What's Happening?
The MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board's Youth Programs Team was recognized with the Business Collaboration Award by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The award, presented at the Massachusetts State
House, acknowledges the team's efforts in connecting over 280 youth, aged 14 to 25, with paid internships across various industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, early childhood education, clean energy, and robotics. These internships provided hands-on experience and exposed young people to high-demand careers. Governor Maura Healey highlighted the team's innovative work in building employer relationships and supporting youth development, which strengthens the regional workforce pipeline. The Youth Programs Team's initiatives align with Massachusetts' YouthWorks initiative, focusing on providing youth with paid work experience and career skills development.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of the Greater New Bedford Youth Programs Team underscores the significance of workforce development initiatives that provide young people with real career opportunities. By connecting youth with internships in high-demand industries, the program not only enhances their skills but also addresses regional workforce needs. This collaboration between government, employers, and youth-serving organizations demonstrates the value of investing in the future workforce, which is crucial for economic growth and sustainability. The award highlights the importance of creating pathways for underserved youth, ensuring they have access to career exploration and leadership development, ultimately contributing to a stronger local economy.
What's Next?
The Youth Programs Team plans to continue expanding employer partnerships and increasing access to career pathways for underserved youth. Their ongoing efforts aim to align programming with regional workforce needs and statewide priorities, ensuring that young people are prepared for long-term success. As the program evolves, it will likely focus on enhancing collaboration between schools, employers, community partners, and workforce boards to produce meaningful outcomes for youth. The continued support from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and local stakeholders will be essential in sustaining and growing these initiatives.
