
WORKFORCE TRAINING FUND
What is the Workforce Training Fund? The Workforce Training Fund provides up to $250,000 in resources to Massachusetts businesses to train current and newly hired employees.
The Workforce Training Fund Express is targeted to small employers — with 50 employees or less — and labor organizations. Applicants must choose a training course or program from a pre-approved training directory. Applications may be submitted online at any time. Grants are up to $3,000 per employee per course and up to $15,000 per year per employer.
The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund will provide up to $500,000 to the Berkshire Region to develop a sectoral training strategy for critical industries in the region. The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. will be taking the lead in developing a strategy for the healthcare and applied technology industries in our region. We will also be partnering with Older Worker Community Based Organizations to apply for an older worker component to assist the travel/tourism and retail industries. For more information, please contact Heather Boulger at (413) 442-7177.
RETENTION
WorkSharing – WorkSharing allows workers in an entire company, a company department or even a small unit within the company to share reduced work hours while also collecting unemployment insurance benefits to supplement their reduced wages.
Training Pro – Approved training programs and providers.
Department of Revenue – Child Support Enforcement
Safety Training Program Grants – Department of Industrial Accidents – Monies for workplace safety training.
United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development – Business loans and grants.