Welcome
to the Spring 2025 Edition of Our Newsletter!
Dear Community Partners and
Workforce Leaders,
Spring is here, and with it comes a
new season of growth, innovation, and opportunity! We are excited to share the
latest developments from the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board as we continue
our journey toward building a stronger, more vibrant workforce in our region.
The past year has been incredibly rewarding, with significant
Michael W Santos, Executive Director/CEO MassHire GNB Workforce Board
advancements in our workforce development programs
and the expansion of key partnerships with local businesses, educational
institutions, and community organizations. Together, we are creating a
workforce that is not only ready to meet the challenges of today but also
poised to take advantage of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Our commitment to fostering an
inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking workforce system has never been more
unwavering. We remain focused on empowering individuals, enhancing economic
opportunities, and ensuring long-term success for our entire community.
In this edition, you’ll find
inspiring success stories, program highlights, and initiatives that showcase
the incredible work being done to shape the future of our workforce. We’re also
thrilled to introduce Wil Edmond, our newest team member and Director of
Operations. Wil brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his previous
role at the Quincy MassHire Career Center and will be a tremendous asset as we
continue to drive our vision forward.
Additionally, we are excited to
announce the launch of our VSTAG grant, an important initiative aimed at
upskilling Veterans and their spouses, equipping them with the foundational
skills needed to succeed in their chosen career pathways. This program is a
vital step in ensuring that those who have served our country are fully
supported as they transition to new career opportunities.
As always, we are deeply grateful
for your ongoing support and collaboration. It is through our collective
efforts that we continue to strengthen our workforce, expand opportunities, and
make a lasting impact in our region. At the heart of all we do are the
community and team members who share our passion for workforce development, and
we are proud to work alongside each of you.
Here’s to a season filled with fresh
opportunities, growth, and continued success for all!
Wil Edmond, Director of Operations
MassHire GNB Workforce Board
I am a native of Brooklyn and a proud graduate of Howard University. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family (which includes my wife and two children), cooking, listening to music, and exploring foreign films. I recently joined the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board as the Director of Operations, bringing experience in
human resources, data analysis,
and benefits administration. My career spans global financial services and insurance corporations, focusing on strategic problem-solving, process improvement, and client relationship management. Most recently, I worked at MassHire South Shore Career Center in Quincy.
Welcome Back Bob Diehl
Bob Diehl joins the MassHire
Greater New Bedford
Workforce Board as a Board Support Specialist. Bob brings four decades of success in building
and supporting systems that promote workforce development at the state,
regional and local levels. As an Eagle
Scout and Penn State grad he takes pride in being recognized nationally for
Youth Work-based learning projects that focus on nature and local history. Bob is excited to share his expertise and
Bob Diehl, Board Support Specialist MassHire GNB Workforce Board
support the team at MHGNBWB.
A Pennsylvania transplant, Bob
lives in Bridgewater with his wife and daughter and enjoys the best things in
life.
Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program
2025 Youth Expo: Come for the Fun. Stay for the Opportunities!
May 14 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
South Coast high school students are invited to explore a unique array of employment opportunities, programs and community resources dedicated to assisting them on their career path.
Attention local businesses and supportive agencies!
The MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board is looking for local businesses and supportive agencies from various industries to be a part of the Youth Opportunity Expo!
Career Center Helps
Haitian Migrants Secure Employment
The MassHire Greater New
Bedford Career Center is proud to support Haitian Creole migrants in their
journey toward economic stability through employment. Recently, we assisted 15
individuals in securing jobs across various industries, helping them
integrate into the local workforce and build a brighter future.
Among these placements, five individuals have started new roles in South Dartmouth, including positions as Helping Hands Assistants, Housekeeping/Laundry staff, and Dietary Aides. Additionally, ten individuals have been hired in New Bedford for roles such as Helping Hands Assistants, Maintenance, Housekeeping, and Kitchen staff.
These efforts reflect our commitment to providing workforce opportunities for all, strengthening our local economy, and ensuring that job seekers have access to meaningful employment. We will continue working closely with our community partners to expand these opportunities and support more individuals on their career paths.
Navigating the Job Market: Tips for a Winning Approach
Searching for a job can be daunting, but with the right tactics you can increase your chances of success. Here are some job search tips to help you navigate:
1. Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter
Customize for Each Application:
Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your resume and cover letter
by focusing on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job
you’re applying for.
Optimize for Digital Screening: Include
industry-specific keywords from job descriptions to get past Applicant Tracking
Systems (ATS) and grab the hiring manager’s attention.
2. Leverage Your Network
Targeted Professional Outreach:
Inform your professional network that you’re looking for new opportunities.
Attend industry events, join online groups in your field, and network with
former colleagues on LinkedIn.
Informational Interviews for
Strategic Insights: Initiate informational interviews with someone who works in
an industry or role that interests you to gain industry insights and explore
potential opportunities.
3. Comprehensive Job Market
Analysis
Use Diverse Platforms: Utilize a
wide range of job boards, industry-specific websites, and company career
portals to maximize your search.
Set Up Alerts: Many job boards
allow you to set up alerts for specific job titles or companies, ensuring you receive
timely notifications of relevant openings.
4. Prepare for Interviews
Research the Organization: Check the
company’s mission, values, and recent updates. This will help tailor responses
and demonstrate your genuine interest.
Practice Interview Questions: To
build confidence, rehearse answers to typical interview questions with a friend
or by yourself in front of a mirror.
5. Build Your Online Presence
Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Maintain
a current and professional online profile, highlighting your skills and
experience. In particular, make sure your LinkedIn profile has a compelling
summary that reflects your most recent experiences and skills. Use a professional
photo.
Share Your Expertise: Consider
writing articles or sharing insights related to your field to establish
yourself as a thought leader.
6. Follow Up
Post-Interview Thank You: Always
send a thank-you email after an interview. This demonstrates appreciation and reinforces
your interest in the position.
Check In: If you haven’t
heard back after a couple of weeks, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up with
a polite inquiry about your application status.
7. Stay Positive and
Persistent
Expect Some Rejection: Don’t be
discouraged by rejections. View them as learning experiences to improve your
approach.
Goal Setting: Create
daily/weekly job search goals for motivation and progress tracking.
8. Consider Alternative Pathways
to Your Goal
Gain Experience: If you’re
struggling to find a full-time position, consider temporary or freelance work
in your field. This can help you gain experience, expand your network, and
potentially lead to a permanent role.
Diversification of Skills: Look
for ways to reskill or upskill through workshops, certificates, or online
courses. This shows a dedication to ongoing professional development in
addition to improving your marketability.
Conclusion
The job search process can be
challenging, but with these tips, you can enhance your approach and increase
your chances of landing the job you desire. Remember to stay proactive,
adaptable, and positive throughout your journey. Good luck!
NAW celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, organizing over 2,500 apprenticeship events and proclamations across all states and various territories. Following stakeholder feedback, the NAW event is now scheduled for Spring 2026, featuring a week-long celebration. A National Apprenticeship Day on April 30, 2025, will support this shift. In 2026, this week-long celebration will resume. #NAWDay2025,
#NationalApprenticeshipDay2025, and #ApprenticeshipUSA
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 SAMC's Calendar page for a complete list of training, workshops, seminars, meetings and industry events for the advanced manufacturing industry. View Calendar now! >>>
Over winter break, 20 students in the Dartmouth High School TV media program traveled down to New York City in a trip three years in the making.
Two years ago, there was an issue with busing and the following year the program chose to travel to Boston rather than pursue a New York trip, but this September, students decided they wanted to try going to New York again.
Robert Perrotti, the high school’s lead business, innovation and technology teacher, reached out to MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board, which found funding for the trip through the state, he said.
“Funding trips like this is important in developing the students’ professional skills and providing valuable experiences that could help them in their future careers,” said Deven Robitaille, the youth program manager at MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board.
Except for finding the funds for the trip, which totaled $5,000, students organized the majority of the trip.
The Occupational Mobility Explorer helps you uncover career pathways. The Federal Reserve Banks of Philadelphia and Cleveland created the Occupational Mobility Explorer to help workers find better-paying local jobs that match their skills.
Updated in September of 2024, the tool now covers the entire U.S. Users can find up to 10 related careers in their area with details on wages, job growth, and education requirements. Job seekers and employers can leverage this tool for career growth and economic mobility. Start exploring opportunities today!
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.
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
Logo and photos in JPG, PNG or PDF format (if available)
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, 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.
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.)
MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board | 25 Elm Street, New Bedford MA
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Optimize for Digital Screening: Include
industry-specific keywords from job descriptions to get past Applicant Tracking
Systems (ATS) and grab the hiring manager’s attention.
Targeted Professional Outreach:
Inform your professional network that you’re looking for new opportunities.
Attend industry events, join online groups in your field, and network with
former colleagues on LinkedIn.
Informational Interviews for
Strategic Insights: Initiate informational interviews with someone who works in
an industry or role that interests you to gain industry insights and explore
potential opportunities.
Use Diverse Platforms: Utilize a
wide range of job boards, industry-specific websites, and company career
portals to maximize your search.
Set Up Alerts: Many job boards
allow you to set up alerts for specific job titles or companies, ensuring you receive
timely notifications of relevant openings.
Research the Organization: Check the
company’s mission, values, and recent updates. This will help tailor responses
and demonstrate your genuine interest.
Practice Interview Questions: To
build confidence, rehearse answers to typical interview questions with a friend
or by yourself in front of a mirror.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Maintain
a current and professional online profile, highlighting your skills and
experience. In particular, make sure your LinkedIn profile has a compelling
summary that reflects your most recent experiences and skills. Use a professional
photo.
Share Your Expertise: Consider
writing articles or sharing insights related to your field to establish
yourself as a thought leader.
Post-Interview Thank You: Always
send a thank-you email after an interview. This demonstrates appreciation and reinforces
your interest in the position.
Check In: 
Expect Some Rejection: Don’t be
discouraged by rejections. View them as learning experiences to improve your
approach.
Goal Setting: Create
daily/weekly job search goals for motivation and progress tracking.
Gain Experience: If you’re
struggling to find a full-time position, consider temporary or freelance work
in your field. This can help you gain experience, expand your network, and
potentially lead to a permanent role.
Diversification of Skills: Look
for ways to reskill or upskill through workshops, certificates, or online
courses. This shows a dedication to ongoing professional development in
addition to improving your marketability. 
