1.2   Improve responsiveness of workforce programs for business and workers that will meet the demands of the marketplace (three action items)

Contact: Mary Beth Campbell

1.2.1 Continuously assess the workforce needs of regional employers in a collaborative process that includes all “middle skills” education and workforce training providers, building on the collaborative example of education, economic development and workforce development participants on the North Shore

CY2012 Progress:

  • The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Commonwealth Corporation and the New England Public Policy Center of the Federal Reserve Bank recently issued regional market supply and demand reports for 8 sub-state regions of the state.

1.2.2 Develop and implement education and workforce development programs that are responsive to the workforce needs of regional employers and that build on existing “best practice” models, starting with the health care, life science, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors

CY2013 Progress:

On March 26, Governor Deval Patrick today joined Education Secretary Matthew Malone, Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland, UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley and 100 students to announce the Commonwealth’s new High-Demand scholarships, awarded to students pursuing careers for which the state has an urgent need for skilled talent. The Commonwealth’s knowledge-based economy relies on a high-knowledge, well-skilled workforce for continued growth, and these scholarships will help ensure that Massachusetts has the talent needed to remain competitive in the 21st century.

CY2012 Progress:

  • Developed and implemented a rolling application process for businesses and for consortia applications. This makes the Workforce Training Fund more accessible and flexible for applicants.
  • Performance Incentive Fund – $4 million was awarded to 15 community colleges to increase skill training, workforce alignment and continue to develop a unified and strengthened community college system.
  • Rapid Response Incentive Program – $500,000 was made available through the Department of Higher Education for Rapid Response incentive grants for accelerated degree programs and/or working adults programs to align with workforce.
  • Vocational schools and community colleges are in the process of cross-pollinating their boards in order to coordinate better and response to business needs.
  • Commonwealth Corporation issued new funds for training and partnership developed through the recapitalized Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF).
  • Via the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative:
    • Established new manufacturing consortium in the Northeast based on the Precision Manufacturing Regional Alliance Project (PMRAP) model
    • Initiated similar consortium development work with the Southeast
    • Issued 10 new grants to vocational schools, community colleges and workforce investment boards through AMP It Up campaign to promote awareness and education for careers in manufacturing.

1.2.3 Increase the range of individuals effectively served by education and workforce training programs, particularly among low-skilled workers, unemployed and underemployed populations, new residents to the state, veterans, persons with disabilities, ex-offenders, drop-outs, non-graduating completers, and those seeking ABE/ESL and remedial training

CY2013 Progress:

On February 6, Lieutenant Governor Murray joined New Garden Park, the 501(c)3 entity of the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC), Quinsigamond Community College (QCC), and state and local officials to announce QCC’s expansion to 20 Franklin Street in downtown Worcester. The new downtown location will allow QCC to relocate and expand its Allied Health programs, as well as offer expanded Workforce Development and Training, Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs. The new facility will support over 2,000 students and administrators.

CY2012 Progress:

  • In January 2013, Governor Patrick signed the “Virtual Schools” bill expanding online educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.  This Bill also secures proper state oversight of virtual schools to ensure that all students receive a high quality education.
  • Governor Patrick signed the Veterans' Access, Livelihood, Opportunity, and Resources (VALOR) law, which streamlines the professional licensure process for active duty military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.  It also increases support for veteran-owned businesses, provides other benefits for families and greater access to higher education.
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