Massachusetts job training programs.
If you need help finding a job in Massachusetts, then the state may be able to assist. Several services and assistance programs are offered, most of which are available at One-Stop Career Centers. Resources can help the currently unemployed or residents who want to gain new skills or an education. Other programs can assist veterans, seniors, and younger workers in Massachusetts. The leading resources available in the state are below.
Information on most of the programs are offered at One-Stop Career Centers in Massachusetts. These sites are paid for by the federal government and on-site staff can help workers find jobs and also assist employers with finding qualified workers. Many services are offered in partnership with non-profit community organizations.
Some of what may be administered include the following. Individuals can access career counseling services, job listings, workforce readiness training, job search workshops, information about grants and loans, and more. Counselors provide clients with other employment-related services, including job fairs and screening. Additional assistance programs include.
- Listings of open positions in Massachusetts and occasional job fairs.
- Career counseling, including free skills assessment. Candidates can also use the Massachusetts Career Information System, or MassCIS, employment tool.
- Work with a specialist to conduct online job searches, resume posting, and get free internet access.
- Workshops can help candidates develop interview skills, perform resume writing, and use the latest software. Also access printers, telephones, paper, copy machines, and the use of fax machines.
- Information is widely available at One-Stop Career Centers. This includes student loans and grants, apprenticeship programs, special services for those with disabilities, TAFDC and SSI recipients, veterans, youth, and ex-offenders.
While most of the core services in Massachusetts are free (such as self-assessments and online job search) some enhanced services may have minimal fees. Charges may be imposed for mock interviews, one-on-one career counseling, or resume evaluations.
While each career center will vary slightly, in general you will need to register at the site. Then an orientation will be required. After that process is complete the resources will be made available to you, including their online resources.
The Massachusetts Adult and Dislocated Worker Program is also paid for by the federal government. It can help the unemployed and low income receive employment and training. A focus is on those who are economically disadvantaged and fired, or dislocated workers. An Individual Training Account is provided to participants, and they will use this to pay for training from an approved list. The program also helps employers in the state by training workers to meet their needs.
All applicants need to be over 18, with priority to lower income families. Another priority is for Dislocated workers, who are defined as people that have been laid off or have receiving impending termination notices. Self-employed and displaced homemakers may also be found qualified for assistance by the state of Massachusetts.
Those who qualify for the Adult and Dislocated Worker Program may receive what is known as Core Services. This includes one on one self-assessments, access to job postings and career information. One-Stop Career Centers also offer computers, printers and more to those who qualify.
Other assistance can be provided in the form of case management, development of individual employment plans, resume evaluations, adult education and literacy, and occupational skills training. Career Centers may also provide financial assistance for support services such as government subsidized child care and transportation.
The training services administered in Massachusetts are for job seekers who have received intensive services but still cannot find life sustaining work that will allow them to be self-sufficient. Those seeking a job need to have the skills to successfully complete a training program, select a program related to current openings, and meet other conditions. Low income applicants get priority for government training funds.
Apprenticeship Training in Massachusetts combines on-the-job learning with related technical instruction. This option can allows workers the ability to earn wages while learning a skilled trade under the supervision of an experienced journeyperson.
Job Corps is a education program and technical training program for low income Massachusetts residents who are between the ages of 18 and 24. It can help teach job and social skills to disadvantaged young adults. The goal is independence and from good-paying jobs.
Low income and unemployed residents over the age of 55 can receive a part time job and experience from the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This is also called the Massachusetts Senior Aide Program. It can place participants into part-time paid community service assignments for on-the-job training. The main goal of the Senior Aide Program is to provide unemployed, lower income senior workers the work experience, job search skills, and training they need to find unsubsidized jobs in the private sector.
Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Labor and as well as the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Applications and more information is available at One-Stop Career Centers. Priority is for veterans and qualified spouses, seniors over 60, and the disabled.
Some benefits include an assessment of your job aptitudes and readiness. Also create an Individualized Employment Plan (IEP) with a career counselor. You may be placed into paid on-the-job training in a community service assignment, such as a library or senior center. Also get confidential annual physical exams as well as referrals for support services such as transportation, food programs, and low income housing assistance.
TAFDC Employment Services Program can assist those who are currently unemployed. They can receive government subsidized part time employment, job search assistance and training, and education.
Trade Adjustment Assistance is for residents who lost their jobs because of increased foreign trade or competition. Qualified workers can get a wide range of benefits from TAA including job search and relocation allowances, funds for training, cash payments, and public health insurance tax credits. It focuses assistance on those workers in public sector jobs, manufacturing, and service industries. Eligible workers need to work for companies and industries that are impacted by foreign trade and who are unemployed as a result of that.
Some specific benefits of Trade Adjustment Assistance include up to 156 weeks of cash payments if workers are also in remedial training, money for relocation (up to $1500), reemployment services (such as job referrals, resume writing assistance, etc.) at Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers, and 80% of qualifying monthly health insurance premiums from Health Coverage Tax Credits. Another component is the Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance. As funding allows it can pay up to $12,000 for people age 50 or older who are reemployed in jobs paying less than $55,000 per year.
YouthBuild is for low income, at risk teenagers and youth under the age of 21. The state of Massachusetts program helps students get their GED or high school diploma. It offers some so called skilled trades such as carpentry or other construction roles. YouthBuild members will also help their communities by building and/or repairing housing for homeless, senior citizens and low-income residents. Among other benefits, the program provides meaningful work experience, expands the supply of affordable housing, and helps participants and teenagers become responsible members of their communities. The program lasts for up to 2 years.
Many members are involved with the juvenile justice system, facing other obstacles to employment and self-sufficiency, aging out of foster care, or are homeless or getting public assistance in Massachusetts.
Other benefits provided to youth include remedial education, basic instruction, tutoring, English language instruction, and study skills. One-Stop Career Centers also offer personal counseling, peer support groups, substance abuse counseling, mentoring, and referrals. Job readiness training is offered, and attend workshops such as preparing for an interview.
Locations of One-Stop Career Centers in Massachusetts
North Central Career Center 25 Main Street Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 Telephone number for information is 978-632-5050
100 Erdman Way Leominster, MA 01453 dial 978-534-1481
Workforce Career Center Address of the center is 425 Fortune Blvd. – Suite 201 Milford, Massachusetts 01757 Telephone number is 508-478-4300
5 Optical Drive – Suite 200 Southbridge, MA 01550 Dial the location at 508-765-6430
Workforce Central Career Center 44 Front Street – 6th Floor Worcester, Massachusetts 01608 Telephone 508-799-1600
Franklin/Hampshire Career Center One Arch Place Greenfield, MA 01301 Call the office at 413-774-4361
CareerPoint Address: 850 High Street Holyoke, MA 01040 Telephone: 413-532-4900
Franklin/Hampshire Career Center Address: 178 Industrial Drive – Suite 1 Northampton, MA 01060 Dial - 413-586-6506
BerkshireWorks Career Center 160 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 Telephone - 413-499-2220. Call for hours.
FutureWorks The job center is at One Federal Street Building 103-3 Springfield, Massachusetts 01105 413-858-2800
Career Center of Lowell 107 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 Call 978-458-2503 for information on services.
North Shore Career Center of Lynn 181 Union Street Lynn, MA 01901 781-593-0585
Career Center of Salem Stop by the center at 70 Washington Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970 978-825-7200
Attleboro Career Center Address - 67 Mechanic Street Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703 Phone: 508-222-1950
CareerWorks 34 School Street Brockton, MA 02301 508-513-3400
Fall River Career Center Address: 446 North Main Street Fall River, MA 02720 Main number - 508-730-5000
Career Opportunities Hyannis Address - 372 North Street Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601 508-771-5627 Call for free information on job training programs, career counseling, and other support services. Seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the region receive priority.
Greater New Bedford Career Center Address: 618 Acushnet Avenue New Bedford, MA 02740 Telephone number is 508-990-4000
Plymouth Career Center Main address: 36 Cordage Park Circle – Suite 200 Plymouth, MA 02360 Dial the office at 508-732-5300
Quincy Career Center Primary office address - 152 Parkingway Quincy, MA 02169 Call 617-745-4000 for intake.
Taunton Career Center 72 School Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 508-977-1400
Greater Boston Job Centers
JobNet, Address: 210 South Street – 1stFloor Boston, MA 02111 617-338-0809 Other locations include: Boston Career Link, 1010 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02119, Telephone number: 617-541-1400 The Work Place, 29 Winter Street – 4th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, 617-737-0093 or dial toll free 1-800-436-9675 Supports the Suffolk County region. Services are offered for the unemployed and people seeking to start a new career.
Career Source 186 Alewife Brook Parkway – Suite 310 Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone number is 888-454-9675
Career Source 4 Gerrish Avenue Chelsea, MA 02150 Call 617-884-4333
Employment and Training Resources 1671 Worcester Road Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 508-766-5700
275 Prospect Street Norwood, MA 02062 Telephone - 781-769-4120
The Career Place 100 TradeCenter, Suite G-100 Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 Two numbers are 781-932-5500 or dial (888) 273-WORK
ValleyWorks Career Center Heritage Place, 439 South Union Street – Building #2 Lawrence, MA 01843 Main number is 978-722-7000
North Shore Career Center Primary address: 5 Pleasant St. Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930 Telephone number - 978-283-4772
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