The Healey-Driscoll Administration granted 125 businesses across the Commonwealth a total of $10.9 million Workforce Training Fund Program Awards, a press release stated.
Peabody’s Bertolino Foods, Kaloutas & Co, and Shawmut Communications group were three of the 125 businesses that received these grants, according to the release. Bertolino Foods was awarded $84,000 to train 36 workers, and six additional jobs are expected by 2026; Kaloutas & Co was awarded $145,600 to train 39 workers and eight additional jobs are expected by 2026; and Shawmut Communications Group was awarded $121,100 to train 25 workers, and three additional jobs are expected by 2026.
The grants are administered and distributed by the Commonwealth Corporation and “aim to address business productivity and competitiveness by providing funding to Massachusetts businesses to train current and newly hired employees,” according to the press release.
“The Commonwealth Corporation projects more than 6,600 workers will receive skills training in the workplace and grant recipients will add more than 1,400 additional employees in Massachusetts over the next two years,” the press release stated.
Workforce Training Fund Program grants are available for businesses of all sizes, with the greatest use applied by small to medium-sized businesses, according to the press release. The Workforce Training Fund Program offers two types of grants — Express Program and General Program.
The Express Program grants provide “fast and flexible access to grant-funded training designed so that small businesses can quickly and easily access funding to address immediate needs,” the release stated. The General Program, which are two-year grants, are used for “large-scale, strategic training projects.”
“Massachusetts is the best state to live in and a great place to work and innovate. That’s in large part due to our investments in businesses and the workforce,” Gov. Maura Healey said in the release. “These grants provide the resources needed to help build a pipeline of skilled workers, allowing our businesses to remain competitive and helping them grow and expand.”
“Investing in workforce through vital training and upskilling is a recipe for success, not only for our businesses but for our state as a whole,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said in the release. “These grants help expand our skilled talent pool for employers, strengthens our competitiveness, and allows our economy to prosper.”
