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We hope you and your families are safe after the recent blizzard. We’re glad to be back in the office and look forward to sharing news and resources with our community. |
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A Message from the Executive Director/CEO, Michael W. Santos |
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Dear Community Members, Partners, and
Workforce Leaders,
As we welcome the spring season, I’m
reminded that this time of year represents renewal, momentum, and
possibility—and those themes strongly reflect the work happening every day at
the Greater New Bedford Workforce Board. Spring is a time to look back with
pride on what we have accomplished together, and to look ahead with excitement
and confidence in what we are building for the future.
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This past year has been one of
meaningful progress and transformation. Through the dedication of our staff,
the strength of our partnerships, and the trust of the communities we serve, we
have continued to advance our mission of
developing a workforce system that
is inclusive, innovative, and responsive to regional needs.
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One of the most important milestones
we are proud to highlight is the continued development and modernization of our
Four-Year Strategic Plan. This plan is more than a document—it is our
roadmap. It reflects a shared vision for workforce development across the
Southcoast, grounded in accountability, performance, and equity. It also
reinforces our commitment to aligning training investments with employer
demand, strengthening career pathways, and ensuring individuals across our
region can access opportunities that lead to long-term success.
Just as important as the strategy
itself is the progress we’ve made internally to support it. Over the last year,
we have worked intentionally to strengthen our organizational
foundation—improving coordination, streamlining operations, and enhancing communication
across teams. We have come together as a staff in a way that reflects not only
professionalism, but shared purpose. That unity has been a driving force behind
the outcomes we are seeing and the momentum we continue to build.
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Youth Team receives the Business Collaboration Award at the Massachusetts State House |
State Presents JVSG Silver Award for Veteran Services |
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This year also brought special
recognition that reflects the excellence of our work and the impact of our
programs. I want to specifically acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of
our Youth Team and Veterans Team, whose efforts have earned awards and
recognition. These achievements are a testament to the innovation, commitment,
and heart our staff bring to serving customers every day. Whether supporting
young people as they enter the workforce or ensuring veterans and their
families receive the resources and guidance they deserve, these teams exemplify
what workforce leadership looks like in action.
Looking ahead, we are energized for the year to come. With our strategic
plan guiding the way, we are poised
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to
expand programming, deepen employer partnerships, and continue building a
workforce system that meets the needs of both job seekers and businesses. We
are entering this next chapter with strong alignment, a clear vision, and the
confidence that comes from proven results.
To our employers, educators, service
providers, community leaders, and customers—thank you. Your continued
partnership is the foundation of our success. Together, we are creating real
pathways to opportunity, strengthening our regional economy, and building a
future where every individual has the chance to thrive.
Here’s to a spring season filled with
growth, progress, and shared success—and to an exciting year ahead.
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“What Is MassHire Greater New Bedford?” TV Show Episode 2 Airing Now |
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Our second program introduces the services and opportunities that MassHire provides to the local community. Episode 2 features our Healthcare Training, Communications, MassHire GNB Career Center services, and Veterans Services.
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 series brings workforce information directly to the community. Stay tuned as we continue producing additional shows 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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Two Participants Successfully Complete Registered Apprenticeship Programs |
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MassHire Greater New Bedford WB congratulates both Steven Johnson and Leif Gross on receiving their Certificates of Completion from the Division of Apprentice Standards for successfully completing their Registered Apprenticeship program requirements.
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Leif Gross, Apprenticeship Graduate |
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Leif Gross was employed as a CNC Operator, Milling and Turning at Bendon Gear, where he fulfilled 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and completed 150 hours of Related Technical Instruction through ToolingU Online.
We wish both Leif and Steven continued success in their careers.
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Steven Johnson was employed as a Solar Electrician Apprentice, where he completed 8,000 hours of On-the-Job Training at Trinity Solar. In addition, he completed 600 hours of Related Technical Instruction for his schooling requirements. He recently earned his Massachusetts Electrician License.
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We wish both Leif and Steven continued success in their careers. |
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Registered Apprenticeship is mutually beneficial to both the employer and the employee. It provides a high-quality training model that allows employees to upskill and advance in their careers, leading to increased wages.
Employers benefit from developing a highly skilled workforce, resulting in increased productivity and reduced turnover through Apprenticeship.
We are currently approved for the following occupations under our Registered Apprenticeship Program: CNC Operator, Quality Control Technician, First Line Supervisor, Home Health Aide, and Solar Electrician.
For more information about the financial and tax benefits of Registered Apprenticeship, please contact: Debra Hartman, Apprenticeship Program Manager
debbieh@mhgnb.com
or 774-762-5061 |
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Industrial Robotics: Graduates Gain Hands-on Skills for the Future
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We’re proud to celebrate
the successful graduation of 11 participants from the Industrial
Robotics Training Program at New Bedford Research & Robotics. Over
the course of the program, these individuals gained hands-on experience with 6‑axis
robotic arms, collaborative robots, and advanced manufacturing
technologies—building the in-demand skills needed for today’s high-growth
industries. Their achievement reflects not only their dedication, but also the
strength of our regional partnerships in preparing a highly skilled workforce
for the future of robotics and advanced manufacturing.
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AI in the Workplace:
What It Really Means for Your Job |
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If you’ve been hearing talk about artificial
intelligence taking over the workplace, you’re not alone. For many, AI feels
like something out of a sci‑fi movie—robots replacing workers and whole careers
disappearing.
The truth is far less dramatic and far more useful.
AI isn’t here to replace everyone. It’s here to help
people work smarter, faster, and more confidently.
And for job seekers, it’s becoming one of the most
powerful tools available.
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What Exactly Is AI?
Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that can do tasks we usually associate with human thinking, like understanding |
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language, spotting patterns, or creating content. You’ve probably already used it without even realizing it: phone assistants, résumé builders, smart search engines, and even customer service chat tools all rely on AI.
In everyday work, AI helps people:
- Save
time
- Communicate
more clearly
- Get
quick answers
- Improve
résumés and job applications
- Prepare
for interviews
It’s less “killer robots,” more “super‑charged Google.” |
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AI Is Changing Jobs, but Not the Way You Think
Research from major global organizations shows the same trend over and over:
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- AI is transforming most jobs, not eliminating them.
- It will automate some tasks, assist workers with many others, and create entirely new roles.
- Workers who learn to use AI tools will have a major advantage.
For example: - The World Economic Forum estimates AI will affect about 86% of businesses by 2030, creating around 170 million new jobs while shifting about 92 million existing ones.
- The International Monetary Fund reports that 40% of jobs worldwide will be influenced by AI, meaning tasks will change, but the need for human workers remains strong.
In short: AI changes jobs; it doesn’t erase them. |
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Jobs Most Likely to Change in the Next 10 Years
Certain types of work are more exposed to automation,
especially those built on routine tasks. These roles won’t vanish overnight,
but the way people perform them will shift.
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Jobs with higher AI impact include: - Clerical and administrative work (data entry, bank tellers, payroll)
- Customer service support
- Entry level tech roles (basic coding, testing)
- Legal and financial processing jobs
- Retail roles involving routine transactions
Even here, experts warn that many “AI layoffs” are really just budget cuts labeled as automation. In many companies, human experience is still essential and increasingly valuable. |
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Jobs Growing Because of AI |
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Here’s the good news: AI is creating millions of new opportunities, including jobs that didn’t exist just a few years ago.
1. AI
& Data Careers
- Data
analysts
- AI
specialists
- Prompt
engineers
- AI
ethics and risk analysts
2. Cybersecurity
& Cloud Roles
As businesses adopt more digital tools, they need more people to secure and
maintain them.
3. Green
& Sustainability Jobs
Technology and climate efforts are driving demand for engineers and
sustainability specialists. |
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4. Healthcare,
Education & Human Services
AI helps these professionals, not replace them, by handling paperwork,
scheduling, and analysis.
5. Creative
& Hybrid Digital Roles
AI‑assisted content creators, marketing strategists, and designers are becoming
more common.
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The big takeaway?
Workers who learn to use AI will have more opportunities, not fewer.
The Bottom Line
It’s natural to feel uncertain about the future of
work, but this moment also brings huge opportunity. Every major technological
shift in history has created new industries and new skills for people willing
to learn.
AI is no different.
The tools for growth, online learning, AI assistants,
and digital training, are more accessible than ever. By staying curious and
open to new skills, you’re not just preparing for the future, you’re shaping
it. With the right mindset, the decade ahead can be filled with possibility,
purpose, and progress. |
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Special thanks to our contributor:
Luis G. Bartolomey
Facilitator, Masshire GNB Career Center Tel. 774-762-5112 direct office
Lbartolomey@masshiregnbcc.com
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MassHire Greater New Bedford is enrolling for Medical
Assistant training (application deadline June 1, 2025) and CNA
training.
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This is the final year of the 2024 CommCorp HW/BHHubs grant
funding. Grants are available for income-eligible or unemployed individuals who
agree to employment in their field after training and include industry
certification and job placement assistance. Seats are limited. Secure your
spot today.
Contact
Rodney Solomon rsolomon@masshiregnbcc.com
774‑762‑5078
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Step Up, Skill Up, Get Hired:
No-Cost Manufacturing Training
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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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Attention Local Businesses and Agencies! 2026 Youth Opportunity Expo |
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As we move quickly through the first quarter of the year, it’s a good time to look back at what we accomplished together in 2025. If you missed it, watch our short video recap highlighting the people, programs, and partnerships that helped shape last year at MassHire Greater New Bedford.
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The Mass.gov Business Portal is an online hub of links to state tools and resources that help new and existing businesses find information and support for starting, managing, and growing in Massachusetts. Visit page. >>>
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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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