MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board News
SUMMER 2022 NEWSLETTER
08/31/22 

Members of the MassHire GNB Youth Team are excited to announce open enrollment for both in-school and out-of-school youth for a variety of programs. Area youth up to age 24 are invited to contact our MassHire GNB Career Center to find out how to enroll in any of the great training programs listed here.

Call (508) 990-4160 or email
mfonseca@masshiregnbcc.com 
to learn more and get started on your career pathway!
Get SERVSAFE Training Printable Flyer!
Get Landscape Management Training Printable Flyer!
Get Banking & Finance Training Printable Flyer!

Registered Apprenticeship Is a Tool for Adding and Retaining Employees


Today, employers know that a skilled, knowledgeable, workforce is critical to business success.

Entering into a Registered Apprenticeship can help businesses create a staff that is well-trained and better educated, while boosting employee loyalty and increasing industry competitiveness. According to 2020 data, Massachusetts has over 11,400 active apprentices with increased employee retention to 94 percent.

MassHire GNB’s apprenticeship program can help reduce your company’s turnover rate and the cost of employee recruitment. Upskilling current workers will help with leadership positions when older workers eventually retire.

We are currently seeking companies in Southeastern Massachusetts for participation in Registered Apprenticeship programs in a variety of fields, including:

  • advanced manufacturing;
  • business/finance;
  •  maritime;
  •  healthcare;
  • as well in non-traditional occupations.

In some instances, companies can receive a state tax credit per apprentice or funding for related technical instruction if eligible and available.

For more information, please contact DebbieH@mhgnb.com or Matt@mhgnb.com at the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board. You can also reach us by phone at (508) 979-1504, ext. 121.

Follow this link for more information. >>>
November 14 to 20, 2022 is the 8th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)! 
Learn more! >>>

MassHire Southeast Region 6 has been busy partnering with various training providers to increase the skills of thirty underemployed and twenty-seven unemployed residents in the region. Participants earned certifications in welding, CNC, Manufacturing Level 1 with an ESOL component and more. Ten additional trainings are in the works for the third and fourth quarters of the year. 

Make sure to register for a free membership on www.samcnetwork.org for all the up-to-date training information available in the region.

Partner Spotlight: For Brighter Futures


Since 1982, PACE, Inc. (People Acting In Community Endeavors) has served as the federally appointed local Community Action Agency for the Greater New Bedford area.
 
In our conversation with Pam Kuechler, PACE Executive Director, we learned that the impetus in the formation of PACE was to fight poverty. This has remained PACE’s primary focus over the past 40 years.

Overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), PACE’s programs are designed to fill gaps related to our community’s highest priorities. Every three years, PACE conducts an extensive assessment of our area and then develops a strategic plan specific to identified needs. With federal, state and private funding, along with corporate and individual donations, PACE creates programs that assist people in overcoming the many barriers faced by those with a low income. 
Born from identifiable needs, PACE programs include: Child Care Works, YouthBuild - New Bedford, Child Care Voucher Program, Head Start, Housing Opportunity Center, Fuel Assistance, Lead Program, Free Clemente College Course, Free Tax Preparation, Health Insurance Assistance (Health Access) and Food Bank.
More recent endeavors include exploring the development of affordable housing units, rental subsidies and pathways to home ownership. Each of PACE’s programs runs as a division of the agency, with day-to-day operations managed by an operations person. Understanding that fighting poverty is a multi-pronged endeavor, PACE’s leadership team meets on a regular basis to ensure cohesive delivery of services. Interdepartmental referrals are provided so clients can access all resources available through PACE.
PACE also works closely with other organizations to make sure clients have access to broader services. Pam Kuechler noted that PACE’s youth programs are a great example of partnerships helping to strengthen service delivery to participants. With their YouthBuild program, collaboration with workforce development and education providers has enriched
offerings, improved outreach, and increased clients’ exposure to many opportunities. Pam highlighted how MassHire GNB Workforce Board’s past cyber security program sparked interest in a field
in which many young people had never been exposed. Pam also noted that fostering partnerships was immensely helpful as a door to getting the word out and becoming more assessable to clients with the highest needs. 
More recent partnerships resulted in PACE’s Homeownership Event broadcast live on July 13 on Facebook. Along with representation from PACE’s Housing Opportunity Center, the panel included state, municipal and private agencies providing guidance and information for homebuyers. Further evidence of the value of partnerships was that this first event resulted in a follow-up virtual event due to viewers requesting more info on how they can prepare financially for homeownership. This second live

Watch PACE Homeownership Event! >>>

PACE Presents: Increasing Income & Managing Your Finances! >>>
 
Facebook event, PACE Presents: Increasing your Income & Managing Your Finances, took place on August 4 and featured a financial planner and MassHire GNB Workforce Board’s own Taylor Nichols-Xavier discussing improving income through training, career planning and other services available through MassHire GNB Career Center.
2022 is PACE’s 40th anniversary year, and they consider it to be a year-long event. As they celebrate their history, staff and programs, PACE is also exploring new and virtual ways of community outreach. PACE also welcomes volunteers. While PACE's food bank is their most recognized form of volunteerism,
they offer volunteer opportunities in many forms and throughout all of their operations. Volunteer commitments are very flexible and can be a single time or recurring. Volunteering also provides a great way for job seekers to enhance their work experience. Visit PACE's Volunteer page to find out how you can get started.

For more information about PACE, Inc. visit https://paceinfo.org.

—Special thanks to Pam Kuechler, PACE Executive Director for contributing her time to our story.

Supporting Career Ladders and Career Pathways for Behavioral Health Workers
MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board is the lead grantee for a Behavioral Health Partnership Expanded Grant (BHPE), funded through the MassHealth Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Statewide Investment Program and RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, Inc. and administered by Commonwealth Corporation. Commonwealth Corporation has partnered with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP), a consulting firm providing subject matter expertise in behavioral health workforce development, to provide technical assistance to BHPE-participating workforce boards and behavioral health employer partners across the Commonwealth.
Through the spring and summer, consultants from AHP designed and hosted two technical assistance sessions focused on building employers’ capacity to design and support career ladders and career pathways for behavioral health workers. AHP hosted two listening sessions in
May to learn more about employers’ challenges developing, implementing, and managing career ladders and pathways for behavioral health staff. Feedback from these sessions was incorporated into a webinar event in June where AHP presented strategies and solutions for employers to address persistent challenges to recruitment and retention of behavioral health workers.
The Southeast region was well-represented at each event. Representatives from employer partners Bay State Community Services, SSTAR, High Point Treatment Center, and New Life Counseling & Wellness Center participated in the listening
sessions and webinars. MassHire staff also came in full force, with representatives from MassHire Greater New Bedford, South Shore, Bristol, and Greater Brockton Workforce Boards and the MassHire South Shore Career Center attending these sessions. A third technical assistance event building upon the listening sessions and webinar will be hosted this upcoming fall.

—Tommy Heavren, Program Manager, Commonwealth Corporation
MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center
Career Center
Corner
MassHire GNB Welcomes Rodney Solomon, Career Center Project Director.
Rodney Solomon Project Director
Rodney Solomon joins the MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center with a dynamic background in food sector operations and workforce solutions. After graduating Wesleyan University, he moved to New York City where he spent five years in management roles at prominent hospitality and restaurant groups. Pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit, Rodney
spent the next eight years, leading operations at an innovative food service startup that developed and operated tailored programming for large companies and landlords. Rodney’s ability to create efficient systems and build scalable teams through creative initiatives allowed the company to expand its service offering and grow its portfolio to include some of the top companies in New York City. After moving to New Bedford in 2019, he took on the role as Director of Workforce Initiatives for the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, providing leadership for an emergent workforce program developed in partnership with the state’s Department of Labor and Training.   

Rodney has a deep passion for people and processes. He perceives challenges through a creative lens and is a natural collaborator. Rodney’s goal is for the Career Center to be a beacon of opportunity for the community and to exceed the expectations of our customers and partners on a daily basis. He is honored to work alongside the dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate Career Center staff and looks forward to the work ahead.
FREE Home Health Aide and Certified Nursing Assistant Training to unemployed and income eligible participants.
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.

HURRY! Space is limited. Follow this link to request more information. >>>
FREE Manufacturing Training Courses at Bristol Community College

Courses offered through Bristol Community College through funding
from the Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
Manufacturing Training Course Sponsors Logos
Advanced Manufacturing Photo

CAM – Effective Communication & Team-Oriented Problem Solving in Manufacturing

Free
with Beth Carter

Next available session starts Sep 14, 2022 at 8:30 am

Bristol’s Effective Communication Team-Oriented Problem-Solving class will help participants do just that. This class will provide tools and techniques to help individuals thrive in a dynamic team environment. Several workstyle, listening and communication assessments will be used to assist participants in gaining a better understanding of themselves and their communication style as well as the style of others. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the importance of listening, non-verbal communication as well as adapting to changing cultural norms to support individual and team growth.

CAM – Principles of Lean Mfg., Six Sigma/Bus. Process Improvement

Free
with Joe Barckett

Next available session starts Sep 16, 2022 at 8:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Bristol’s Principles of Lean Manufacturing offers a solid introduction to Lean Six Sigma/Business Process Improvement training focuses on preparing individuals to develop efficient processes for faster delivery, increased productivity and more consistent quality. Participants will review the background and history of Lean and Six Sigma, learn about a basic process improvement flowchart and how to use the flowchart as a roadmap for the material covered as well as obtain a strong understanding of basic process improvement tools – Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. (based on DMAIC) which include: project charters, process mapping, waste, value add, data types, and several charts and graphs. After this training, participants will have the tools to lead a simple process improvement project from start to finish.

CAM – Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing

Free
with Paul Martin

Next available session starts Oct 18, 2022 at 9 am

This training is in concert with the methodology, symbology, and principles of the United States standards (principally ANSI Y14.5). Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances is a means of specifying the geometry or shape of a piece of hardware on an engineering drawing. It is used as a communication tool for the design of the manufacturing cycle.
Lean 101 Training
Get Flyer! (PDF)

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! >>>
On August 5, 2022 staff of MassHire GNB Workforce Board, One SouthCoast Chamber members, Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento and the 106th annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Committee celebrated "Business During Hours" sponsored by MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board.

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)

Submit your news to info@masshiregreaternewbedford.com
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SUMMER'S FEATURED RESOURCE

Summer's featured resource is the MassHire Career Information System (MassHire CIS) from the MassHire Department of Career Services (MDCS). This free on-line career planning tool is available to all Massachusetts residents. MassHire CIS is designed to provide occupational and educational information to help people make better-informed career and school choices.

Everyone from junior high school students to adults will find useful guidance. MassHire CIS tools cover improving job search skills, career and lifestyle assessments, occupation exploration, and choosing educational and training programs. Visit https://portal.masscis.intocareers.org/ to get started today!
Visit MassHire Career Information System!
Explore Workforce Resources on MassHire GNBWB Website!
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 an 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 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.

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!”
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Copyright © 2022 MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board. All rights reserved.


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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