SkillWorks Hosts Panel on WIA Reauthorization

On September 24th, SkillWorks hosted a briefing on the reauthorization of the Workforce Reinvestment Act (WIA). The briefing provided local, state, and national perspectives on WIA as well as recommendations for reform.

Moderator:

Conny Doty, Director, Mayor’s Office of Jobs and Community Services and SkillWorks Funders Group

Panelists:

Mary Clagett, Deputy Director for Policy, National Center on Education and the Economy
Rachel Gragg, Federal Policy Director, The Workforce Alliance
Kristina Dower, Director, Career Opportunities
Mary Sarris, Executive Director, North Shore Workforce Investment Board

SkillWorks Hosts MA Green Jobs Webinar

On August 19th, SkillWorks hosted a webinar in conjunction with The Barr Foundation, JFYNetworks, and the New England Clean Energy Council exploring the potential for new employment in residential energy efficiency.

Presenter Kevin Doyle of the New England Clean Energy Council discussed a study that examined the current employment base of the state's low-income weatherization program and the Residential Conservation Service "MassSave" program. Click here to hear more about:

• The study's methodology and results;
• Detailed projections about the number of new auditors, weatherization and insulation techs, air sealers and other jobs the state will need over the next 3-4 years; and
• Ideas regarding how training programs around the state are responding to both the hope and the hype about green jobs.

Watch the webinar

SkillWorks Awards Planning Grants for Weatherization/Energy Efficiency Programs

In April, SkillWorks awarded three planning grants for weatherization/energy efficiency training programs. The purpose of these grants is to assist partnerships in developing competitive proposals for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding as well as other Green Job Training funding opportunities.

• Asian American Civic Association (AACA) for their green facilities maintenance program (BEEMS);
• JFYNetWorks for a project to expand access to weatherization training and jobs for low income/public housing residents in Chelsea; and
• MASSCAP to develop a regional training partnership with CAP agencies in Boston, Quincy, and Southern Middlesex County.

A final planning grant was awarded in August to the

• Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) to develop their solar installation and preparation program.