PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire was selected by Jobs for the Future (JFF) as a funded participant in their Inquiry into Building Regional Skills-First Ecosystems initiative. 

 

This initiative will use community-informed insights and ideas to lay the foundation for support for regional, skills-based economies, stated a press release.

 

As one of only 12 regionally based organizations participating nationwide, 1Berkshire will partner with JFF and local stakeholders across the Berkshires to examine the conditions, opportunities, and challenges involved in advancing skills-based talent management practices.

 

1Berkshire's specific focus in this initiative is centered around supporting the growth, retention, and advancement of the regional hospitality sector workforce, in order to support resident and visitor experience. 

 

This widening gap, as identified in the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0 and other regional needs assessments, represents an important workforce and skills-first opportunity in one of the largest economic clusters in the Berkshires, continued a press release.

 

"We know, especially in the past six years, that our robust food, hospitality, and accommodations businesses have faced enormous workforce gaps, ultimately impacting their success, operations, and capacity" said 1Berkshire Vice President of Economic Development, Dr. Benjamin Lamb. "Our acceptance into the JFF initiative is incredibly timely and has the potential to unlock our region's ability to deploy skills-first workforce approaches that not only sustain existing industry operations, but bolster the quality of customer experience and earnings potential for workers across this sector." 

 

Through this initiative, which is made possible through support from Walmart, 1Berkshire will engage cross-sector partners from education, workforce, industry, and community organizations to learn more about their activities, resources, and needs for advancing skills-based practices.

 

JFF defines skills-based talent management as an approach that prioritizes demonstrated skills, rather than degrees or traditional credentials, as the primary currency for hiring, advancement, and talent development. 

 

During the first half of 2026, community-driven insights will inform an actionable set of next steps for making skills-first strategies a reality in the region. If selected to proceed to the Implementation Phase of this effort, additional funding and support will be provided by JFF to begin putting these action plans into practice to strengthen pathways to quality jobs and more inclusive economic opportunity.