February 26, 2016
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito yesterday announced $9.3 million
in workforce skills equipment 
grants to 35 high schools, community colleges and vocational training providers across
the Commonwealth for vocational-technical education and training equipment purchases
that connect Massachusetts students and residents to economic opportunities in high-demand
industries.
“Workforce skills education and training plays an enormous role in economic and personal
development by helping residents acquire the skills they need to connect with promising
careers,” said Governor Baker. “These vocational-technical education equipment grants
will help build stronger communities and a more competitive business environment that
ensures more residents have the skills they need to succeed in and support the Commonwealth’s
economic future.”
“These workforce development grants will build bridges between residents seeking
careers to build a future on, and the employers who need a skilled workforce to grow
the state’s economy,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “Today, too many good-paying jobs
are going unfilled, because employers are struggling to find skilled employees. This
investment in training equipment will enable high schools and community colleges across
the Commonwealth to equip students with the skills they need to secure a bright future.”
The Workforce Skills Capital Grant Program is a new initiative of the Governor’s
Workforce Skills Cabinet, which seeks to align education, workforce and economic development
strategies across the state. Governor Baker tapped Labor and Workforce Development
Secretary Ronald Walker II, Education Secretary James Peyser, and Housing and Economic
Development Secretary Jay Ash to work together to develop policies to improve economic
and job training opportunities for residents of the Commonwealth.
As part of the Workforce Skills Cabinet’s efforts to align resources to better meet
common goals, the Workforce Skills Cabinet consolidated two separate capital grant
programs – the former Manufacturing Training Equipment grants (administered by the
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development) and the former Vocational Opportunity
Challenge grants (administered by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance)
– into one unified, integrated, and expanded workforce development capital grant program.
The inaugural round of the Workforce Skills Capital Grant program received 68 applications,
requesting a total of $18 million in funding.
“We are leveraging our resources to take the public dollars that are available and
funneling them into places that can provide the skills and job training that residents
need for the jobs that are available,” said Secretary Walker. “The goal is to have
all our resources integrated around meeting the talent needs in a particular region.”
“These grants will immediately transform the quality of vocational programs and cutting
edge technological opportunities,” said Secretary Peyser. “They will also enable deeper
partnerships between vocational schools, community colleges, and employers.”
“A competitive economy demands a competitive, highly skilled workforce,” said Secretary
Ash. “Through the Workforce Skills Cabinet’s coordinated efforts to close the skills
gap, we are equipping residents with the skills needed to fill the jobs of today,
and tomorrow, and setting the stage for future economic growth.
Consistent with the Baker-Polito Administration’s support for expanded workforce development opportunities, the Governor’s recently filed economic development legislation requests an additional $75 million in capital authorization for additional training equipment grants that strengthen workforce skills, and create strong employment pipelines.
Berkshire Community College (BCC), Pittsfield - $465,119
BCC will upgrade and modernize its manufacturing and engineering program, utilizing
new hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical controls, materials testing, CNC and 3D printing
equipment to train students and adult learners for careers in advanced manufacturing,
engineering, and biotechnology.
For more information regarding the 2016 Workforce Skills Capital Grant Program Winners, click here.