- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Healey-Driscoll Administration are committed to eliminating the barriers the unemployed and underemployed face. That’s why Governor Healey is proposing a $10 million investment in the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund for the fiscal year 2024 budget to continue providing grant funding for recruitment, education, training, and wraparound supports to build pipelines for participating employers. At its core, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) programs serve people across the Commonwealth whose life experiences and circumstances make it challenging to find employment without targeted support.
We recognize workforce development requires a collaborative effort between government agencies, training providers, employers, unions, and more. Without the collaboration between MassHire, Commonwealth Corporation, and Coastal Career Academy, Nereida, a mother of two, would not have been able to get the training to land a job in healthcare.
To kick off CNA Week (June 15 – June 21), we gladly lift up a success story from Commonwealth Corporation’s WCTF 2022 Annual Report featuring Nereida, a jobseeker with the dream of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Massachusetts.
Nereida walked to Coastal Career Academy to learn more about their CNA training program. Unfortunately, the school was closed, but she spotted a CNA training flyer on the door. Nereida says calling the number was the best decision of her life. She spoke with the program coordinator and learned the program was much more than just getting a free course! It was an opportunity for her to grow professionally and emotionally.
"I knew that whenever I had any doubts, all I had to do was to make a phone call,” said Nereida. "The program also trained me for interviews, helped me with job applications, set interviews, and even helped with transportation costs."
“This is a wonderful opportunity because many students come to us, and they face many challenges, including a lack of a support system,” said Debra Gomes, Owner & Director of Coastal Career Academy. “We train and support them from start to finish. We are truly trying to break barriers and nurture them through the process to help them succeed. I am grateful to provide this program for our community.”
Nereida’s story is just one example of how collaboration is key in creating opportunities for jobseekers. As of 2022, 14% of the Commonwealth's total workforce is employed in the Health and Human Services industry. MassTalent is focused on helping to train and fill in-demand roles in health and human services such as nurses, direct care occupations like certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and behavioral health peer roles. There are good jobs in health and human services available across the state, and MassHire is the go-to resource to help you find the right fit. Explore jobs in Healthcare or contact an Upskilling Navigator to get enroll in free job training.
This success story was featured in the 2022 Workforce Competitive Trust Fund Annual Report, by Commonwealth Corporation.
