- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
What do we mean by reimagining the workforce? It means creating more paths for individuals to access and pursue meaningful employment. In October, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a $10 million investment in the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program, which trains individuals for careers in high-demand occupations in the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors within Massachusetts. This latest round of CTI funding will train 1,259 individuals across eighteen (18) vocational technical schools.
Chris, an adult student enrolled in the CTI welding program at South Shore Technical School, shared his upskilling journey with us. Before enrolling in the program, Chris had worked mostly in culinary arts, but when the pandemic hit, he was laid off. He credits the pandemic for helping him recognize the need to gain new skills. He received an email from MassHire about a welding program and applied for the program the same day he received the email. Now he’s roughly one month into the CTI welding program at South Shore Technical School. During a visit to South Shore Technical School, Chris shared his upskilling story with Secretary Jones.
“The program’s hands-on learning experience works for me, and I feel like I have grown in the few weeks we have been here. I’m very appreciative of this opportunity to learn from the pros.” said Chris. “If you are on the fence about a program like this or are looking for a career change. Do not hesitate to make that call or send that email! It works and could be the next step you need!”
Chris’s story is a reminder that investments in workforce development are an investment in people.
Start your upskilling journey by contacting a MassHire Career Center. Find a MassHire near you at: Mass.gov/MassHire
Blog by MassLWD Communications Staff. Find our official agency accounts: Mass.gov/LWD
