BCC Awarded State Grant For CDL Programming
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Governor Maura Healey today announced $1.5 million in workforce training grants to all 15 Massachusetts community colleges to help more than 500 unemployed and underemployed adults gain the skills they need to pursue good paying jobs across Massachusetts.
In Berkshire County, Berkshire Community College was awarded $67,458 for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training.
Announced during Massachusetts STEM Week, the funding will support training programs in high-demand industries, including health care, advanced manufacturing, information technology, education, and transportation.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Education Secretary Steve Zrike, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Interim Commissioner of Higher Education José Luis Santos, and education and workforce leaders at MassBay Community College in Framingham to announce the Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants. The awards support the administration's efforts to make education and workforce training more accessible, strengthen Massachusetts' workforce and help employers fill critical jobs.
"Every Massachusetts student deserves the opportunity to build a career and earn a good living," said Governor Maura Healey. "That's why we made community college tuition and fee-free and why we're continuing to invest in workforce training across the state. These grants will help more than 500 adults gain the skills they need to get good-paying jobs while helping Massachusetts employers find the talented workers they need to grow."
Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, the TRAIN grant program supports community colleges in providing industry-specific workforce training and support services for adults entering or returning to the workforce. Programs are designed to meet regional workforce needs, help participants overcome barriers to employment and prepare them for career opportunities in growing industries across Massachusetts.
"STEM education is about creating opportunities for people at every stage of their lives, whether they're just beginning their education or looking to build new skills and change careers," said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. "These grants will help more adults across Massachusetts access the training they need to reskill, upskill, and pursue careers in high-demand industries. STEM Week is an important reminder that learning doesn't stop at graduation, and our community colleges are helping make lifelong learning possible."
"By expanding access to job training and employment, Massachusetts is creating more pathways for adult learners to pursue meaningful careers?while?building?the skilled workforce?for employers?to grow and compete," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. "TRAIN grants reflect our continued commitment to preparing untapped talent?with?skills and credentials and strengthening talent pipelines for?employers in regions and communities?across the state."
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