Press Releases

FITCHBURG, MA – Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-03) will join local business and community leaders for the presentation of a $534,154 grant to the North Central Workforce Board as part of a $3.2 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) for a Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant.

“Investing in strong workforce training programs is key to helping our local economy and community thrive. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Tsongas and all of our local leaders to celebrate this new funding and the opportunities it will create for our local manufacturing companies and workforce, especially people with disabilities,” Congressman McGovern said. “This partnership will open new doors to members of our community who have the skills to succeed and are eager to work. I am grateful to the U.S. Department of Labor for being a strong partner and investing in our community. By working together, our local leaders will continue to expand economic opportunity here in Fitchburg and throughout Central Massachusetts.”

“The Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant will allow both regions to provide a skilled workforce for local manufacturing companies that meets local demand and The Disability Employment Initiative grants will allow us to provide enhanced services to people with disabilities under the new Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act and connect employers to this untapped talent source of qualified, skilled individuals who happen to have a disability” said Workforce Board Directors Tim Sappington and Jeff Turgeon.

The $534,154 award will support partnerships between the North Central and Central Mass Workforce Boards and Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) and Mass Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP). MWCC will be offering their new Industrial Readiness and Quality Control trainings and MassMEP will be offering their CNC operator training. The grant is for two years and the goal is to train a total of 80 eligible unemployed individuals in advanced manufacturing skills to meet the local industry demand.

The North Central and Central Mass Workforce Boards also recently received $1,140,000 from a USDOL Disability Employment Initiative. These grants will provide training funds and support for eligible individuals with disabilities interested in full time employment. The North Central Workforce Board received $640,000 and will be offering training in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Hospitality and Finance for this three year project. The Central Mass Workforce Board received $500,000 for their initiative and will offer training for career pathways in Human Services, Healthcare, and Customer Service.

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