ABOUT THE MASSHIRE BERKSHIRE WORKFORCE BOARD

The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board (BWB) plays a vital role in advancing workforce development and meeting the evolving employment needs of rural Berkshire County. As a business-led, nonprofit organization, BWB provides strategic leadership, oversight, and informed guidance to foster a workforce system that is innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of employers and job seekers across all industries.

BWB cultivates strong partnerships, leverages resources, and champions effective workforce solutions that promote a skilled talent pipeline, thriving businesses, and equitable access to meaningful career pathways. The organization is committed to expanding opportunities for residents and youth to secure quality employment and long-term economic stability.

Among its signature initiatives are data-driven, industry-aligned talent pathway programs tailored to unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers. In addition, BWB prioritizes early career engagement by preparing young people for college and careers through integrated career awareness, skills development, and work-readiness experiences.

Through strategic investments that address today’s most pressing workforce challenges, BWB is strengthening the regional economy and advancing a more equitable, accessible, and opportunity-rich community.

Since 1980, the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board—also known as the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc.—has served as Berkshire County’s primary planner and convener for workforce development initiatives. Established under federal and state legislation, the Board brings together leaders from business, education, labor, and community-based organizations to shape public policy and strengthen the regional workforce.

Appointed by the Mayor of Pittsfield, the Board comprises experienced leaders who represent all 32 communities in Berkshire County. In addition to overseeing federally funded employment and training programs, the Board addresses critical labor market challenges and builds strategic partnerships across economic development, education, government, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and labor sectors.

To develop partnerships, generate resources, and advocate for workforce solutions that result in a skilled workforce, prospering businesses, and equitable access to meaningful career pathways and quality employment for residents and youth.

The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board’s vision is a thriving, inclusive, and resilient regional economy where businesses, residents and youth have equitable access to workforce development resources and to quality employment opportunities. We envision a better future for people, youth and businesses of Berkshire County through meaningful work and sustainable growth.

As a leader in workforce development, Berkshire Workforce Board is committed to having Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion embedded into the programs and services we offer, reflected in the people we impact and our workplace culture. Our vision of a society where upward economic mobility is possible for all – cannot be accomplished alone, but through the collective efforts and support of our staff, partners, board members and the communities in which we live and serve.

Berkshire Workforce Board helps employers build a competitive advantage by using data-driven, tailored grants designed to maximize impact with a focus on empowering diverse communities to solve their biggest workforce challenges. These programs aim to equip current and future generations with the tools they need to succeed in the marketplace by strategically investing in today’s most pressing workforce needs while creating a more equitable and accessible society. Incumbents and unemployed workers can each access the resources and networks they need to grow their career.

Berkshire Workforce Board creates opportunities for youth and young adults to define an early career trajectory and reach their highest potential. Through a mix of in-person, hybrid, and virtual work experiences, innovative programming, dynamic partnerships, and comprehensive work readiness training, we meet the emerging needs of employers and foster career exploration for participants. Our hands-on career readiness curriculum, combined with tangible outcomes, supports participants in gaining sustainable and fulfilling employment. Since 1992, the BCREB has strived to improve the core competencies and readiness of Berkshire youth (ages 14-21) to be successful workforce contributors. The BCREB prepares youth to be ready for college and careers by integrating career awareness, skills building and work readiness opportunities into school, out-of-school programs and work-based learning opportunities.

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OUR STAFF

Heather Boulger
Heather BoulgerExecutive Director
Heather Shogry-Williams
Heather Shogry-WilliamsYouth Director
Sara Milano
Sara MilanoIndustry Training Consultant
Kat Toomey
Kat ToomeyYouth Program Specialist
Bryana Malloy
Bryana MalloyManager of Industry Relations & Berkshire Market Maker