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February 2006
  Articles on this page: • Bay State Works Grant Is Reaching Its Goals
Bay State Works Grant Is Reaching Its Goals The last decade has brought about a dramatic transformation in the Berkshire County economy with profound implications for the workforce. We live in a knowledge-based economy where the main engine of economic growth is the human mind. Now, more than ever enhancing the skills of our workforce is critical for ensuring a productive and secure future for all Berkshire residents. One way that the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board is assisting in developing a skilled workforce is with a $276,600 BayStateWorks grant through the Commonwealth Corporation. The training goals of the grant address three major factors most often cited by our employers: 1. the development of basic skills leading to credentials to retain employees; 2. the preparation of workers to fill immediate labor shortages in critical occupations, and 3. the retention of 18-44 year olds in the labor market area through long-term employment opportunities and developing career ladders. Our training plan was to develop a foundation of basic and leadership skills with solid career pathway opportunities in manufacturing, information technology, business services, and other industry sectors. The training began in February 2005 and will conclude in June 2006. Training is being provided by Berkshire Community College and is being coordinated by the Berkshire Applied Technology Council. The original goal was to serve 106 employees, and already 91 have been trained (86%) with six months left to go. Each of the training segments offers cutting-edge technology and professional curriculum. This project has provided an opportunity for the participants to take what they are learning and apply it to their jobs while going through the training. Program participants are highly motivated individuals that are eager to learn. The BayStateWorks grant is a synergistic multi-faceted program that uses standard and innovative methods to conduct training in over 25 courses for 106 technical and professional employees. There are several forms of leverage that multiply the cost effectiveness of our program including the expansion of a highly qualified workforce and the resulting reduction in need to import workers; the immediate application of learned material on the job and the resulting cumulative effect on retention rates and business competitiveness; the availability of co-workers and mentors to explain and reinforce course material; financial incentives; investment of company, partner, and customer facilities and equipment to benefit students; and, the formal and informal partnerships and networks that are formed. The Berkshire BayStateWorks Project was developed with productivity, innovation and the business environment in mind to infuse the Berkshire County workforce with workforce and technology skills critical to successful competition in today's business environment. For more information about the training, please contact the BCREB.  RETURN TO TOP |
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