Executive Director’s Report: Welcoming Fall and Celebrating Regional Momentum
As the autumn season sets in across the South Coast, it brings a welcomed opportunity to reflect on our collective impact and the tangible results of our workforce partnerships. Fall is traditionally a time of harvest, and across Greater New Bedford and Southeastern Massachusetts, the dedication of our job seekers, employer partners, and staff is yielding extraordinary results.
From milestone apprenticeship graduations and statewide honors for veterans’ services to major grant awards and expansive regional training initiatives, this quarter exemplifies what strong collaboration can accomplish.
Celebrating Registered Apprenticeship Milestones
Apprenticeship remains the gold standard for connecting individuals to family-sustaining wages while directly solving industry workforce needs.
This quarter, we celebrate three remarkable graduates who will receive their official Certificates of Completion from the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards:
Solar Electrician Completion (8,000
On-the-Job Training Hours): Demonstrating
exceptional technical skill and perseverance, this individual completes a
rigorous 8,000-hour journey, helping fuel our region’s clean energy
transition.
Inaugural Group Leader / First-Line
Supervisor Completions (3,000 On-the-Job Training Hours): We are especially proud to mark our first two
completions under this new supervisory pathway. Over 3,000 hours, these
graduates developed the vital communication, operational, and management
skills necessary to lead frontline teams, building strong internal career
ladders within our local economy.
Statewide Excellence: 2026 Gold Award for
Veterans Services
Our commitment to those who served remains steadfast. The
MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center was honored with the
2026 Gold Award through the Jobs for Veterans State
Grant Performance Incentive Awards.
Bronze in 2024
Silver in 2025
Gold in 2026
This honor reflects our team’s tireless dedication to
ensuring our veterans receive the specialized support, resources, and career
pathways they have earned.
Healthcare continues to be the backbone of our community,
and our multi-board collaboration continues
to deliver significant results:
$499,865 CNA Grant Award: Greater New Bedford is proud to serve as the lead for
the four Region 6 Workforce Boards—representing nearly 60 cities and towns
across Southeastern Massachusetts. We secured $499,865 through
Commonwealth Corporation’s Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) to
sustain essential regional Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.
Six Years of Regional Collaboration: For more than six years, our healthcare workforce
partnership has united four Workforce Boards, Career Centers, educational
providers, and healthcare employers to strategically tackle critical
staffing shortages.
HW/BH Hubs Outcomes: Our Healthcare and Behavioral Health
Hubs initiative has achieved outstanding outcomes, serving 281 pipeline participants to date:
261
completions (a 93%
completion rate)
220
credentials earned (78%)
152
confirmed 30-day employment placements Training, job placement assistance and employment
follow-up will continue through the grant’s formal conclusion on December 31.
Strengthening Advanced Manufacturing Building a resilient workforce requires ongoing investment in our industrial base. Following the successful completion of 8 MACWIC and 9 CNC
trainees this past May, we are actively preparing our next manufacturing cohorts for Spring 2027. Planned offerings will feature MACWIC Levels 1 and 2, along with essential OSHA 10 certifications, to ensure local shops have access to safety-minded, credentialed machinists and technicians.
Employer Engagement: Fall Job Fair at
Rachel’s Lakeside
Connecting employers directly with job seekers remains
central to our mission:
Date & Location: Thursday, October 29 at Rachel’s Lakeside (Dartmouth)
Current Participation:32 employers
registered and 136 job seekers preregistered,
with numbers growing daily.
Special Features: The event will feature a dedicated Veterans Appreciation Hour honoring military job
seekers, as well as a specialized Healthcare Recruitment
Section designed to support regional healthcare providers.
Looking Ahead
Whether through the launch of new supervisory
apprenticeships, sustained healthcare training across 60 municipalities, or
statewide recognition for veteran advocacy, our
board’s work is driven by the
strength of our community partnerships.
Thank you to our board members, business leaders,
educational institutions, and staff for your relentless commitment to economic
opportunity in Greater New Bedford.
Wishing you all a healthy, safe, and productive autumn.
Michael W. Santos Executive Director & CEO MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board
MassHire
Greater New Bedford Workforce Board Welcomes New Team Members
Jose Gonzalez, Director of Finance
Jose Gonzalez joins the MassHire Greater New Bedford
Workforce Board as the Director of Finance. Jose brings over 2 decades of
accounting experience across various industries. He is well-versed in
not-for-profit fiscal operations. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jose
now resides in Rhode Island. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his
wife and three kids.
Chayri Mota-Santana, Youth Case Manager
Hello
everyone,
My
name is Chayri Mota, and I am originally from the beautiful Caribbean
island of the Dominican Republic, a country many people recognize
through destinations like Punta Cana, Las Terrenas Samana, and Puerto Plata.
I
speak Spanish and English. I have a bachelor's degree in business
administration with a concentration in Marketing along with other
professional skills and experiences that have helped shape my career.
I
became a Youth Case Manager thanks to the support and guidance I
received through MassHire Greater New Bedford. I am especially
grateful to Rosalyn for her kindness, Luis for his valuable
advice, and Christina, Eli, and Karen for their dedication and support
throughout the process. Because of their hard work and encouragement, I was
able to obtain this wonderful opportunity.
What
I enjoy most about being a Youth Case Manager is the opportunity to continue
making a positive impact in the lives of young people. Supporting and
empowering youth is something I am passionate about, and I have been working
with young people for the past three years in my previous role. I am excited to
bring that experience to this position and continue helping youth achieve their
goals and reach their full potential.
Thank
you, and I look forward to working and growing with all of you!
Tawanna Guerrero, Youth Case Manager
Hey
everyone!
I’m Tawanna
Guerrero, one of the new Youth Case Managers! I was born in New York and
relocated to Massachusetts as a child, against my will, might I add! I’m an
avid sports lover (New York or NOWHERE!) and enjoy reading, cooking, shopping,
and listening to music. I have two teenage daughters, one is a junior at New
Bedford High School, and the other is currently a freshman at
Bridgewater State University.
I hold two
college degrees, an associate degree in elementary education and a bachelor’s
degree in counseling psychology. I am also licensed to teach in Massachusetts
and Rhode Island.
Having
earned my degree during COVID, I never really had the opportunity to work
directly in the field the way I had hoped, but it has always been a passion of
mine. I’m excited to bring my skills and experience to the team while
continuing to learn and develop new ones.
Everyone has been so nice and welcoming that it
already feels like home. I look forward to growing my career here!
Jolene Bedoya, Youth Support Specialist
My name is Jolene Bedoya. I am excited to begin my new role as a Youth Support Specialist at MassHire after serving as an Upskilling Navigator. As a lifelong New Bedford resident with an associate degree in Criminal Justice, I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in my community. I look forward to working with the Youth Department to support, guide, and encourage young
people as they pursue their goals and build successful futures.
Outside of work, I am a proud mother of three wonderful daughters and a grandmother to two grandsons. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and relaxing at home. Family means everything to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of others through my work.
Celebrating Registered Apprenticeship Success!
Group Leader/First Line Supervisor Apprenticeship Completions
Apprentice graduates Alec Amado and Terrell Shivers, and Michael Tamasi, President and CEO, AccuRounds
Congratulations to the first two graduates of our Group
Leader/First Line Supervisor Registered Apprenticeship Program. The Division of
Apprentice Standards has awarded both Alec Amado and Terrell Shivers their
Certificates of Completion of Apprenticeship. MassHire Greater New Bedford
Workforce Board serves as the program sponsor.
The Group Leader/First Line Supervisor Apprenticeship is an
18-month program that consists of 3,000 hours of on-the-job training and a
minimum of 150 hours of Related Technical Instruction. Both graduates completed
their on-the-job training
while employed at AccuRounds in Avon. They also
completed their Related Technical Instruction hours through various online
courses while working full-time at AccuRounds.
We are proud of Alec and Terrell for this significant
achievement and wish them continued success in their careers!
Congratulations to Joey Marte, our Solar Electrician apprentice, who has received his Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the Division of Apprentice Standards. Joey completed 8,000 hours of on-the-job training at Trinity Solar while also completing his 600 hours of Related Technical Instruction at The Peterson School. We are proud of Joey for this significant achievement and wish him continued success in his career!
Home Health Aide Apprentices Celebrate Training Milestone
Congratulations
to five Home Health Aide apprentices who recently completed 180 hours of
Related Technical Instruction (RTI) as part of the Home Health Aide Registered
Apprenticeship Program, sponsored by the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce
Board.
A
recognition ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 30, at the Back to Home
Training Center in Attleboro, where the apprentices received certificates
acknowledging their successful completion of the classroom instruction
component of the program.
This high-quality training provides apprentices with the
knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in healthcare settings. To
complete their registered apprenticeship and receive Certificates of Completion
from the Division of Apprentice Standards, participants must also complete
2,000 hours of on-the-job training.
We congratulate these five apprentices on their dedication
and commitment to advancing their careers while balancing classroom instruction
with employment.
For more information contact Debra Hartman, Apprenticeship
Program Manager at (774) 762-5061 or email DebbieH@mhgnb.com.
Looking to gain new skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, or prepare for a new career? The MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center provides access to a variety of training opportunities designed to help job seekers develop the skills needed to succeed in today's workforce.
Explore the programs below and visit our website to learn more about available training opportunities and eligibility requirements.
Bridging the Gap Between Military Experience and Civilian Careers: 5 Tips for Veterans
(Feature Impact) Every year, approximately 200,000 service men and women transition from military life to corporate America. Finding the right civilian career is a transition, but it’s an opportunity to leverage military leadership and mission-driven talent.
Traditional hiring processes often focus on conventional resumes, but forward-thinking organizations recognize military experience as a competitive advantage in today’s workforce. The resilience, integrity and adaptability of America’s veterans and military families make them uniquely positioned to drive growth and innovation in their communities.
“Veterans bring unmatched discipline, adaptability and a results-driven mindset that directly translates to high-impact corporate careers,” said Drew Matheson, senior director at Capital One’s Commercial Bank and retired U.S. Army infantry officer. “While military experience doesn’t always fit perfectly on a traditional paper resume, employers like Capital One who know how to decode these unique leadership skills are able to unlock an incredible pipeline of proven performers.”
To help transitioning service members successfully navigate this career pivot, military community leaders at Capital One offer these five essential tips for service members entering the civilian workforce:
1. Start With What You’ve Already Earned
Opportunity starts with preparation. Beyond the well-known Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover tuition, housing and books, transitioning service members can look into vocational rehab or the SkillBridge program, which allows them to do civilian internships during the last 180 days of service. Many employers also offer internal tuition reimbursement programs. Taking the time to proactively map out these benefits ensures you aren’t leaving valuable opportunities or money on the table.
2. Find Employers with Veteran Support Structures
With almost half of veterans leaving their first post-military job within a year, according to research published by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and VetAdvisor, finding the right culture and community is key to a successful transition. Look for employers with active veteran networks and dedicated mentorship.
For example, Capital One’s Salute Business Resource Group serves as a thriving internal community of more than 6,000 members, offering peer support, year-round professional development and mentorship for veterans, reservists and military spouses. Additionally, partner organizations like Hiring Our Heroes provide career workshops, fellowships and job fairs to ensure you’re employment-ready from day one.
3. Lean Into and Translate Your Soft Skills
Veterans bring a distinct competitive advantage to the applicant pool. You should confidently lean into the cross-functional “soft skills” learned in the line of duty such as risk management, crisis resolution and building trust under high-pressure scenarios.
The trick is translating these capabilities out of military jargon on your resume. Swap military terms like “NCOIC” for “Operations Manager” or “commanded” for “directed.” To make this easier, look for military-friendly employers that employ dedicated military recruiters who specialize in decoding military resumes to align skills with the right roles.
Military service is a family commitment, and the transition out of uniform affects everyone. Military spouses often face unique career hurdles, including frequent relocations and employment gaps. When evaluating employers, look for companies that offer holistic benefits and flexible structures.
For example, Capital One, recognized by “U.S. Veterans Magazine” as a Top Veteran Employer and Top Military Spouse Employer, actively supports military spouses and families through dedicated spouse hiring initiatives and internal support mechanisms.
Furthermore, look for organizations that support continued military training and active-duty leave, ensuring military associates never have to choose between their service and their careers.
5. Build Your Civilian Network Early
In the military, your network is built in. In the civilian world, you have to cultivate it. Long before your terminal leave begins, connect with veterans who work at companies you admire. Reach out for brief, 15-minute informational interviews to learn about their transition journeys rather than simply asking for a job. With more than 70% of civilian jobs filled through networking, according to estimates from Career Horizons, making organic connections early is a powerful tool for getting your foot in the door.
To find additional resources and learn more about how to support the hiring of veterans and military spouses, visit CapitalOneCareers.com/Military.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: Capital One
(L-R) Matt Sutton, Veterans Employment Representative/DVOP Specialist with MassHire GNB Career Center, and Chris Main, Employment and Training Specialist with Veterans, Inc.
WHY SAMC?
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.
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! >>>
CareerOneStop’s Veteran and Military Transition Centerprovides free resources to help veterans and transitioning service members explore civilian careers, translate military experience into marketable skills, and find employment and training opportunities. The site also offers information on veterans’ benefits, financial assistance, apprenticeships, and employment resources for military spouses.
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 toinfo@masshiregreaternewbedford.comwith any comments, suggestions or questions you may have.
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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 theMassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center staff, operated jointly byEquus Workforce Solutions® and theMassHire 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.
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 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.
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.
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!”
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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