Job growth fuels need for skilled workers
BOSTON – A statewide job fair and employment events at Massachusetts Career Centers are being planned for Thursday, Oct. 18, as part of a collaboration between Gov. Deval Patrick, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and state career centers.
Patrick said a skilled labor force has a competitive advantage in today’s global economy.
"The commonwealth's 37 One-Stop Career Centers are valuable resources that people need to know about, whether they are workers exploring new careers or employers looking to hire," he said. "Career Day provides us with a statewide venue to let people know about the resources available to them in their hunt for a job and the good work taking place in our communities where we live and work."
Administration officials will be visiting Career Centers in every region to meet with job seekers and employers. Some employer representatives who will be on hand include Atlantic Semiconductor, Boston Medical Center, Partners Inc., EMC Corp., Arbella Insurance, Northwestern Mutual, Sullivan & Cogliano, TD Banknorth, Jury’s Boston Hotel, Whole Foods, US Airways, Onset Computer Corp., Atlas Box & Crating, South Shore Savings Bank and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort.
Economic data showed an increasing number of job vacancies in Massachusetts during the fourth quarter of 2006, up nearly 25 percent from same period one year ago. Additionally, more employers are looking for employees with an associate’s degree or higher. More than 39,000 jobs have been added over the last year.
"It is clear that there are more jobs available and more employers are in need of finding skilled workers," said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Suzanne M. Bump. "Career Day provides a gateway of opportunity for employers to find the qualified workers they need as they expand their work force in our growing economy."
Don Gillis, executive director of the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association, supports Career Day as a way to raise visibility of the commonwealth’s work-force development system, saying, "Career Day is a vehicle for local work-force boards and one-stop career center operators to showcase the business, labor, education and workforce partnerships that are central to the success of the Massachusetts workforce development system for both employers and job seekers."
One Norwood employer that has utilized the business services at six Career Centers found center job fairs to be an effective recruitment tool. Lou Valentine, president and owner of NEED Placement, a firm that recruits staff in a variety of occupations for startups up to multinational Fortunate 500 companies said, "We have been very pleased with previous career fairs. Career Center staff has been top shelf and done a good job of presenting us to the job seekers. We found many of the job seekers to be excellent candidates. We continue to participate in the local Career Center fairs throughout the year."
Career Centers will also host informational events for job seekers and employers. Topics include navigating the online application process; writing winning resumes and cover letters, what employers need know about the state labor market; accessing state Workforce Training Fund grants and the unemployment insurance program.
Events are being held across the state. Those in Western Massachusetts include:
* Berkshire Works Career Centers of Pittsfield and North Adams: Regional job fair at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pittsfield from 2 to 6 p.m., 80 employers expected.
* Career Point Career Center, Holyoke: Job fair with 10 employers held from 10 to noon, following employer breakfast and seminar from 7:30 to 9 a.m., includes career center tours.
* Franklin Hampshire Career Centers – Greenfield, Northampton and Orange: Job fair at Greenfield Career Center from 9 to noon with 15 employers.
* FutureWorks Career Center, Springfield: Job fair from 4 to 7 p.m. with 30 employers; workshops on job fair preparation for adults and youth the week before Career Day.
Last year, more than 183,000 job seekers received assistance and more than 7,200 employers posted job openings through the Career Centers statewide. For more information on Career Day events, visit www.mass.gov/careerday
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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles.
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours.
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
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