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MassHire GNB Youth Programs Team Honored at State House |
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The MassHire Greater GNB Workforce Board’s Youth Programs Team received the Business Collaboration Award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on Nov. 19, 2025. Presented by Govenor Maura Healey and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the award recognizes partnerships that strengthen career pathways for youth and promotes workforce development. |
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Board Welcomes Dilma Daveiga, Finance Support |
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Dilma joined MassHire Greater New Bedford in August 2025 as
a Fiscal Support. Prior to this role, she gained valuable experience
working as an Accounting Assistant with the AFL-CIO nonprofit organization in
Boston while attending college, as well as in a Business Tax Service position
in Boston.
Originally from Cape Verde, Dilma has built an impressive
academic foundation. She earned her Master’s degree in Finance from the
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, a Bachelor’s degree in Business
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Management from both the University of Cape Verde and the University of Brazil, and an Associate degree in Business Administration from
Massasoit Community College.
Outside of work, Dilma enjoys spending time with her family, taking summer walks, going on winter hikes, and visiting new places around the world. Dilma is
excited to contribute her skills and experience to MassHire Greater New Bedford
and looks forward to supporting the organization’s mission of empowering the
local workforce. |
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Introducing
Our New MassHire GNB TV Program!
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The MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board has proudly
produced a new community program, titled What Is MassHire Greater New
Bedford? The goal of the show is to give viewers an inside look at the
services we provide to job seekers, employers, and community partners throughout
the region.
Created with the support of New Bedford Cable Access, the
show features conversations with staff from both the Workforce Board and the
Career Center. Each segment highlights the many resources available, including
business services, training opportunities, and youth workforce initiatives.
This
new series brings workforce information directly to the community. Stay tuned
as we continue producing additional segments that showcase how MassHire
supports the Greater New Bedford region.
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Opinions and views expressed in the program represent MassHire Greater New
Bedford, and we thank New Bedford Cable Access for their assistance.
Check the program schedule at the New Bedford Cable Access website.
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Joel Varilus receives his Certificate
of Completion
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Photo of Joel Varilus and Debbie Hartman |
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The MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board congratulates Joel Varilus on earning his Certificate of Completion from the Division of Apprentice Standards for the Solar Electrician Apprenticeship. Joel logged 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with Trinity Solar and completed 600 hours of Related Technical Instruction at the Peterson School while working full time.
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Debra Hartman, Apprenticeship Program Manager, proudly presented Joel with his certificate. We commend his hard work and determination throughout his Registered Apprenticeship journey.
For more information about Registered Apprenticeship, please contact Debra Hartman, Apprenticeship Program Manager, at (774) 762-5061 or email her at DebbieH@mhgnb.com. |
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5 Steps Students Can Take Toward Entrepreneurial Careers
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(Family Features) Entrepreneurship is a career goal for many working adults. Autonomy and personal satisfaction are just a couple of the benefits of running your own business.
It’s a professional path about 3 in 5 teens would prefer over a traditional job, according to a survey by Junior Achievement (JA). Running a successful company depends on multiple factors, including a solid business plan adequate startup resources and a receptive market, as well as a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and ability to persevere under pressure.
Beginning to shape the skills and mindset necessary to flourish as an entrepreneur can begin well before entering the workforce. In fact, even students in junior high and high school can begin working toward entrepreneurial goals with these tips from JA, a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people by delivering lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness.
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1. Select Electives Wisely Students don’t have to wait until they’re in college to begin developing business skills and knowledge. If they have the ambition and drive to become an entrepreneur, they may find it beneficial to complement the classes needed for graduation requirements with electives that allow them to explore their interest in the business world. Some examples include accounting, marketing, finance, economics, psychology and computer science.
2. Make Part-Time Work Meaningful
Many students enter the workforce in high school to start practicing money management and contribute to expenses like gas and car insurance. While most jobs available to students are service oriented and fall outside the business world, it doesn’t hurt to explore options that put students closer to their entrepreneurial ambitions. For example, local small businesses may be willing to hire someone eager to learn.
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3. Take Part in Programs Kids can challenge themselves by putting their knowledge into practice as real-world entrepreneurs. For example, JA’s Company Program is an immersive program that fosters creativity, critical thinking and business acumen, offering students unique opportunities to explore the world of business and economics by creating real companies. Participants learn to present their business plans and results during competitions that offer learning opportunities. Additionally, at the Future Bound competition (made possible through the support of businesses including Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, Pacific Life Foundation, and Staples), participants took part in seminars and mentorship. The event featured four programs that empower students with entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills – the Company of the Year National Competition, the Social Innovation Challenge, the Titan National Competition and the National Stock Market Challenge.
4. Seek a Strong Mentor Some of the best learning comes from emulating others who are successful in their fields. Meeting regularly with someone who serves as a role model can help students sharpen their vision for the future and learn from the experiences that propelled professionals into their current positions.
5. Define a Future Vision
Creating an inspiration board can help motivated students compile and organize ideas. This board, whether physical or digital, can serve as a source of inspiration and help motivate students to identify and overcome obstacles while working toward bringing their visions for careers as entrepreneurs to life. Find more ideas to help students gain confidence and skills for future education and careers, and learn more about the competitions at jausa.ja.org.
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Career Center Expands Outreach with Video
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The MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center is expanding its outreach efforts by leveraging video to connect with more job-seekers and employers across the region. Through this initiative, the center is making its career services more accessible, more visible, and more in tune with modern digital habits.
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The center has produced short, informative videos that highlight job-seeker resources, training opportunities, workshops, and employer services. These videos provide the community with clear, easy-to-share information and strengthen awareness of the many ways the Career Center supports both job seekers and businesses.
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Talent Engagement Specialist & Case Manager MassHire
Greater New Bedford Career Center
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This January will mark one year since I joined Equus
Workforce Solutions at the MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center as a
Talent Engagement Specialist and Case Manager. In my role, I build strong
employer relationships in high-demand industries, coordinate hiring events with
on-the-spot interviews, and connect job seekers with valuable resources to
support their workforce success. I also ensure compliance with EA Shelter Grant
requirements.
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Since joining the team, I’ve had the privilege of serving as
a translator for Haitian Creole, which has allowed me to support and connect
with our Haitian community more deeply. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity
to serve my community while gaining hands-on experience across multiple
departments.
Currently, I am in my senior year at Bay Path University,
pursuing a degree in Business Administration after transferring from New York.
My role at the Career Center has helped me grow both personally and professionally, giving me
real-world experience that aligns perfectly with my long-term goals in
community and workforce development.
Outside
of work, I love planning fun activities and get-togethers with family, friends,
and coworkers whether it’s a weekend road trip, a themed dinner, or just
exploring new places around the city. I’m always up for creating memorable
moments, discovering local gems, and bringing people together through laughter
and good energy. |
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MassHire Southeast Region 6 Advanced Manufacturing Cohort Fall 2025 |
The
MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board visited South Shore Vocational
Technical High School’s Advanced Manufacturing training this fall. This cohort
included students from Bridgewater State University’s Uniquely Abled EXCEL
program. The EXCEL Vocational program provides the individualized supports
students need to access career and technical education combined with college
experience to successfully transition to a sustainable adult life. The 100
hours of training introduced students to the tools and equipment used in a
machine shop, including CNC machines, and also helped them earn their OSHA 10
certificate. This training was funded by a grant from the Center for Advanced
Manufacturing at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, in partnership
with the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board.
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SAMC focuses on connecting manufacturers with the resources for developing a sustainable, talented pipeline of employees. We achieve these objectives by providing input on education and training for your current and future workforce and by identifying best practices in advanced manufacturing workforce activities.
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Veterans Job Fair – October 29, 2025
Location: Rachel’s Lakeside, Dartmouth |
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The Career Center held a Job Fair Honoring Our Veterans on October 29th at Rachel’s Lakeside in Dartmouth. The event was a huge success, with 40 employers participating and 165 job seekers in attendance. |
Several Veteran Services Agencies joined us, including the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veteran's Services, Providence VA, Vets Inc., Veteran’s Transition House, and the Westport Veteran Services Officer. These agencies provided valuable outreach and assistance to the 30 Veterans who attended the event.
Veteran jobseeker Dale expressed his appreciation for the event, noting that there was a great turnout of employers who were both interactive and engaging. |
Sharon Martin, Business Services Supervisor, noted that this was the best job fair we have held to date, with positive feedback from employers and job seekers regarding the quality of candidates and employers. |
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Employer follow-up report from Mansa Consultants: - Received 13 applications/resumes following the fair.
- Each candidate has been personally emailed with leads and resources.
- Candidate profiles are being shared with partners in the energy sector, including offshore wind, clean energy contractors, and related trades.
- The team will continue to facilitate introductions and share updates on confirmed interviews or placements.
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Initial observations: - Candidate quality was strong, with a solid mix of hands-on experience and genuine interest in energy-related careers.
- The event layout and employer access were effective.
- Several jobseekers expressed interest in entry pathways such as pre-apprenticeships, safety certifications, and internship opportunities. They are being referred to current programs and timelines.
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Regional Healthcare Job Fair Connects Talent with Opportunity
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On November 1, the MassHire Southeast Workforce Boards also hosted their first Healthcare Job Fair at Bridgewater State College. As part of the CommCorp HW/BH Hubs Grant capacity-building initiative, the event brought together 15 employers and 69 job seekers from the Greater Brockton and South Shore areas, creating strong opportunities for connection within the region’s growing healthcare sector and drawing praise from employers for its healthcare-specific focus and high quality of attendees.
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This edition, we highlight Mass211, your go-to resource for finding vital services, local programs, and support in your community. Need help?
Dial 2-1-1 or toll-free at 1-877-211-MASS (6277).
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We hope that you found our newsletter to be useful and informative. Your views and feedback are very important to us. Please feel free to send an email to info@masshiregreaternewbedford.com with any comments, suggestions or questions you may have.
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Submit your news or event!
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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 the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board.
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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
- Logo and photos in JPG, PNG or PDF format (if available)
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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 staff, operated jointly by Equus Workforce Solutions® and the MassHire Division of Career Services (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.
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individuals and the workforce needs of businesses. The Career Center is dedicated to providing high-quality services in a professional and welcoming environment, including counseling, education, and technology to support job search, labor market information and recruitment opportunities for businesses.
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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. |
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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.
PERSONALITY
“I am your trusted partner in achieving your personal and business goals. I embrace your needs as my mission and offer a welcoming, professional experience at every point in our journey together. I believe in you as I do in myself. Things change quickly… I GET IT. You can always depend on me to offer guidance, resources, and support. If you want a job, seek to fortify your business for the long term, or need a quick response to a pressing need, I can help. “Let’s get to work!”
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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.)
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