PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced they are awarding $1.5 million in grants for new community college workforce training programs for adults looking to enter or re-enter the workforce. 

 

The grants, which are part of the Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) program, are being issued to 13 community colleges across Massachusetts to prepare residents for careers in fields such as education, health care, addiction recovery, cyber security, and manufacturing. The grants are estimated to provide free career training to more than 400 adult learners at community colleges across Massachusetts, with all programs targeting residents who are unemployed or underemployed.  

 

"The success of MassReconnect has demonstrated that Massachusetts residents are eager to further their careers, and these training programs are another way to meet that need," said Governor Maura Healey. "TRAIN grants allow community colleges to be responsive to regional workforce needs and quickly prepare residents to fill critical roles in our cities and towns."

 

Berkshire Community College (BCC) will use funds to support workforce training programs for participants seeking a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC).? BCC will enroll a total of 24 students in two cohorts (12 per class). The program will target unemployed and underemployed individuals in Berkshire County. BCC will a focus on reaching veterans and populations disproportionally impacted by COVID-19's impact on the labor force – specifically women of color.?BCC will also be awarded a planning grant that will result in the creation of new advanced training programs for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanics and technicians, and potentially certification programs related to Electrical occupations.    

 

TRAIN launched in 2016 serving four community colleges, and it has grown to offer grant opportunities to all 15 community colleges in Massachusetts.