MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board News

FALL 2021 NEWSLETTER

30/10/21

MassHire GNB Workforce Board Welcomes New Youth Team Member!

Justin J.W. Grota
Employer Engagement and Outreach Coordinator

Justin Grota joins the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board as their new Employer Engagement and Outreach Coordinator.

Born in New Bedford and raised in the Greater New Bedford area, Justin graduated from Bristol Community College where he received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. After obtaining his second degree in Criminal Justice at Bridgewater State College, he began his career in Corrections at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. At this time, he was met with a calling to serve at risk youth in the community. For the last five years, Justin has served the Greater New Bedford youth population through grant programs such as the Pathways to Justice Career’s program and has held employment at our local MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center as the Lead Youth Case Manager. The Career Center has annually served 350 youth through 7 different programs under his oversight and guidance.

Justin finds a great deal of joy and self-fulfillment in providing internships, collaborating with partnering agencies, finding opportunities for youth employment, establishing career paths and conducting job development projects that benefit local youth in the community.

Follow this link to learn more about MassHire GNB Workforce Board's Youth Services. >>>

Disaster Related Dislocated Worker Grant

Needs of the Affected Communities Resulting from Opioid Crisis

The Greater New Bedford area is comprised of 12 cities/towns of which only three have treatment services for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The majority of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery services, though limited (four), are located within New Bedford, including two methadone clinics that treat over 1,500 individuals for OUD. According to the 2017 MA Bureau of Substance Abuse Services Treatment Admissions by Geography Report, there were more than 5,300 substance use treatment admissions from Greater New Bedford, 65% OUD. The average current case load for a recovery coach is between 12-30 clients. The numbers tell us there is a great need to expand job training opportunities for addiction treatment positions, including recovery coaches and peer navigators in this area. An increase in these disaster-relief positions would help us to lessen the current staffing shortage for opioid-related services.

Greater New Bedford Recovery Works Program

Greater New Bedfor Recovery Works

The Program allows for employment and training opportunities in disaster-relief positions for those who identify as being impacted by the opioid crisis along with additional support services. Funding for training will allow for inmates to receive the skills required to function in society and obtain gainful employment, all while increasing disaster-relief positions in the area. The Program will help 80 individuals in the Greater New Bedford that area among both the free-living and incarcerated populations by providing the following disaster-relief job opportunities: community health worker, peer navigator, recovery specialist, and recovery coach and will also offer additional non-disaster-related occupations for those that voluntarily identify as being impacted by the opioid crisis, including commercial transportation (CDL training and license), custodial, food services, jobs in the fishing and maritime trades, property management (gardeners, landscapers, painting and carpentry), entry level positions in manufacturing, welding, and machinists jobs.

GNB Recovery works is a community partnership.

Career Center

Corner

Open for Service to the Greater New Bedford Communities, “Changing people’s lives” every day.

The MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center is open from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday and Friday from 9:30 to 4:30. Come by and see what we do. The Center offers computer access in our Resources room, workshops for sharpening your skills, and an orientation seminar for describing all our services and how to access them. In addition, we do recruitments for business both in-person and virtually, industry-based job fairs virtually, and individual recruitments connecting jobs with job-seekers. The center also provides Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) training to customers who qualify in many in-demand industries.

Clients, customers or participants can start from home by searching https://jobquest.dcs.eol.mass.gov/jobquest/ select “Register” in the upper right-hand corner. From this page, follow the prompts to get registered.

Next, at the bottom of the page, look for Career Center Services and click. On this page, look for the Box labeled “Register for a Career Center Seminar.” This page will tell you all about the Career Center Seminar. The seminar can be done virtually on your phone or computer or in person at the Career Center located at 618 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Visit www.masshiregnbcc.com to learn more!

24 Greater New Bedford Youths Gain Jobs
at Market Basket On-Site Hiring Event!

On October 21st, 2021, the MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center held a Job Fair event at Market Basket in New Bedford. Our Youth Team's own Karen Lazaro led this outstanding event. This Job Fair event was beyond a success and easily had the best outcomes associated with any event for our Career Center. Fifty-six participants signed up and 45 showed up for interviews. Ten attendees were hired on the spot, with several offered second interviews.

Karen did all the marketing, setup, recruiting, and running the event. On the day of the event, the MassHire GNB Youth Team pulled together to handle the flow of youth coming to the fair; this was a team effort in every aspect.

Congratulation to the 24 participants who landed gainful employment!

We commend all the participants and encourage those who are still looking to continue utilizing the skill building workshops and career guidance available at our Career Center. We are here to help you ace that interview and land your next job.

Contact MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Centers to learn more about how our Business Services Unit can assist your business. >>>

--Thanks to James Daniels, Director MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center for these Career Center contributions.

With a focus on getting Massachusetts back to work, MassHire JobQuest is now better than ever.

It is Here!

More improvements to the fresh look of JobQuest include an updated registration process and the Career Action Plan (CAP) -- a new virtual tool for planning your pathway to re-employment.

Sign up for Job Match email alerts, and export your resume in Microsoft Word (.docx) format.

Task tracking has been improved for unemployment insurance claimants enrolled in the Re-employment Services & Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program.

Learn how to streamline and organize your job search below!

These updates and more are now available at https://mass.gov/JobQuest.

Career Action Plan (CAP)

Decide what you want to do for your next job or career
Find details on the skills and experience required to succeed
Identify the supports you may need and resources to help you prepare for your next job opportunity
Create a plan for getting there!
For more information about how to use the CAP tool, you can watch this video:

Updated Events and Videos

Attend events such as job fairs and workshops virtually
Watch job search videos on demand to improve your job search
Have your profile automatically update to show your event participation

Job Match Email Alerts

In addition to seeing your best Job Matches by clicking the link in your Dashboard, you can now have those alerts sent to your email every week

Updated Registration Process

To help you create your new JobQuest account, the registration process is more streamlined and mobile friendly, so now you can register from anywhere
After registering and creating a profile, a resume will be generated that can be downloaded from JobQuest into either PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx) format

RESEA Participation and Task Tracking

For RESEA participants, there is a new window on your Dashboard to track your participation and the status of your RESEA tasks

New to JobQuest? Create an account to start using all the features MassHire JobQuest has to offer!

https://mass.gov/JobQuest

--Thanks to Lisa Caissie, Systems Management and Oversight, MassHire Department of Career Services for this contribution.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

MASSHIRE Greater New Bedford Workforce Board & Water Wizz Team Up For YouthWorks Summer 2021

Summer presents a unique set of challenges. Warm weather all but erases thoughts of work for some, but a very busy time for our Summer Jobs Program for Youth. For some, summer presents them with their very first job, a weekly paycheck, and newly found knowledge on how to navigate a new environment.

During the previous summer, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to “reinvent the wheel” and work to meet the challenges of providing structure and design for a meaningful, 100% remote, online work experience. This year, we looked to have our cake and eat it too, by continuing the virtual model established in 2020, but also to have youth placed in-person at various worksites.

This summer we enrolled 243 youth into our summer program, of which 100 youth reported to physical work sites with the rest opting to take part in virtual group projects. The city of Wareham became a priority as we expanded the summer program to include youth in Wareham working at Wareham-specific sites. Water Wizz was a great new partner in our efforts to offer youth a first-job experience. Operations Manager, Jackie Pierce could hardly believe that the Workforce Board was offering her subsidized labor for the summer. She found the youth that she had under her charge to be excellent. It took a little while for some to overcome the unfamiliarity of working for an employer, but the youth grew confidence by leaps and bounds as the days and weeks progressed.

Watch on YouTube

Wareham youth: Caleb Ellis, Will Hesse, Gisella Priestly, Chloe St. Juste, and Paul Barnett performed various jobs throughout the park. These duties included: RIDE ATTENDANTS who were responsible for dispatching guests on all attractions as well as daily park cleaning. CASHIERS who were required to work in a variety of different places, including the snack bar. They also had to be efficient in money handling. FOOD SERVICE which included the preparation and serving of a variety of foods. They also had to handle food safely.

Every youth had plans to do the program next summer, with some enjoying being offered permanent employment at Water Wizz. Thanks to the youth in the YouthWorks Summer Program and the great partnership of Water Wizz, it was a fantastic summer for all involved.

Watch more on MassHire Greater New Bedford's YouthWorks Summer 2021 here.

National Apprenticeship Week 2021 Observed

The 7th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) will take place November 15^th through the 21^st 2021.

NAW is a nationwide celebration that brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, educational institutions, and other critical partners to demonstrate their support for apprenticeship training. The Registered Apprenticeship Program with roots going back to 1937 is administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) and operates in all 50 states. Major cities will be hosting events promoting the benefits of apprenticeship for companies needing to upskill their workforce and job seekers looking to explore “earn while you learn” career development opportunities.

Traditionally utilized in developing trade occupations, apprenticeships have now gained increased interest and participation within a wide spectrum of “Expansion” growth industry sectors including Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Banking, and Advanced Manufacturing.

For more information please contact Rick Marshall, Apprenticeship Integration Manager at 774-425-4092 or by email Rick@mhgnb.com.

Our Apprenticeship Staff is Expanding!

MassHire GNB Workforce Board Expands Efforts in Apprenticeship Workforce Development

In demonstration of our continued commitment to expand apprenticeships throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, MassHire GNB Workforce Board is pleased to announce the latest addition to our Apprenticeship Integration Team and welcomes Debra Hartman as Apprenticeship Documentation Coordinator.

Debra Hartman

Debra has a Bachelors Degree from UMass Dartmouth and a background in the mortgage industry. Throughout her career, Debra has worked in Collections, Accounts Receivable and has held various administrative positions.

Visit Apprenticeship.gov/NAW to learn how you can participate.

To close Cyber Security Month 2021, and thanks to the MassCyber Center at the MassTech Collaborative, we are pleased to share this toolkit containing resources to support municipal cyber resiliency. The toolkit contains key resources and protective measures Massachusetts’ cities and towns can put in place to establish an initial defensive foundation to safeguard against cyberattacks.

Learn more at: masscybercenter.org/municipalities

WHY SAMC?

SAMC focuses on connecting manufacturers with the resources for developing a sustainable, talented pipeline of employees. We achieve this by providing input on educating and training for your current and future workforce, and by identifying best practices in advanced manufacturing workforce activities.

Visit www.samcnetwork.org today.

MANUFACTURERS REGISTER FREE!

Visit SAMC's Calendar page for a complete list of training, workshops, seminars, meetings and industry events for the advanced manufacturing industry.

View Calendar now! >>>

FREE Home Health Aide and Certified Nursing Assistant Training to unemployed and income eligible participants

Home Health Aide training at Quincy College
Plymouth Campus

The demand for professional Home Health Aides is greater than ever. Start a career that truly makes a difference in people’s lives and offers flexible hours, allowing you to raise your family or complete your education.

HURRY! Registration ending soon. Space is limited. Follow this link to inquire about enrollment. >>>

Nursing Aide/Home Health Aide
at LifeStream in New Bedford

Professional healthcare workers are in demand. These positions offer great opportunities for individuals who want to start a career in the medical field! You will receive instruction in the classroom and lab, as well as hands-on experience in a local long-term care facility. This program prepares you for the Massachusetts CNA State Exam. The training is licensed by the Division of Professional Licensure, Private Occupational School.

Currently enrolling. Space is limited. Follow this link to inquire about enrollment. >>>

This project is funded by a Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant (Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund FY’20 Appropriation) through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation.

MassHire Southeast Region 6 Workforce Boards Cyber Security Initiative

Earlier this year MassHire Southeast Region 6 issued a series of video interviews that introduced four experts in the field of cyber security. They described their current roles and provided tips on how to enter the profession. Watch now! >>>

2021 MassHire Awards

Jacqueline Sylvia

Congratulations to MassHire Nominees!

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2021 MassHire Awards, including MassHire GNB Workforce Board's own Jacqueline Sylvia, who took home the top prize in the Ingenuity category.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!

Happy Birthday to James Oliveira, Executive Director. Jame's celebrated this milestone on October 27th and the staff arranged to surprise Jim with a celebration on Thursday.

Submit your news or event!

MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board accepts workforce and economic development related press releases and upcoming events for consideration.

All submissions are subject to approval by MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board.

Submitted items may appear in our next newsletter and/or be added to our website's news section or event calendar at any time. All press releases must be submitted in digital format and should contain the following information:

Organization name and contact information
Date of release
Press release headline
Press release copy
Photo, JPG file (if available)

Submit your news to info@masshiregreaternewbedford.com

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FALL'S FEATURED RESOURCE

This edition's featured resource is The Federal Bonding Program.

This program provides Fidelity Bonds for “at-risk,” hard-to-place job seekers. The bonds cover the first six months of employment at no cost to the job applicant or the employer.

www.bonds4jobs.com

Explore Workforce Resources on MassHire GNBWB Website!

VISIT CAREERONESTOP CAREER CLUSTER / INDUSTRY VIDEOS PAGE

We hope that you found our newsletter to be a useful and informative. Your views and feedback are very important to us. Please feel free to send and email to info@masshiregreaternewbedford.com with any comments, suggestions or questions you may have.

ABOUT US

The MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board is a business-led, policy-setting board that oversees workforce development initiatives in the ten-community region stretching from Dartmouth to Wareham, MA. Appointed by New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, the Board is composed of business, civic, education, labor, and community leaders.

The workforce board oversees workforce development efforts in Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, and Wareham. The board oversees the MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center operated jointly by The WorkPlace and the MassHire Division of Career Serves (MDCS).

The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board is one of 16 similar Boards in Massachusetts. Workforce Investment Boards direct federal, state, and private funding for educational and occupational skills programs.

In addition to responsibilities mandated under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), Boards have been called upon to play a major role in a variety of workforce initiatives, and to define the board’s goals based on local community needs.

ABOUT OUR CAREER CENTER

The MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center serves as a hub of activity focused on connecting job seekers and employers, to meet the employment and career advancement needs of individuals and the workforce needs of businesses. The Career Center dedicated to providing high quality services in a professional and welcoming environment, including counseling, education, and technology to support job search, and labor market information and recruitment opportunities for businesses.

OUR MISSION
MassHire creates and sustains powerful connections between businesses and job seekers through a statewide network of employment professionals.

OUR VISION
MassHire envisions a better future for people and businesses of Massachusetts through meaningful work and sustainable growth.

OUR PROMISE
MassHire promises to champion prosperity, connecting employers with talent and job seekers with tools, services, and connections to achieve meaningful and sustained employment.

OUR VALUES

COLLABORATION
MassHire believes in the power of partnership and streamlined integration of services to achieve effective and timely results for those we serve.
RESPECT
MassHire is committed to understanding and valuing the diverse, unique requirements and professional goals of the businesses and people we serve.
RELIABILITY
MassHire creates trust and reliability by consistently delivering high quality professional services at each location and in every interaction.
INGENUITY
MassHire leverages flexibility, expertise, and knowledge to successfully meet our mission, regardless of new challenges and circumstances.

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MassHire Programs & Services are funded in part by US Department of Labor (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration grants as well as non-federal funded grants. (Additional details furnished upon request.)

www.MassHireGreaterNewBedford.com