Funds Will Provide Training in Healthcare and Behavioral Health
On Friday February 23, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $16.3M in Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) grants awarded to nine organizations to upskill 1,860 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations in healthcare and behavioral health sectors across Massachusetts. The funding will support initiatives to train and hire unemployed and underemployed individuals while providing current employees with the skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers for roles such as EMTs, Certified Nurse Assistant, and Mental Health Peer Support Specialist.
Part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment to retain and upskill existing talent in Massachusetts’ current workforce, the Healthcare/Behavioral Health Hub Grants support investments in collaborative efforts focused on addressing healthcare and behavioral health workforce needs in regions across the Commonwealth. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones joined state and local officials, awardees, and partner organizations to make the announcement at Broad Reach Healthcare in North Chatham.
“Industries across the state are experiencing workforce challenges, and the need is particularly great in behavioral health care,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help address these challenges by hiring and training new talent and upskilling existing talent.” Secretary Jones reflected, “The Healthcare/Behavioral Health Hub Grants are tailored to leverage regional partnerships, including close collaboration with training providers and local employers, to prepare workers for available jobs desperately needed in our healthcare and human services in communities across Massachusetts.”
“By awarding these grants to partners in different regions throughout the state, we can help people build upon or learn new skills that will allow for them to provide care for the communities in which they reside,” echoed Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh.
The City of Worcester/MCRWB were awarded $1,110,478 to provide training and placement services to prepare 368 unemployed and underemployed participants for Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, Cardiovascular Technologist & Technician, Clinical Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant, and Home Health Aide positions. They will partner with Reliant Medical Group, Notre Dame Health Care, Sunrise Senior Living, UMass Memorial Health Alliance – Clinton Hospital, and Christopher House of Worcester. This partnership also aims to assess demand and evaluate regional capacity for Pharmacy Technician, Home Health Aide, and Certified Nurse Assistant positions.
