator for NAMC in November 2021. John most recently worked as a Trainer with Safety Trainers of Auburn, Massachusetts assisting manufacturing companies improve their workforce safety.
Learn more about John
|
|
|
Jimmy Donovan goes to Washington!
|
|
|
Congratulations are in order to Jimmy Donovan on his new position with the Teamsters Union in Washington, D.C.! Jimmy has been an active MNWB Board member since 2014, serving as one of two required Labor Representatives under WIOA. Thank you so much for your service to the Board and we wish you great success in D.C..
|
|
|
Future Cities, Model Bridge and Future Careers Competitions!
|
|
|
Our Board Member and Youth Committee Chair, Reed Brockman, once again organized the Boston Society of Civil Engineers' Future Cities Competition for Middle School students, as well as the BSCES Model Bridge Contest with local Middle and High School students!
Thank you to Reed and to all of the volunteers who have supported these amazing programs for the youth of the region!!
For the Model Bridge Contest this year, 30ft bamboo campfire sticks and 4 lb test twine were the materials used to build the bridges. This is the 31st year the competition has been held. Congratulations to all of the participants.
Reed and BSCES are also planning for the launch of a pilot Future Careers Competition!
Read all about the competitions here.
There are links to a lot of great Model City Video Presentations.
And click the button below to watch the Model Bridge Competition!
|
|
|
How will the American Rescue Plan Act support MassHire?
As part of the Commonwealth's allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the MassHire system will be receiving additional investments to build system capacity directly connected to ARPA-funded training programs.
Two new positions will be deployed as part of this effort: Market Maker and Upskilling Navigator. The Market Maker will work on behalf of the entire Greater Boston Regional Planning area and be responsible for engaging businesses in priority industries and connecting them to ARPA-funded training programs. Upskilling Navigators will be employed by the MassHire Career Centers and will assist residents with navigating and connecting to the various ARPA-funded training programs. Both positions will work together and in partnership with MassHire Workforce Board and Career Center staff to connect both businesses and residents to ARPA-funded programs and resources.
|
|
|
NEW STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
MassHire Metro NorthWorkforce Board is excited to share its new FY22 - FY26 Strategic Framework! The Strategic Framework outlines MNWB’s over-arching priorities for the next five years and some of the key goals we seek to achieve.
This Framework is the result of a year-long process that included Community Action Partners, MNWB staff and Board, and many of you, our partners and supporters. We want to thank each and every one of you that participated in some way in the development of this plan, it would not have been possible without you.
On Wednesday, March 16, 2022 (10-11:30am) we will be hosting a virtual meeting to present this plan in more detail to our partners and stakeholders, so please be on the lookout for that meeting invite. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!
Click on the Image to Open or Download Here
|
|
|
|
Labor Market Data Request Form
MassHire Metro North Workforce Board is proud to support the work of the workforce development, education, and economic development organizations in our communities. We are happy to provide labor market information to inform programmatic decisions or endorse grant applications. Partners who would like to request labor market information, reports, or access to data must complete the following Labor Market Data Request Form.
|
|
MN-PACMAN Cohort 2 Graduation!!
On December 10, 2021, eleven students graduated from the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board’s Pre-Apprenticeship Construction and Facilities Maintenance Program, referred to as MN-PACMAN.
|
|
|
This pre-apprenticeship program is a 160 hour, ten week program that prepares participants for registered apprenticeships in facilities maintenance and trade-related occupations. Funding is provided by the Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund managed by the Commonwealth Corporation.
Due to COVID restrictions, the graduation was held virtually with over 30 guests in attendance. Guest speakers included Chris Albrizio-Lee, President and CEO of the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, Cynthia Singer Riordan, WCTF Program Manager from Commonwealth Corporation, Diana Hassan, Director of Human Resources and employer partner, C.E. Floyd Company and Saraugh Fitah, Director of Operations, Winn Companies, a program partner and instructor.
Diana Hassan spoke about the need for diversity in the construction industry and how MN-PACMAN was helping to fulfill that need. She encouraged the graduates to be open to new opportunities and reminded them that an apprenticeship was an opportunity to learn and succeed while building a successful career in a growing industry. She also talked about the skills and benefits that diverse students bring to the industry.
Saraugh Fitah, who is actively engaged in class instruction for careers in facilities maintenance, talked about previous MN-PACMAN graduates now actively pursuing apprenticeships with Winn Companies through Wentworth Institute of Technology. She encouraged students to pursue their dreams and to continue to show the great work ethic they exhibited in class.
Two students, Juliette Urea and Kevin Lao spoke on behalf of all eleven graduates and stated emphatically that they saw this program as a means to finding economic stability and self-sufficiency. Juliette talked about how the program gave her the courage to make a positive career change and Kevin spoke about the program allowing him to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming an electrician. During the ceremony each student was introduced and had the opportunity to address the attendees and talk about their very positive experiences and their career goals.
Closing remarks and much encouragement were given by Hillary Bradburn, the Senior Director of Sector Initiatives from the MassHire Workforce Board. Students were encouraged to pursue their employment goals through active job search and networking.
Currently all eleven students are in the process of apply to and interviewing for open positions in their area of interests in both the construction trades and facilities maintenance.
Thank you to our project partners for making this program possible: MassHire Metro North Career Center, Mass. Association of Builders and Contractors, IINE, CONNECT, and Winn Companies.
|
|
NEW: Digital Navigators Program
In conjunction with city partners in Malden, Everett, and Revere, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and with funding from YouthWorks and Comcast, MNWB is excited to launch the inaugural pilot Digital Navigators Program. 15 Young adults ages 17-21 will serve as “Digital Navigators.”
The Digital Navigator will provide individualized or small group assistance to community members who need affordable home internet service, affordable internet-capable devices, and/or coaching in introductory digital skills such as accessing the internet, email, and more in order to become effective home internet users. Training and support for this program is being provided by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, who have been integral in launching similar successful programs across the nation.
This program was built and designed to further address the digital divide inequity in our region and build capacity within local communities to support residents in improving their lives through the use of digital technology and the internet.
|
|
|
Pharm Tech Program - Year 2!!
January 24 marked the start of this semester’s Pharmacy Technician Program at Bunker Hill Community College. MNWB is proud to sponsor a cohort of young aspiring pharmacy technicians, ages 18-21, who live in the Metro North region. Students will enroll in a virtual semester-long course and participate in externships at area hospitals and pharmacies to gain valuable work experience. At the end of the program, students sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam to qualify for their pharmacy technician license. This valuable certification will enable program alumni to secure fair compensation and meaningful employment in the health care industry.
MNWB is committed to fully funding these students through offering stipends and covering costs of course tuition, textbooks, and license fees. Students also have access to individual career coaching with the Youth Programs Specialist and complete self-paced career readiness modules over the course of the semester. MNWB looks forward to working with Spring 2022 program participants and growing their partnership with BHCC. Funding for this program comes from year-round YouthWorks.
|
|
High School Senior Internship Education Program
On January 18th, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education signed and awarded Masshire Metro North Workforce Board $840,000 to continue the High School Senior Internship Education Program (HSSIEP) through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
With these funds, the Metro North Workforce Board is able to provide 6 High Schools in our region - Chelsea, Revere, Everett, Malden, Somerville and Woburn - funds to place over 130 high school seniors into Internships in their local elementary and middle schools. From January 31st to June 24th, highly motivated high school seniors in good academic standing will participate in a work-based learning experience in the field of education, while supporting their school and community-based partners. Students will be assisting in various subjects, including Math, English Language Arts, History, Computer Tech and ELL.
It is our hope that with this education internship we can not only accelerate the growth of the teacher pipeline in MA with a particular focus on increasing racial/ethnic diversity, but also to improve educational outcomes for underserved students, particular younger learners, due to the pandemic. This is our second year with the HSSIEP and we are very excited to see this program grow and watch our students grow personally and professionally.
|
|
IBEST at WORK -
Enhance Your Imcumbent Worker Training!
If you are a business looking to enhance your incumbent worker training to ensure that all your employees receive all the information needed to be successful after completing training please CLICK ON THE FLYER to learn about the IBEST at Work free training program that provides your training program with an ABE/ESOL instructor to contextualize the course for English Language Learners and Lower Level Learners. A perfect way to promote diversity equity and inclusion.
This program is offered free of charge through a generous grant from the Walmart Corporation.
|
|
|
|
PACMAN PROGRAM -
Facilities Maintenance or
Construction Trades -
Recruiting for 3rd Cohort!
|
|
FREE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TRAINING
at
Center for Manufacturing Technology in Woburn
|
|
|
|
In addition to recruiting residents of Metro North, classes are now open to residents of Boston and the North Shore!!
Classes begin February 2022!
Click on the Flyer to learn more!!
|
|
|
Click on the Flyer to learn more!!
Classes Begin in March 2022
|
|
MassBioEd -
Life Sciences Apprenticeship Program
MassBioEd is seeking people interested in a unique opportunity for free training, professional mentoring, and a paid one-year life sciences apprenticeship at biopharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts. Apprenticeships offer a pathway to full-time permanent employment.
Click on the Flyer to Learn More!
Candidates can submit a statement of interest form here to be invited to an online information session.
|
|
|
|
Worth and Wealth Seminars for Women 
The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment has just opened registration for their new Worth & Wealth Seminars (sponsored by Citizens). This is a 5-week virtual series to provide personal finance and career building skills for women across Massachusetts. Cohort I is designed for women who are newer to personal finance concepts.
Topics include:
✅ Financial Mapping
✅ Know Your Rights: Employment Edition
✅ Investing 101
✅ Salary Negotiation
Cohort I kicked off on January 26th at 6PM and will meet virtually every Wednesday evening until February 23rd. Admissions are rolling and participants may still join.
Cohort II begins in March. Cohort III will be in Spanish - more information forthcoming on the website below.
Participants will also be entered for the chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.worthandwealth.org
|
|
|
|
CAREER CENTER SUCCESS STORIES!
|
|
|
Danyell is a single mother, and had a career gap of 17 years. She raised her children during this time. She then held two jobs, both in family-owned companies. She said that she wanted a career, not just a job. She sought to become self-supporting for her family and to be an example for her children.
Danyell initiallu came to the Career Center as part of the RESEA process. Since she did not have a computer, and was borrowing internet and laptops from friends, her Career Advisor, Shirley Fickett, made a referral for the Massachusetts Internet Connect program in partnership with the Career Centers. Danyell was able to receive a Chromebook and Emergency Broadband Benefits. Her Career Advisor worked with her on using Work Keys assessment tools which lead to her true goal of becoming a Medical Assistant.
The Career Center workshop Transition: A Webinar on Career Change helped Danyell make her final decision. Her Career Advisor guided her through the eligibility process and funding for training was approved through the WIOA Adult grant. She attended the training, routinely checked in with her Career Advisor, completed her coursework with outstanding grades and went on to an internship as part of her training program. In addition, Danyell received a National Credential in Medical Assisting through the National Health Career Association.
Updating her resume was next. While she was in her Internship at Tufts Medical Center, new credentials, real world experience and confidence became part of her journey toward employment. Once at Tufts, Danyell fell in love with the work and she transitioned nicely from her internship in the hematology/oncology department, into a full-time benefited position in the Tufts ENT department. Danyell loves it there, and if ENT does not work out the Hematology/Oncology department wants to hire her! Danyell wants everyone to know that she couldn’t have done it without the village at MassHire Metro North and that she is delighted with her new career path! She sends a mighty big THANK YOU and special thanks goes out to her Career Advisor, Shirley Fickett, for her help in making this happen!
|
|
Business Services Success: Recruiting for DOR!
|
|
|
There were 40 Department of Revenue-Seasonal Tax Examiner position openings to be filled. Lisa Chakalos Ryan, a Metro North Business Services Representative (BSR), was asked to recruit for the positions and post the job openings into the MA JobQuest database.
|
|
The BSR created a flyer which was emailed to jobseekers, community partners and MNMN staff; added to the MHMN website; and added to our social media pages. An email blast was sent to specific jobseekers from our database that were a potential fit for the position. The BSR also did database job matching to recruit candidates.
Once candidates were vetted by the BSR she directed them to apply online to Mass Careers for the hiring team to review their backgrounds. If chosen, they would be granted an interview and go through the hiring process.
A total of 13 jobseekers were referred to the position with 6 hires to date, with a potential for 1 additional hire pending a background check. Congratulations to the hirees and to Lisa Chakalos Ryan for her recruitment success!
|
|
Remember that the Career Centers have a large selection of Webinars for job seekers. These are continually being updated and recently, several webinars have been added that are conducted in Spanish!
Please share this link! https://masshiremncareers.com/events-calendar/category/workshops/
|
|
Subscribe to our Newsletter
LIKE, FOLLOW, and FRIEND
Help us grow our social media presence -
visit us on our pages below and like, follow or friend us. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
