PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board proudly announces the ongoing success of a $500,000 grant awarded by the Commonwealth Corporation to fund 18 healthcare industry training programs. Running from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, the grant, part of the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, has been instrumental in advancing workforce development in Berkshire County.

During this period, the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board has judiciously distributed the funds, resulting in 113 individuals successfully completing training out of 138 enrollments. Notably, 75% of the graduates found job placements within one month, with a starting wage of up to $20 per hour. The grant has facilitated no-cost training opportunities for Berkshire County residents aspiring to build careers in the healthcare sector.

Partnerships with prominent healthcare institutions such as Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) and Integritus Healthcare have been pivotal in the program’s success. Berkshire Health Systems will have conducted 11 training sessions by the grant’s completion for a 3-week Nursing Assistant Training program. Notably, participants are hired by BHS on the first day of training, with guaranteed employment upon program completion.

Integritus Healthcare, through the grant’s support, is sponsored to host 7 sessions for a 5-week Certified Nursing Assistant Training program. Trainees benefit from the opportunity to take their CNA exam at no cost, thanks to the Berkshire Workforce Board’s sponsorship through the WCTF Grant.

The MassHire Berkshire Career Center has played a vital role in the success of this initiative. Their dedicated team has spearheaded recruitment, marketing, case management, and comprehensive trainee support. The Career Center has also organized two or more healthcare trainee job fairs annually, facilitating connections between trainees and Berkshire healthcare employers.

“The upcoming completion of this $500,000 grant signifies a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing workforce competitiveness in the healthcare industry,” said Bryana Malloy, Industry Relations Manager at MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. “We are so grateful for the collaboration with Berkshire Health Systems, Integritus Healthcare, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center, which has been pivotal in the success of this endeavor. We look forward to continued success in advancing the Berkshire Workforce!”

To explore opportunities for hiring skilled healthcare training graduates or to expressinterest in upcoming training programs, we invite employers and individuals alike to connect with the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. For comprehensive details about the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board and its diverse range of programs, please visit https://masshireberkshire.com/.

About MassHire Berkshire

MassHire Berkshire meets the employment needs of businesses and workers by supporting partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations. They design and execute workforce development programs across the Berkshires that strengthen the skills of Berkshire youth and adults. They create training programs and pathways to connect people to an array of employment opportunities and career readiness activities while meeting the needs of business. www.MassHireBerkshire.com

Berkshire Health Systems Nursing Assistant Trainees

Integritus Healthcare CNA Training Graduates