Commonwealth Conversations: Jobs

Skills Gap: Supply and Demand in the Massachusetts Economy

 Posted by Alison Harris

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Commonwealth Corporation partnered with the
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s New England Public Policy Center to produce and disseminate new labor market supply and demand data.

• Robert Clifford, a policy analyst from the New England Public Policy Center, presented demographic and employment trends, as well as data on the post-secondary degrees granted by institutions in that region. Press Release about the reports can be viewed below, and each one provides a link to view and download the report.
• The events inspired lively discussion around solving the supply and demand gap. The summits were attended by staff from community colleges, workforce boards, career centers, elected officials, business leaders, and numerous stakeholders striving to close the skills gap.

Eight regional labor market data reports were released at regional events around the state.

Cape & Islands

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/new-research-regarding-cape-and-island-workers.html

Pioneer Valley

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/pioneer-valley-region-.html

Northeast Region

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/northeast-region-challenged-in-creating-skilled-workers.html

Central Mass

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/new-research-central-mass-has-fastest-growing-pop-.html

Southeast Region

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/new-research-on-those-acutely-impacted-by-the-recession.html

Boston/Metro North

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/123.html

Berkshire Region

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/new-research-finds-berkshire-region-facing-challenge-.html

Metro South-West

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/metro-south-west-challenge-creating-new-skilled-worker.html

For more information about this series of reports, contact Nancy Snyder, CEO & President of the Commonwealth Corporation, at 617.727.8158.

2012 Hire Veterans Month - The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Announces Career Events

Employment activities are taking place throughout the Commonwealth’s One-Stop Career
Centers with many partners participating to support our Veterans.

November 6, 2012
Greater New Bedford Career Center
Fall Veterans Job Fair, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Veterans Only)
618 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA
Contact: Steven Martins, SMartins@detma.org

November 6, 2012
JobNet One-Stop Career Center
Fall Veterans Job Fair, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
210 South Street, Boston, MA
Contact: Michael Falasca, michael.falasca@state.ma.us

November 7, 2012
North Central Career Centers                            
North Central Job Fair, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Veterans Meet and Greet, 8:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.
Wachusett Village Inn
9 Village Inn Rd.,Westminster, MA
Contact: James Chamberlain, JChamberlain@detma.org
Kristine Libertucci, KLibertucci@detma.org

November 7, 2012
JobNet Career Center 
Veterans Job Fair, 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
New England Center for Homeless Veterans
17 Court Street, Boston, MA
Contact: Sarah Gonzalez , sarah.gonzalez@nechv.org
Michael Falasca, MFalasca@detma.org

November 7, 2012    
Franklin Hampshire Career Center
Veterans Job Fair, 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Veterans Only)
One Arch Place, Greenfield, MA
Contact: Gary Howe, GHowe@detma.org
Ronald Matuszko, RMatuszko@detma.org

November 8, 2012
Bunker Hill Community College
Learn about academic programs and more, 6:00 p.m.-7:30pm
250 Rutherford Ave., Charlestown, MA
www.mass.edu/gopublic

November 8, 2012
BerkshireWorks Career Center
Tips for Veterans on Resumes, Interviewing, and a Workshop on How to Get Security Clearence,  10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
160 North Street 3^rd fl., Pittsfield, MA
Contact: David Nash dnash@detma.org
Registration Required

November 11, 2012
Plymouth Senior Center
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, 10:30 a.m.
10 Cordage, Park Circle #108, Plymouth, MA
Contact: Jim Quigley, Jim.quigley@mail.house.gov

November 12, 2012
Career Point Career Center
Veterans Day Job Fair, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
850 High Street, Holyoke, MA
Contact: Kate Smith, ksmith@careerpointma.org
Linda Candage, LCandage@detma.org

November 13, 2012
FutureWorks Career Center
Small Business Development Workshop, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Federal Street, Springfield, MA
Contact: Kevin Lynn, klynn@getajob.cc
Registration Required

November 13, 2002
Lowell Career Center
Veterans Benefits and Energy Job Fair, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
107 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: Cathy Byrnes, CByrnes@detma.org
Registration Required

November 14, 2012
Plymouth Career Center 
Veterans Job Fair, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Veterans Only)
36 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth, MA
Contact: Mike Kelley, Mkelley@detma.org

November 14, 2012
Taunton Career Center
Veterans Career and Resource Fair, 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
The Taunton Holiday Inn
700 Myles Standish Boulevard, Taunton, MA
Contact: Eric Alberto, EAlberto@detma.org

November 14, 2012
Lowell Career Center
Veterans Resources Information,10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
107 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA
Contact: Cathy Byrnes, CByrnes@detma.org

November 14, 2012
Fall River Career Center
Job Fair and Career Information Session, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Veterans Only, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)
1 Government Center, Fall River, MA
Contact: Diane Nadeau, DNadeau@detma.org

November 14, 2012
North Shore Career Center of Lynn 
Hire Heroes Reverse Job Fair, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
181 Union Street, Lynn, MA
Contact: Laurie Glynn, LGlynmn@detma.org

November 14, 2012
The Career Place Career Center
LinkedIn for Veterans, 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Trade Center Park
100 Sylvan Rd., Woburn, MA
Contact: Paul Reynolds, Preynolds@detma.org

November 15, 2012
Lowell Career Center
Veterans Job Fair, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ( Veterans only -10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.)
107 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA
Contact: Cathy Byrnes, CByrnes@detma.org
John Stepaniak, JStepaniak@detma.org

November 15, 2012
North Central Career Center Gardner
Career Directions for Veterans Workshop, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
25 Main Street, Gardner, MA
Contact Jim Chamberlain, JChamberlain@detma.org
Kristine Libertucci, KLibertucci@detma.org

November 16, 2012
Workforce Central Career Centers
Veterans Job Fair, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Auburn/Webster Elks Lodge
754 Southbridge Street/Rt. 12, Auburn, MA
Contact: Larry Corbin, LCorbin@detma.org
Jennithan Cortes, JCortes@detma.org

November 16, 2012
The Career Place Career Center
Building Relationships
Veterans Employment Workshop, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Trade Center Park
100 Sylvan Rd., Woburn, MA
Contact: Paul Reynolds, PReynolds@detma.org
Registration Required

November 16, 2012
BerkshireWorks Career Center
Labor Market information for Veterans,  2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
160 North Street 3^rd fl., Pittsfield, MA
Contact: David Nash dnash@detma.org
Registration Required

November 19, 2012
CareerWorks Career Center
Veterans Benefits and Resources, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
34 School Street, Brockton, MA
Contact: Kara Galvin, kgalvin@donahue.umassp.edu
James Schmit, Jschmit@detma.org

November 27, 2012
Valley Works Career Centers
Veterans Career Fair, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Northern Essex Community College
Technology Center
100 Elliot Street, Haverhill, MA
Contact: Eric Nelson, ENelson@detma.org

November 27, 2012
Career Source Career Center
Multi-Industry Job Fair, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Veterans Only)
Holiday Inn
30 Washington Street, Somerville, MA
Contact: Laurie Holman, lholman@detma.org
Sibylle DeCarlo,sdecarlo@detma.org

November 27, 2012
The Career Place Career Center
Video Resume for Veterans, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Trade Center Park
100 Sylvan Rd., Woburn, MA
Contact: Paul Reynolds, PReynolds@detma.org
Registration Required

November 28, 2012
The Career Place Career Center   
Veterans Job Fair, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Veterans Only)
100 Sylvan Rd., Woburn, MA
Contact: Paul Reynolds, PReynolds@detma.org

November 28, 2012
North Central Career Center Leominster
Human Resources Panel Discussion for Veterans, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
100 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA
Contact: Jim Chamberlain, JChamberlain@detma.org
Kristine Libertucci, KLibertucci@detma.org

November 29, 2012
Quincy Career Center
Veterans Job Fair, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Veterans Only)
152 Parkingham Way, Quincy, MA
Contact: Fred Myerson, FMyerson@detma.org
Mike Carco, MCarco@detma.org
Laura Hoitt, LHoitt@detma.org

November 29, 2012
North Central Career Center Leominster
Career Directions for Veterans Workshop, 9:00 a.m.
100 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA
Contact: Jim Chamberlain, JChamberlain@detma.org
Kristine Libertucci, KLibertucci@detma.org

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein Hails Amesbury Sealing Products for Workers Safety Program

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) recently celebrated Amesbury Sealing Products for being one of only eleven companies in the Commonwealth to be awarded a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certification. 

The SHARP is a joint venture between the Occupational and Health Safety Administration (OSHA) at the United States Department of Labor and the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) which is with EOLWD. A tour of the plant facility was conducted with company management followed by a presentation of a SHARP flag and certificate to the company’s owner. All of the company’s employees proudly participated in the recognition ceremony. 

Amesbury Sealing Products is located in Amesbury, and the facility employs approximately 55 people. It manufactures a line of standard and custom weather stripping and sealing products for use in windows and similar components. 

SHARP is a national program which provides incentives and support to smaller (fewer than 250 employees) high-hazard industries. DLS administers and enforces this program through their OSHA Consultation Program. Businesses that choose to pursue SHARP must work with their own employees as well as DLS to develop, implement, and continuously improve the effectiveness of their workplace safety and health programs.

At the recent site visit, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Joanne F. Goldstein was impressed with the company’s safety standards: “Amesbury Sealing Products has demonstrated the willingness and the commitment to expend time, effort, and resources on making workplace safety and health a priority at their facility. They have created a workplace safety culture that embraces employee involvement. The SHARP certificate at Amesbury Sealing Products is another great example of this Administration’s commitment to public-private partnerships.”

SHARP recognizes employers who have exemplary safety and health programs that result in the immediate and long-term prevention of job-related injuries and illnesses. For more information about becoming a SHARP company, please visit, http://www.mass.gov/lwd/labor-standards/on-site-consultation-program/sharp.html

Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards Promotes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

National Lead Poisoning Prevention week is October 21-27, 2012.  This year’s theme is “Lead-Free
Kids for a Healthy Future.” 

Childhood blood lead screenings in Massachusetts have revealed lower childhood blood lead levels over time; a byproduct of education, outreach, and diligence by parents, pediatricians, and health intervention specialists. 

While highly toxic lead-based paint was banned in 1978, it remains in an estimated 24 million housing units, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  This presents a significant exposure risk for children, workers, and consumers. Lead dust and chips resulting from remodeling or painting are poison.  Adults who work with leaded materials must protect themselves from lead hazards.  Lead poisoning is a preventable medical condition, and preventing it is achievable now more than ever.  Proper clean-up of leaded dusts and debris is not unusually difficult or time consuming. 

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) takes the opportunity to remind Massachusetts residents about the legal requirement by contractors to control lead dust incurred during residential renovation activities in pre-1978 residential properties and child-occupied facilities. 

Hire only a licensed Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor for your renovation, repair, or painting work on your home or child-occupied facility built prior to 1978.  For a list of licensed contractors, visit www.mass.gov/leadsafe.

The DLS provides education and outreach to workers, contractors and property owners.  DLS also checks job sites to see that renovators have been trained, are licensed, and are performing the work in a lead-safe manner.

For more information about lead-safe renovation regulations, deleading and adult lead exposures, please visit our website at www.mass.gov/leadsafe.

National Association of State Workforce Agencies Honors Massachusetts One Stop Career Center in Plymouth

The Patrick- Murray Administration is dedicated to supporting innovative efforts for the state’s Veterans. Massachusetts offers a fully integrated and inter-connected Workforce Investment System comprised of 16 Workforce Investment Boards operating over 30 One-Stop Career Centers. All of the Centers take pride in the provision of Priority of Service to Veteran customers.

The Plymouth Career Center, one of the Commonwealth’s One-Stop Career Centers, received the Mark Sanders Award for Exceptional Service to Disabled Veterans from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. The prestigious award is given to a local office or a One-Stop Career Center for delivering exceptional services to Veterans seeking employment assistance and for the establishment of an innovative program they created called VET NET.

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein was joined by Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Congressman William Keating, State Rep. Tom Calter, Representative Viriato (Vinny) deMacedo, Veterans, staff, and volunteers to celebrate this achievement at a recent gathering at the Career Center. Staff associated with the award were present along with Veterans and volunteers who worked together to create VET NET.  

VET NET Plymouth on LinkedIn currently has over 500 members from Massachusetts and across the nation, including many hiring managers and recruiters who are looking to recruit Veterans. This Internet access allows Veterans, and those with service-related disabilities to connect with other Veterans and employers from across the country and around the globe, regardless of their physical limitations. VET NET Plymouth is also unique in that it is operated by both the Center and Veteran job-seekers.

Join VET NET Plymouth Group on www.LinkedIn.com To find a one-stop career center near you, please visit: www.mass.gov/careercenters

September Job Fairs

Posted by: Bridget Freeley, EOLWD Communications Intern, Haverford College

The start of September brings the end of summer’s warm days as the crisp fall air settles in. This time of year not only marks a change in temperature, but also celebrates the country’s workforce on Labor Day. Although Labor Day traditionally represents the last day of summer, it also celebrates the spirit of hard work, thereby making it the perfect time to begin the job search.

As I start to apply for future internships and jobs, I am beginning to understand how daunting the job application process can be. However, as my summer internship with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development concludes, I realize that Massachusetts provides so many great resources to assist in the job seeking process.

The EOLWD has 34 One-Stop Career Centers located all around Massachusetts that offer a variety of job preparation workshops, job fairs, and employer recruitment events. These workshops help job seekers structure their resumes, write cover letters, and strengthen their interviewing skills. Once these job seekers have gained the necessary expertise they need, they can connect with employers at one of the many job fairs or employer recruitment events occurring regularly throughout Massachusetts.

Labor Day celebrates the importance of this country’s workers. This holiday not only celebrates their spirit, but also the crucial role they have played in the success of our nation. Consistent with this celebration of hard work, there are many workshops, job fairs, and recruitment events happening this fall at several of our 34 One-Stop Career Centers. Find the One-Stop Career Center nearest you by visiting the career centers search page.

Here is a list of upcoming job fairs and employer recruitment events that are happening this month:

Career Source Chelsea’s Employer Recruitment will feature on-site recruitment by employers who are hiring on September 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Orange’s Franklin/Hampshire Reliable Temps Recruitment connects job seekers with a staffing company in the North Quabbin Area on September 5, 12, 19, and 26.

On September 17, Hyannis’ Career Opportunities will host a Latham Centers Recruiting event. Latham is seeking Residential Counselors for various Cape Cod locations.

On September 19, the Plymouth Career Center will host a Job Fair. The Workplace Career Centers will hold a Fall Job Fair at the Boston Public Library.

On September 20, the Fall River Career Center will feature Advanced Home Care Services, which is seeking Certified Home Health Aides and Certified Nursing Assistants.

On September 25, the Fall River Career Center will host the FedEx Home Delivery Job Fair for temp drivers.

On September 26, Career Source Cambridge will offer a speed networking event.

The Summertime Job Search

 Posted by: Brittany Ciccketti, EOLWD Communications Intern, Suffolk University

As the second month of my internship with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) fast approaches, I reflect on all of the job search knowledge I have gained throughout the summer. This office is the perfect place for me to work because I am in the process of searching for a full-time job. Before this internship, my job search mainly consisted of applying to jobs through the use of the internet. Now I know that this is not the only option.

Not sure you have the skills you need to get a job? EOLWD can help. There are countless job readiness events and workshops available where you can gain the skills you need to get a new job.

Find the Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center nearest you by visiting our career center search page.  Your local career center can provide more information so you can track upcoming job fairs and workshops that occur in your area.

A few upcoming job readiness events include:

7/16 - Worcester Job Search Strategy Workshop
7/20 - Federal Employment Workshop
7/23 - Southbridge Job Search Strategy Workshop

These workshops provide job seekers with a variety of job readiness skills. Topics include building your portfolio, networking, researching companies, applying on and offline, navigating career web sites, attending job fairs, and seeking temporary employment.

Once you have the skills you need, attend one (or more!) of the many job fairs coming up throughout Massachusetts. Employers are eager to hire. These job fairs are great opportunities to network with local employers and see which companies have openings. While summer may be a time of fireworks and celebrations, don’t forget to spark your job search by attending one of these helpful events!

Here are a few summer job fairs:

8/1 - Quincy Career Center’s Career Fair
8/15 - Chart your course to a new job Multi-Industry Job Fair
8/22 - North Central Career Centers’ Summer Job Fair
8/28 - Lowell and Lawrence Summer Job Fair

Boots to Business Kickoff July 12 – Sign Up Now!

   

Posted by: Beth Costa, Veteran Employment & Training Program Manager, EOLWD 

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Mass. Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Mass. Department of Veterans Services, is launching Boots to Business, a free program that provides returning veterans with resources and connections that facilitate a successful transition into the civilian workforce.

If you are a veteran, we hope you will join us at the program’s first event on Thurs. July 12 at the Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf , Boston, MA, from 7:45 – 9:15 a.m.

At the event, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Boots to Business and meet in-person with Greater Boston’s most successful business executives – many of whom are aligned with the specific backgrounds and experiences of military veterans. Various local industries will be represented, including financial services, management consulting, technology, and others. You will also be welcome to participate in a panel discussion that will include government and business leaders.

In addition to direct access to employers from the region’s business community, the event will feature opportunities for you to identify a mentor who can guide you through the process of securing long-term employment.

Boost the number of employment opportunities available to you by participating in Boots to Business.  Learn about best practices and develop strategies to transition from military to professional life. Brush up on your knowledge of interview techniques, HR expectations, required job skills, and continuing education opportunities.

No matter your age, experience, or area of interest, Boots to Business will help you enter the next phase of your life and lay the foundation for a successful civilian career.

Download Boots to Business Flyer

RSVP IS REQUIRED: For more information or to confirm your attendance, please contact Beth Costa at 508-990-4121 or bcosta2@detma.org.

WHO: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Department of Veteran Services

WHAT: Boots to Business Kickoff

WHEN: Thurs. July 12 from 7:45 – 9:15 a.m.

WHERE: Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf , Boston, MA

Early Summer Job Fairs

 Posted by: Richard Sheward, EOLWD Senior Communications Intern, Brandeis University

Although the first official day of summer is one month away, it already feels like it’s arrived here in Massachusetts! When most of us think about summertime in the Commonwealth, images of lobsters, beaches, family barbeques, and rising temperatures come to mind. However, it’s also important to remember that the job market also tends to heat up during the summer months. For many employers, the summer months signal a time to hire both seasonal and long-term staff members.

Consider the 34 Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers, which provide events and workshops that assist individuals with their job searches and career exploration. Visit our website for upcoming events and job fairs at Career Centers.

Consider the following job fairs:

• 5/23/12 – ValleyWorks Career Center's/Career Center of Lowell’s Merrimack Valley Job Fair
• 5/23/12 – Boston’s 12th annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair

Next month, mark your calendar for:

• 6/1/12 – First annual “Hiring Heroes” job fair for Everett Veterans
• 6/5/12 – The Catalyst Career Group’s Diversity Job Fair of Boston
• 6/7/12 – Employment and Training Resources’ Job Fair
• 6/15/12 – Workforce Central Career Center's Youth and Young Adult Job Fair 2012
• 6/18/12 – National Career Fairs’ Boston Career Fair
• 6/18/12 – BioSpace 2012 BIO Career Fair (biotech focus)

Spring Job Fairs

Posted by: Erin Goodyear, EOLWD Communications Intern, Emerson College

Searching for a job? I can relate! While I’ve been working as the Communications Intern for the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development for several weeks, I can’t help but wonder what is next.

Luckily I work in an office that focuses on jobs and, most importantly, helping people find them. This month there are several opportunities to explore the job market in Boston and beyond. On April 18^th in Pittsfield, BerkshireWorks is hosting Job Fair to Job Offer, an event that will prepare applicants for the hiring process. A week later in Melrose, The Career Place is hosting the Spring Multi-Industry Career Fair. There are also job fairs that are specifically geared towards helping veterans find jobs, such as the Veterans Job Fair on April 25^th at Northeastern University. Senior citizens, age 55 or older, can benefit from a specialized job fair on April 25^th in Pittsfield at the Senior Aide Program. No matter what your background, there is a job opportunity waiting for you!

The number of job fairs that take place every month is truly remarkable. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself on the EOLWD’s homepage. Simply scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Find a Job” link. The top of the page slides through several upcoming job fairs, but you can find even more if you click on the “Search Events” tab at the top of the page, enter “Job Fair” in the keywords box, and click “Search.” You will be presented with a long list of upcoming fairs and recruitment seminars that give the time, event, and place. It is the perfect tool for finding programs to assist you in your job search.

With so many resources available to find jobs, network, and prepare for employment, searching for a job is much easier than it once was. After working in this office this semester, I know that when the time comes and I begin to look for a long-term job, I will have a plethora of resources at my disposal to explore and help me in my search.