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WORKFORCE CONNECTIONS - Vol. 51

In This Issue:

  • An update from our Interim ED, Valerie Sutton
  • State and Federal Policy Update: MassCEC Funding
  • MWA Updates: Migrant Surge Response Resource Center -NEW for 2024
  • Member Updates: Paul Ventresca, Retirement
  • News From Around the Sector: Jobs, funding, news and updates
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A Message from MWA's Interim Executive Director


Dear MWA Members,


As we reflect on the month, I am inspired by the dedication and passion of our community. Together, we are making strides toward creating a more vibrant and supportive environment for all members of the MWA. The valuable feedback received from our members during council meetings has been instrumental in shaping our priorities. We have identified key focus areas that align with our diverse membership's needs and aspirations. This targeted approach ensures our efforts align with the MWA community's vision.


Our collaboration with the Advocacy Committee has been a cornerstone of our efforts this month. We've engaged in extensive discussions and joint initiatives to amplify our advocacy efforts. Together, we are working to address critical budget issues facing our community and advance our shared objectives.


Our commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of our members extends to developing and distributing a comprehensive compensation survey. This survey will be a crucial tool in gauging the diverse compensation landscape within our community, enabling us to advocate for fair and equitable remuneration across the board.


We have initiated discussions with the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to enhance the support to career centers. This collaborative effort explores avenues for improving and expanding resources available to career centers, ultimately fostering success for our members and the individuals they serve.


Acknowledging the current challenges surrounding the migrant surge, we are actively developing resources to aid our members in navigating this complex landscape. These resources will provide guidance and support to ensure that our community is well-resourced to address the unique needs arising from this situation.


The search for a new executive director is ongoing, focusing on identifying a leader who shares our vision and values. We are committed to a thorough and inclusive process to select a candidate who will effectively guide the MWA into its next chapter.


Recognizing the importance of collaboration with external partners, we contacted the Department of Career Services (DCS). This dialogue aims to strengthen our connections and explore opportunities for synergy that will benefit our members and the broader community.



Thank you for your continued commitment and collaboration.


All the best,

Valerie Sutton

Interim Executive Director


PUBLIC POLICY UPDATES



MCEC has recently released several funding opportunities!




Massachusetts’ clean energy sector needs to grow significantly to meet our 2030 and 2050 decarbonization goals—estimates project a need for more than 38,000 additional workers to be trained by 2030 aloneThe current clean energy workforce system is not sufficiently resourced to meet the substantial scale of projected worker increases. More than 140 occupations are projected to grow. Seven of the top ten high-growth occupations will need to increase their clean energy workforce by more than 30% by 2030, and in most cases, these same occupations are projected to grow across other industries as well. 


The opportunities below are aimed at resourcing organizations to better attract, train, and place a more robust and diverse climate-critical workforce. Supporting diverse candidates is essential to meeting the state’s climate goals and driving equitable growth and increased opportunities for Environmental Justice communities. In FY23, MassCEC awarded more than $18 million in Equity Workforce Development programming and its longstanding Clean Energy Internship Program celebrated surpassing its 5,000th intern placed across hundreds of companies.




For more information on any of these RFPs, please e-mail 

rfpworkforce@masscec.com with the title of the RFP in the subject line. 

MWA UPDATES

Migrant Crisis Resources

MWA is following the conversation among the workforce development and related communities about how support for the recent increase of migrants. Migrant workers in the Commonwealth face a range of challenges that can impact their well-being and ability to integrate into the workforce. We will continue to use this newsletter to share relevant tools, articles, webinars and resources to support the workforce development community in helping with these challenges.


Language proficiency is a significant barrier for many, affecting their ability to communicate effectively in the workplace and to access services and support. In Massachusetts, several resources are available for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners:


  1. SABES: The Massachusetts English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Curriculum & Instruction PD Center provides resources, research, and curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards (MA ELPS)
  2. Project Boston HOPE: Classes are free. Project HOPE Boston offers four levels of English for Speakers of Other Languages.
  3. Boston Public Library: The library offers cost-free ESOL programs for adult learners, including classes, conversation groups, and tutoring. The programs are available both virtually and in-person



MWA Congratulates Paul Ventresca

on his Retirement!

Paul,


Your dedication to workforce development over the last 35 years (plus) has left a lasting impact and your efforts have helped countless individuals achieve their career goals. Thank you for your years of service and for being an invaluable member of our team. Your commitment to excellence has helped push our own mission forward but also paved the way for a brighter future for many. 


Wishing you all the joy and fulfillment you have brought to others.


All our best,

MWA


NEWS FROM AROUND THE SECTOR

There are so many job postings and funding announcements, we moved our News from Around the Sector section to our website, where you can access the news, jobs, funding announcements and more anytime throughout the month. Go to: www.massworkforce.com/around-the-sector.


Here is a just sample of the events, funding opportunities, jobs, and more posted on our website:

  • Job Opportunity: MassHire North Shore Workforce Board is hiring an Executive Director for the MassHire-North Shore Career Center. Click here to learn more and apply.
  • Job Opportunity: MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board is hiring a new President and CEO. Click here to learn more and apply.
  • Funding Opportunity: MA Clean Energy Center has announced Equity Workforce Planning and Capacity Grants. Click here to learn more and apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Funding Opportunity: The Mass Broadband Institute has issued an RFP for the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program.
  • Job Opportunity: BEST Hospitality is hiring an Outreach & Community Engagement Specialist. Click here to learn more and apply.


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