SPRINGFIELD, Mass.  — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $14.4 million to hire 3,786 youth and young adults for summer and year-round jobs through the state's YouthWorks program. 

 

Berkshire Training and Employment, Inc. will provide participants with hands-on learning and placements, including automotive and welding, through partnerships with employers in the region— $345,600 to engage 50 youth.

 

The administration also launched the Youth Employment and Skills (YES) initiative, designed to connect employers with opportunities to support youth employment and skills development across Massachusetts. 

 

Employers and can visit mass.gov/YES to learn how to get involved and help build a statewide network dedicated to supporting youth employment.

 

Since 2023, nearly 19,000 youth and young adults gained employment through YouthWorks, administered by Commonwealth Corporation and in partnership with MassHire regional workforce boards, local community-based organizations, municipalities, and employers for job placements from camp counselors to IT to communications.

 

"We're connecting almost 3,800 young people to jobs and skills training across Massachusetts at a time when employers need talent and young people are looking for opportunity," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're bringing those together by creating real pathways to work, skills, and success. These experiences help young people build their future while helping businesses grow and compete. That's why we're saying yes to youth jobs and yes to the future of our economy."

 

Lt. Governor Driscoll and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones announced the YouthWorks grants and YES Initiative during a youth employment roundtable in Springfield. 

 

Employers interested in hiring or employers with plans to hire this summer are encouraged to visit www.mass.gov/YES to join the administration's YES Initiative.

 

For summer 2026 and school year 2027, the 16 MassHire regional workforce boards across the state will receive nearly $14.4 million in grants. The grants will fund paid, short-term work placements throughout the year at public, private, and nonprofit work sites, with the highest engagement expected during the summer months. 

 

Participants will receive essential job readiness training, mentorship, and the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals in their areas of interest. Additionally, participants will be guided on how to further their education and career pathways.