Massachusetts has awarded $2.25 million in grants to expand workforce training and employment opportunities for people returning to their communities after incarceration. The funding will support programs serving 445 participants across construction, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, culinary and transportation industries.
The grants were announced September 24 by the Healey-Driscoll administration through the Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program. The initiative is administered by Commonwealth Corporation and funded through the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
Construction is one of the industries targeted by the latest funding round. The Michael English House in South Yarmouth received $213,830 to provide construction-focused training to 36 returning residents in partnership with the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office.
Participants in the program are expected to receive pathways into carpenter positions with employers including Shepley Wood Products, Cape Cod Carpentry Guild, Whitcomb Building and Remodeling, Zinck Concrete and Encore Construction.
Another grant recipient, Community Action Pioneer Valley, received $200,000 to train 42 returning residents for opportunities spanning manufacturing, construction, information technology, culinary services, social services and healthcare.
Community Work Services in Boston received $250,000 to train 50 participants for careers including construction craft laborer and site worker, along with positions in culinary, hospitality, commercial cleaning and other trades.
The latest grants are intended to combine job training with career support and direct connections to employers. Programs will work with workforce organizations, correctional and probation agencies, community groups and businesses to help participants transition into employment.
Since January 2023, Massachusetts has awarded nearly $10 million through the reentry workforce program. The state projects that the investments will serve more than 1,400 individuals returning to their communities.
For construction employers facing demand for skilled labor, the program creates additional pathways into entry-level and trade-related positions. Training programs focused on carpentry, construction labor and related technical skills can help participants move toward employment while expanding the available workforce.
Workforce development remains an important component of construction industry capacity, particularly as contractors seek workers for skilled trades and field operations. Programs that combine technical training with employer placement can provide another route into construction careers while helping participating businesses access new talent.
The Massachusetts initiative also demonstrates how public workforce funding can connect reentry programs with industries that require skilled and entry-level workers, including construction and manufacturing.
Source: Mass. Gov.
