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SkillWorks Hosts Panel on WIA Reauthorization: 9/24/2009

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: 8/19/2009

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.

What’s New at SkillWorks

 


Governor Patrick's State of the State address focuses on middle-skill jobs. The Governor proposed sweeping changes to the community college system , focusing on how colleges can help address the state's middle-skill gap, which the Skills2Compete MA has highlighted for the past 18 months. Read more.

Thanks to everyone who testified or submitted written testimony on behalf of the Middle Skills Solutions Act (SB921/ HB2713) at our recent hearing before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development . We had a great turnout, with committee members in attendance expressing their full support for the bill. Read more about the hearing and stay in touch with our efforts to pass the bill!

Join the Skills2Compete-Massachusetts campaign to ensure that every Massachusetts resident has access to the equivalent of at least two years of education or training past high school and the support they need to complete such training.
Read more about the campaign