For Immediate Release: 12/15/2017 1:56 pm
Worcester, MA (December 15, 2017) - The Central MA Workforce Investment Board (CMWIB) has been awarded a $88,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to continue the Worcester Building Pathways pre-apprenticeship program. This eight-week, state-registered, pre-apprenticeship program prepares individuals for entry-level employment in the building trades through classroom and hands-on learning. Additionally, this effort focuses on outreach to populations underrepresented in construction, including women and minorities, to promote equal opportunity for local residents and assist local contractors in their efforts to diversify their workforce. This effort focuses on positions in high-demand in the construction industry, including road construction employment opportunities.
The Worcester Jobs Fund, administratively housed within the CMWIB, will oversee the planning and implementation of the pre-apprenticeship program. The Worcester Jobs Fund was established specifically to provide training and services to individuals with previous obstacles to employment, including veterans, single parents, people of color, people with a past felony conviction, women, people with disabilities and low-income residents. Program partners of the Worcester Jobs Fund include the City of Worcester's Office of Economic Development, the Worcester Community Labor Coalition, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Workforce Central Career Centers and the Worcester Public Schools. This unique, collaborative approach to workforce development has allowed the Worcester Jobs Fund to leverage a variety of resources during program development, recruitment, implementation and employer engagement through the community partners. As a state-registered, pre-apprenticeship program, Worcester Building Pathways is sponsored by several affiliates of the Worcester-Fitchburg Building Trades Council of Central MA, who assist with in-kind support. Employer partners for this program include SPS New England, Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Daniel O'Connell's Sons, Inc., Coghlin Electrical Contractors, the City of Worcester Department of Public Works & Parks and the Town of Oxford Department of Public Works.
Individuals interested in learning more about the training can attend one of two information sessions being held next week on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6 p.m. or Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Sqare, Worcester, MA.
About CMWIB
The Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board is a public/private partnership, serving needs of both employers and employees. The board collaboratively develops and implements strategies for job readiness and skills advancement, leveraging community resources that promote economic wellness within the region's 38 cities and towns.
