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Greetings to our dedicated community,
As the fall season brings forth transformation, our mission aligns in its essence—to empower lives through meaningful employment opportunities. Together, we've achieved significant milestones, driven by our shared vision of a stronger, more vibrant workforce. In this newsletter, we collectively showcase success stories, innovative initiatives, and the relentless spirit that fuels our purpose. Let's embrace this season of growth, standing united in our pursuit of a better future for all. Thank you for being an essential part of our impactful journey.
Warm regards,
Chris Albrizio-Lee
President and CEO
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Meet Our Newest Staff Member!
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Molly Paone
MNWB, Youth Programs Specialist
Molly joined the Board in April 2023 as a Youth Programs Specialist with the Workforce Development Team (formerly known as the Youth Team). Previously, Molly worked with children, young adults, and their families in various settings, including summer camp, recreational therapy, in-home therapy, and advocacy. Molly worked for several years in youth mentoring with a focus on expanding youths' social-emotional learning. She ran a mentoring program at a local college, led the creation of a Trauma-Informed Care training committee, and was a founding member of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee focused on disability awareness and increasing the accessibility of services.
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Meet our Newest Board Member!
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Jennifer Mancia
City of Somerville, Workforce Development Senior Planner
Jennifer Mancia has a long career in providing workforce development programming that addresses the needs of both job seekers and employers. Equitable access to training and career pathways is at the core of Jennifer’s work. Early in her career, Jennifer adopted a systems approach to understanding the needs of employers and job seekers, resulting in successful connections and placements. Her career has spanned the non-profit, government, and union sectors. Currently, she manages funding and projects that offer support services and training opportunities for residents, as well as initiatives to attract businesses. At the beginning of her career, Jennifer provided job navigation services through coaching and curriculum development. Before her government career, Jennifer had a lengthy tenure as an ESOL teacher and union organizer for the Service Employees International Union. She is both humbled and excited to undertake the role of board member for the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board.
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MassHire Metro North Workforce Board Awarded $765K in City of Somerville ARPA Funds
Somerville, June 31, 2023: The MassHire Metro North Workforce Board (MNWB) has been selected as one of the recipients of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds by the City of Somerville, joining over 35 esteemed local nonprofits. The City of Somerville, having secured $10 million in ARPA funds, aims to fortify the community, and provide vital support to organizations.
The MNWB, through its Work to Thrive (WtT) initiative, in collaboration with Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) and The Welcome Project (TWP), has been granted $277K to conduct a pilot program called NewBiz Somerville Entrepreneurship 101, aimed at training aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs in Somerville.
Additionally, MNWB has received $488K from the City of Somerville ARPA funds to support the NewBiz Somerville Skill Building Program, a collaboration among Somerville Community Corporation, The Welcome Project, East Somerville Main Streets (ESMS), and Union Square Main Streets (USMS). This program offers courses specifically designed to support low- and moderate-income employees of existing small businesses in Somerville and focuses on ESOL, job readiness, customer service training, and enhancing digital literacy.
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MassHire Metro North Workforce Board awarded $225K Cummings grant
Somerville, May 24, 2023: The MassHire Metro North Workforce Board is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through the Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. MNWB was selected from a total of 630 applicants during a competitive review process and will receive $225,000 over three years.
Through this place-based initiative, the Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
MNWB, in partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Massachusetts Chapter, Gould Construction Institute, and Medford Vocational High School will implement a 220-hour pre-apprenticeship construction training program over 3 summer cohorts that will prepare youth with occupational skills training to gain a driver’s license, two industry-recognized credentials, paid work experience, and job placement in a registered apprenticeship. The training will take place at the construction shop space at Medford Vocational Technical High School.
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Request for Proposals: Advanced Manufacturing Training Services
 
The MassHire Metro North Workforce Board (MNWB), on behalf of the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC), is issuing this request for proposals (RFP) to select qualified providers of advanced manufacturing training services as part of a regional effort to address the workforce needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Northeast Massachusetts. Applicants may propose to deliver training in one of five areas:
(i) Welding
(ii) Electromechanical Assembly
(iii) CNC Machine Operator
(iv) Automated Technology Technician/Robotics
(v) Quality Control Inspection
RESPONSE DUE: October 27, 2023, 4:00 p.m. ET
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Pahneez Hasseli, MNWB Vice President of Strategy & Impact, Selected as a Member of RAC
We are happy to share that Penny (Pahneez) Hasseli, MNWB Vice President of Strategy and Impact, has been selected as a member of the Massachusetts Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub Research Advisory Committee, where she will represent workforce development. The RAC is made up of members of the Massachusetts research and advocacy communities who are interested in advancing equitable student outcomes and promoting the state's use of data and research. In her capacity as a member of the RAC, Penny will contribute to identifying the top needs and desired improvements for Massachusetts education data systems, providing input and feedback on specific workforce data projects, and advising on the design of user-friendly dashboards and data tools. Check out the datasets on the new Massachusetts Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub: https://educationtocareer.data.mass.gov/. Reach out to Penny if you have any feedback or suggestions on the data hub!
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YW PACMAN Graduation Celebrates Success and Dedication
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In the summer of 2023, the inaugural cohort of the YW PACMAN grant began their journey with an orientation and the Youth Works Signal to Success job readiness curriculum at the Mass Hire Metro North Career Center in Cambridge. During this introductory session, students demonstrated their dedication by signing commitment letters, acquainting themselves with the program handbook, and completing essential enrollment paperwork. Subsequently, on June 26, 2023, these committed students gathered at Medford High School to dive into the National Center for Construction Research and Education (NCCER) Core Construction Curriculum. The first week was dedicated to OSHA 10 training, a vital certification that all students successfully achieved, signifying a major milestone on their path toward securing apprenticeships in the trades. Additionally, students finalized their ABC/MAP Apprentice Applications, opening doors for ABC-MA employers to recognize and consider them for available positions within their organizations.
On September 1, eleven program participants celebrated their graduation from the YouthWorks PACMAN (Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Facilities Maintenance or Construction Trades) Program during a ceremony at the AC Hotel in Medford. The event commenced with inspiring words from Cyndy Chapin-Levesque, Director of Employer Partnerships at MWNB and PACMAN Program Manager. Following that, there were speeches by Chris Albrizio Lee, President & CEO of MNWB, and Greg Beeman, President & CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts. NCCER certificates were awarded to the graduates by Steve Sullivan, Director of Workforce Development with Building Mass Careers and the PACMAN program's OSHA 10 instructor. Program certificates were presented by Pahneez Hasseli, MNWB Vice President of Strategy and Impact, and Lauren McCann, MNWB ESOL/ABE Technical Support Specialist and YW PACMAN Signal to Success Curriculum Educator.
The event also featured Brandon Adams, Associate Division Manager with Cummings Properties, who graciously took the time to answer questions from the new YW PACMAN graduates.
A special acknowledgment goes to Marty Amirault, PACMAN NCCER Instructor, along with MNWB staff Grace Evans, Liana Gracia, Carlos Fuentes, Molly Paone, Stephanie Sakelarakis, and Geymi Santana for their tireless efforts and commitment to recruitment, program management, and technical expertise, all of which were integral in making this program a resounding success.
Check out the video below featuring the YW PACMAN graduates!
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Unlocking Insights: Exploring Immigrant Contributions and Policies in Massachusetts
In our most recent MassHire Metro North Workforce Board staff gathering, Catherine Ramirez Mejia, Access & Resource Specialist from the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), shared valuable insights regarding policies impacting the communities we support. Catherine delved into significant subjects including the enrichment immigrants bring to Massachusetts through their diverse backgrounds, their substantial contributions to the state's economy, tax contributions, purchasing power, qualifications for work permits, access to driver's licenses for all Massachusetts residents, the Physician Pathway Act, and equitable financial aid and tuition options for in-state college students. To grasp a comprehensive understanding of these crucial topics, we invite you to review the presentation below!
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Luz's Journey to Success with Help from Work to Thrive!
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Meet Luz! With assistance from the Metro North Workforce Resiliency Fund by Work to Thrive, Luz acquired a computer that she has used for computer courses in Chelsea. She has also participated in a series of ESOL classes provided by Revere Community Schools. These newfound skills have significantly enhanced her well-being and stability, as affirmed by her financial coach. Luz is delighted to have transitioned to full-time hours as a home health aide for the elderly, but she aspires to secure a better job with comprehensive benefits. To achieve this goal, she is dedicated to advancing her English proficiency and anticipates completing an additional ESOL level soon. Luz is growing more confident about her future and expresses deep gratitude for the invaluable support she has received from her financial coach and the Work to Thrive program.
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BOGOSPLIT
335 Canal St, Somerville
Introducing BOGOSPLIT, a new addition to Assembly Row in Somerville with another location in Copley Place! The team from MassHire Metro North Workforce Board had the pleasure of visiting Bogosplit on August 11th, where they were warmly welcomed by the passionate entrepreneur siblings, Keyla Cineus Williams (CEO) and Kenelly Cineus (Co-Founder). Keyla and Kennelly hail from a family of dedicated entrepreneurs, with their parents owning a business in Haiti.
Bogosplit is a technology-driven, cashless storefront and website (with an app coming soon) that showcases a variety of items for sale from small business vendors they partner with. Their unique system allows in-store payments through QR phone scans, providing easy access to small businesses' online shops for additional inventory and shipping options.
The name "Bogosplit" originated from a buy one get one sale on a jacket, where Kenelly only wanted one jacket and proposed to buy one for half the price without getting one for free. The shop owner suggested that Kenelly split the bogo deal with a friend. Today, Kennelly, Keyla, and their childhood friend, Adriano Pinto (Co-Founder), manage Bogosplit, where the storefront and online platform is split among local creatives. Bogosplit is deeply engaged in the community, actively supporting small businesses by organizing collaborative events with the City of Cambridge, Boston Fashion Week, and Boston Fashion Awards.
Support local creatives by visiting Bogosplit today – you won't regret it!
Bogosplit.com
 
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Seeking STEM Professionals!
Massachusetts STEM Week is October 16-20! We are seeking professionals in STEM fields to volunteer during STEM week and empower students to see themselves in STEM!
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Are you an employer looking to hire employees for your open positions?
We are seeking employers to join us at our fall job fair series at local Metro North High Schools! Come find potential employees for your open positions.
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Recruiting for YouthBuild Just A Start’s Fall 2023 Cohort!
YouthBuild Just A Start is now accepting applications for their Fall 2023 cohort! JAS is a workforce development and academic program for students ages 16 to 24 years old. They assist in providing a high school education, job skills, and leadership development.
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The Cambridge Community Learning Center helps adult learners:
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LMI Snapshots
(Click on pictures below to enlarge)
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From April 2023 - July 2023, there were 58,989 unique job postings in Metro North
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36% of the job postings required a Bachelor's degree or higher
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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.
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On Wednesday, August 2nd, Denis Pellegrino, MassHire Metro North Career Centers Veterans Employment Representative, had the privilege of participating in a heartwarming occasion where Military Veteran, Richard Maxwell was awarded a vehicle through Second Chance Cars. Richard had recently secured a job as an Installation Technician at an insulation company. Still, he lacked reliable transportation to commute between work and home, relying on friends or costly Uber rides.
Denis states, "Initially, we partnered with VA Boston Healthcare to arrange transportation using a "Ride Share" service that took Richard to his Training/Orientation sessions in Marlborough, MA, and later to the company location in Woburn from his residence in Cambridge for two weeks."
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 However, when the Ride Share assistance concluded in May, they connected with Second Chance Cars through another partner, Vets. Inc., and made a referral. Throughout June and July, Richard underwent eligibility assessments, interviews with CEO, Dan Holin, members of the Board of Directors, and financial experts from Metro Credit Union. Based on these interactions, he was identified as an excellent candidate for a vehicle.
Richard received the delightful news that the Board had approved his application, culminating in the presentation of a Honda Fit on an August morning in Concord, MA, at the Second Chance Cars office.
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Metro North Staff Meet with MWA Associate Director
On August 18th, Kelly Hanlon, the Associate Director of the Mass Workforce Association, paid a visit to the Metro North region. During this visit, Kelly met with some of the MassHire team at the MassHire Metro North Career Center located in Cambridge.
Pictured left to right:
Natalia Salagornik, MNWB Director of Workforce Systems
Chris Albrizio-Lee, MNWB President and CEO
Lee-Ann Johnson, MNCC Systems Director
Kelly Hanlon, MWA Associate Director
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MassHire Metro North Career Centers Resources for Jobseekers and Employers!
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A variety of job search workshops in both English and Spanish
(Remote and In-Person)
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Digital Navigators can help individuals with digital needs such as: creating an email, registering in JobQuest, formatting a resume in Word, or enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program for an internet subsidy.
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Support Services Navigators can help individuals find and obtain resources in our region to meet their basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, etc. in order to be able to participate in our employment and training programs.
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Bridges Returning Citizens Center team is here to assist formerly incarcerated individuals with obtaining employment.
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- Recruiting for FREE Manufacturing training, including CNC Machining, Welding, Electromechanical Assembly, and Robotics.
- Recruiting for FREE Carpentry pre-apprenticeship programs.
- Plus a variety of paid training opportunities!
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A full calendar of upcoming meetings can be found HERE
October 13: Board of Directors Meeting, 10:30AM-12:30PM (ZOOM)
November 8: Quarterly Board Meeting, 8:30AM-10:30AM (ZOOM)
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Connect with us on social media!
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