Priority Sectors
Many regional efforts are underway through the Berkshire Workforce Board, working collectively with our employers, education/training providers and community partners to assist in developing solid career pathways and recruitment and retention activities to help the Berkshire business community thrive.
Healthcare and Social Assistance
The healthcare and social assistance sector employs the largest number of employees (11,500) in Berkshire County, and includes a range of companies and non-profit organizations that provide diagnostic, preventive, curative and therapeutic services through hospitals, doctor offices, medical groups, rehabilitation and long-term care organizations. Click here for pathways in healthcare.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector in Berkshire County employs more than 6,500 people and is the fifth largest industry sector in the region. Advanced manufacturing services use innovative technology, high-precision equipment and engineering methods to improve products and processes through production, engineering, advanced materials, defense and medical and life sciences. Click here for pathways in manufacturing.
Hospitality and Tourism
The hospitality and tourism sector is the region’s fourth largest industry sector in Berkshire County employing more than 600 workers. This industry consists of hotels/inns, restaurants and food service enterprises, recreation and attractions and other supporting industries that attract visitors to the region. Click here for pathways in hospitality/tourism.
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 regoin. The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board will also be partnering with Older Worker Community Based Organizations to apply for an older worker component to assit the travel/tourism and retail industries. For more information, please contact Heather Boulger at (413) 442-7177.
Berkshire Compact for Education – Raising the aspirations of young people for college and career readiness. Youth Programs include College Visits for 3rd & 6th graders; Eight grade North County Career Fair; Readiness Center; Wee Read Berkshire County; 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program; and Berkshire United Way’s You First! Day of Caring.
Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund
Berkshire Compact for Education
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 BWB will be taking the lead in developing a strategy for the healthcare and applied technology industries in our region. The BWB will also be partnering with Older Worker Community Based Organizations to apply for an older worker component to assist the hospitality/tourism and retail industries.
Berkshire Compact for Education – Raising the aspirations of young people for college and career readiness. Youth Programs include College Visits for 3rd & 6th graders; Eight grade North County Career Fair; Readiness Center; Wee Read Berkshire County; 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program; and Berkshire United Way’s You First! Day of Caring.