Resources › Events

IT/Tech Talent Strategies at Work: Active Solutions to Create a More Diverse and Work Ready Talent Pipeline for the IT/Tech Sector

March 1, 2017

See the rest of this Moment on Twitter

IT/Tech Jobs for All? The Challenges and Opportunities of Meeting the IT/Tech Workforce Demands

September 16, 2016

This forum is the first in a series of three that will mark the beginning of a greater dialogue on how to narrow skill gaps, increase diversity, and provide greater opportunities in ICT [Information Communication Technology] for all Massachusetts residents. We’ll need to address difficult issues, including racial segregation, gender stereotypes, access to college, outdated state and federal policies, and social biases. To succeed, we need an authentic dialogue with all voices present. Together, we can build upon the Bay State’s existing success in ICT and expand the pipeline of talent to the benefit of our businesses, communities, and residents. [Read More on our Blog]

Download: ICT Presentation | Full Report

Job Training: Works, Pays and Saves!

January 26, 2016

At an event at the State House, SkillWorks and the Job Training Alliance (JTA) released their impact report on quality job training programs: “Job Training: Works, Pays and Saves.” This report, supported by SkillWorks, contains extremely compelling data proving the significant return on investment on quality job training programs for the participants served, taxpayers, and the economy as a whole. 

Looking at graduates from the 12 non-profit, community based training programs included in the study, some notable outcomes include:

The report analyzes the social and economic impacts gained from high-functioning training programs which prepare individuals for successful, long-term careers in growing industries. The full report can also be found on the JTA’s website: http://jobtrainingalliance.org/sites/default/files/JTA%20Impact%20Study.pdf

Speakers at report's launch event included: Senator Ken Donnelly, Representative John Scibak, Ron Walker, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Carmine Guarino, Senior VP of Citizens Bank, Jeff McCue, Commissioner of the Department of Transitional Assistance, John Barros, Chief of Economic Development for the City of Boston, and SkillWork's Trinh Nguyen. Each speaker expressed steadfast support of and commitment to quality community based job training and workforce development programs and more broadly commitment to improving the lives of low-income Bostonians and Massachusetts residents and to ensuring that employers have an accessible pipeline of skilled talent.

READ MORE: 1 Page Summary | Full Report

New Coalition Formed to support Career and Vocational Technical Education in MA

January 22, 2016

In a packed space at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boson on Friday, January 22nd, members from the business, workforce, education, nonprofit, and government sectors came together to celebrate the launch of the The Alliance for Vocational and Technical Education (AVTE) and to highlight the importance of the Career/Vocational Technical Education system in Massachusetts.

The AVTE outlined how CVTE is essential to economic development across the state, and presented key policy recommendations. Governor Baker and his Workforce Skills Cabinet joined us and shared their support for the Alliance and CVTE across the state.



The program also included highlights of a report commissioned by AVTE that examines public perceptions of CVTE, presented by Barry Bluestone, Director of the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University. Click here to read the full report.

To learn more about the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education and their policy recommendations, check out their new website and one-pager!


The Boston Foundation, City of Boston & JPMorgan Chase, announce $1.2 million investment in SkillWorks: Partners for a Productive Workforce

November 18, 2015 at Boston City Hall

Featuring: Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Boston Foundation President and CEO Paul S. Grogan, and Head of Corporate Responsitiblity for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Peter Scher.

Read the press release!

Workforce Solutions Group's 6th Annual Massachusetts Jobs and Workforce Summit: The Future of Work

October 14, 2015 at Devens Common Center

SkillWorks took part in the planning process and proudly sponsored this year's 6th Annual MA Jobs and Workforce Summit:The Future of Work, hosted by theWorkforce Solutions Group, which took place on October 14th. We heard inspiring calls to action from the Senate President, three state agency Secretaries, three college Presidents, the Attorney General, numerous business leaders, and varied labor and workforce leaders. We heard about the impact of automation on the workplace, the challenges of the gig economy, and best practices for youth employment programs.

Find more information and highlights in WSG's most recent newsletter and check out SkillWorks' Facebook page for some pictures of the day's events!

Building Massachusetts' Skills to Compete: A Gubernatorial Candidates Forum

July 16, 2014 @ Roxbury Community College

featuring Donald Berwick, Martha Coakley, Evan Falchuk, Steve Grossman and Jeff McCormick

Moderated by Peter Howe, NECN

Forum Sponsors and Hosts:

  • SkillWorks: Partners for a Productive Workforce
  • Workforce Solutions Group
  • The Boston Foundation
  • Boston Healthcare Careers Consortium
  • Boston Opportunity Agenda
  • Boston Private Industry Council
  • Boston Opportunity Youth Collaborative
  • English for New Bostonians
  • Job Training Alliance
  • Year Up Boston

Download our policy platform

 

Video of the event can be found HERE and photos can be found on our Facebook page!