Worcester Awarded Nearly $450K in Workforce Training Fund Grants

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

GoLocalWorcester Business Team

Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rachel Kaprielian announced Wednesday $5.4 million in Workforce Training Fund Grants--including nearly $450,000 for Worcester--during a visit to OnBrand24, Inc., a Beverly-based call center and previous grant recipient.

These grants will enable 66 companies across the Commonwealth to customize training for 4,631 employees and create 453 new jobs over the next three years.

New jobs to Worcester

In Worcester, two grants, classified as consortium grants, facilitated by the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, were issued. Those grants are expected to provide training for nearly 300 employees, and create more than 20 jobs.

“The Workforce Training Fund is one of our most effective initiatives for supporting businesses in meeting the demands of a highly competitive regional and global economy by enhancing the skills of their employees,” said Secretary Kaprielian. “Over the last several years, we have seen many companies succeed thanks to these training grants and we look forward to more companies growing and excelling through the use of our training initiatives.”

Nearly $85 million awarded

This latest round of Workforce Training Fund grants builds on the Patrick Administration’s investments in workforce training and education. Since 2007, the Administration has awarded $84.3 million through this grant program to 1,101 projects involving more than 1,191 businesses and 103,584 workers.

“We encourage businesses, regardless of size, to contact us to learn more about the Workforce Training Fund and how this resource can help them address their business needs,” said Nancy Snyder, President and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation which administers the funds for the Office of Labor and Workforce Development. "We are also interested in helping small businesses access the fund either individually or through collaborations with other businesses with similar needs.”

The Workforce Training Fund provides grants of up to $250,000 for Massachusetts companies to use over a two year period.

The following is a complete list of the awarded Workforce Training Fund General Program Grant Recipients announced today (listed by community), totaling $5,445,303: