Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones joined state and local officials, awardees, and partner organizations at Mass Senior Care member facility Broad Reach Healthcare to announce the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $16.3 million in Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) grants. These grants have been awarded to nine partner 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 Certified Nurse Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, and Mental Health Peer Support Specialist.
“Mass Senior Care Association is pleased to see a number of our member facilities participating as partner organizations,” said Tara M. Gregorio, President. “These grant awards align with the Association’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with the State on workforce solutions.”
“We’re constantly looking for new people,” said Broad Reach Administrator Jason Lavallee, calling the Cape’s health care industry an extremely challenging environment given the costs of training, transportation, and housing. “With this grant we are able to put together an individualized program that will help people get their foot in the door in health care and setting them up for success. “There’s no question that this funding will most certainly help address the demand for healthcare workers in our setting.”
In addition to Broad Reach Healthcare, six other member organizations are participating in the partner organizations, including Alden Court Nursing & Rehab Center, Christopher House of Worcester, Integritus Healthcare, Ledgewood Rehab & Skilled Nursing Center, Notre Dame Healthcare and Sacred Heart Nursing and Rehab Center.
The Workforce Competitive Trust Fund Program grants, administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, are 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 announced today support investments in collaborative efforts focused on addressing healthcare and behavioral health workforce needs in regions across the Commonwealth.
The associated Cape Cod Times articles can be found here and here.
