Commonwealth Conversations: Jobs

Patrick-Murray Administration Releases YouthWorks 2011 Report

Posted by:

Nancy Snyder, CEO of Commonwealth Corporation

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development's Commonwealth Corporation today released data from last year's successful YouthWorks program.

• During the summer of 2011, the Patrick-Murray Administration’s YouthWorks saw a 25% increase over that year’s targeted number of youth with jobs. In 2011, the Administration provided YouthWorks with $9 million in funding that allowed it to enroll more than 5,200 youths across the state in its summer and year-round programs.
• One of Governor Patrick’s top priorities has been to improve opportunities for young people not just through education and closing the achievement gap, but also by giving them the opportunity to work, and reducing the likelihood of youth violence. The Governor has urged the private sector to contribute to these efforts through providing jobs, internships and employment opportunities.
• To advance these efforts, the Patrick-Murray Administration has partnered each year with the Legislature to fund YouthWorks. YouthWorks partners with local workforce boards, employers, and youth to ensure that young people get work experience.
• Governor Patrick continues to seek funding for such initiatives through 2013, which will afford employers the resources to increase the number of opportunities available to the youth of Massachusetts.
• The Governor included $8.6 million in his budget to support youth employment during the school year and the summer of 2013. This will insure plenty of time and sufficient resources to connect young people to high-quality work experiences with local employers.
• Fifteen percent of youth in the 2011 summer program were at-risk: homeless, in foster care, or court-involved. Programs like this are critical for youth who need an outlet from negative environments and who use their wages to help support their families.

To view the report, please visit http://www.commcorp.org/resources/detail.cfm?ID=955

EOLWD, JTF, and AGO Bring Enforcement Actions Against Contractors on Pulte Homes Construction Sites

 Posted by Joanne Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development

We’re pleased to announce today that the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the Joint Enforcement Task Force on the Underground Economy and Employee Misclassification, and the Attorney General’s Office recovered more than $141,000 in outstanding revenue for Massachusetts’ unemployment system and ordered numerous subcontractors working at Pulte Homes sites in Eastern MA to pay more than $400,000 in unpaid wages and penalties.

We recognize that most businesses maintain good business practices. Unfortunately, these are the very businesses that are hurt by those that do not. We scrutinize businesses that misclassify workers, fail to pay employees for service, and evade contributions to the state’s unemployment insurance fund. These are unacceptable strategies to gain competitive advantage.

Legally, businesses need to carry workers compensation and unemployment insurance coverage. They put employees at risk and they take advantage of taxpayers when they fail to do so. As I mentioned to the press, we will not tolerate employers or developers who proceed without coverage.

We welcome information and tips that help us open investigations such as this. Workers who believe that their rights have been violated are strongly urged to call the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465, or the Joint Task Force Referral Line at (877) 965-2267, or visit the Joint Task Force website at http://www.mass.gov/lwd/eolwd/jtf/ to submit a complaint via email.  More information about the wage and hour laws is also available in multiple languages at the Attorney General’s Workplace Rights website at www.massworkrights.com.

For more information about the outcome of this investigation, please see our press release at http://www.mass.gov/lwd/press-releases/actions-against-contractors-on-pulte-homes-.html.

“Workforce Development in Practice”

Posted by Joanne Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development

On November 30th, at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, a new series, "Workforce Development in Practice” was launched by the Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public corporation within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The series is geared toward bringing tools and best practices to professionals in workforce development and human resources. At the event, we released a new guidebook on Measuring the Business Impact of Workforce Development Programs.

Historically, the workforce development system has focused on measuring the outcomes of participants in their programs, but has not been as consistent in identifying and measuring the impact of workforce programs on addressing issues for businesses that strengthen their competitiveness through talent development.

Measuring Business Impact is important in a number of ways.  It documents and demonstrates to funders and stakeholders the value of workforce development programs.  It forces partnerships to articulate specific goals and expectations and design programs to achieve those goals and meet those expectations.  And it helps to market workforce development to other employers who may not have partnered with the system in the past.

As you all know, the current economy has increased the demand for workforce development services in a very challenging public funding environment.  State revenues have not fully recovered from the recession and federal support for workforce development has been shrinking and will probably continue to decrease.  Therefore we need to ensure that we are using our resources as efficiently and as effectively as we can and measuring business impact along with participant outcomes helps us to assess the return on tight resources.

There continue to be opportunities for us to invest in workforce training. The Workforce Training Fund is now a Trust Fund, not subject to annual appropriation and therefore a much more steady and predictable source of support for the ongoing skill development needs of workers and businesses.  If you are a business and you pay into the Workforce Training Fund, you are eligible to apply for a grant.  I would encourage you to look at the new rolling application on the Mass.Gov website.  We are also targeting services to small businesses with a new consortium application that allows small businesses and a convening organization to come together in applying to the Fund.  This way you can pool your training needs and rely on the consortium applicant to manage the administration of the grant.

• Please visit www.commcorp.org to review the new guidebook.

 

 

Marketing Your Military Service

Posted by Brandon Fox, Senior Communications Intern, EOLWD, Emerson College, 2011

“Marketing Your Military Service” Kicks Off Hire-A-Vet Month

For our Veterans returning home, readjusting to civilian life can be quite a challenge. Finding employment is an even greater task.

Veterans experts on staff at EOLWD, in a public/private collaboration with Suffolk University and the Department of Veterans’ Services from the state's Health and Human Services Secretariat, launched “Marketing Your Military Service,” a free career seminar for Veterans who are unemployed or looking to advance their careers.

The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by EOLWD's Brett Casavant (U.S. Marine Corps) and Suffolk University’s a cappella singers Rampage performing the National Anthem.  The performance was followed by opening remarks from Suffolk University's Acting President and Provost Barry Brown, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein, and Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services Coleman Nee,(U.S. Marine Corps).

Representatives from Massachusetts’ One-Stop Career Centers and other professionals helped Veterans learn how to market their military skills when applying for civilian jobs. Participants were quizzed on their knowledge of the job interview process. Veterans were urged to become “experts in marketing and sales” and were given the chance to practice their new skills in mock interviews.

After a networking lunch, seminar participants had their resumes reviewed and browsed the Expo, which featured diverse Veterans organizations, staff from Massachusetts' Attorney General's Office & the Treasurer's Office, and Suffolk Alumni from many professions.

Veterans who attended the seminar have written to express their gratitude towards Suffolk University, EOLWD, and DVS for hosting the event. We look forward to continuing to provide Veterans with the resources they need to find work and acclimate to life at home. Stay tuned for similar events in the future and be on the look out for all job fairs for veterans happening across the Commonwealth this month.

  

EOLWD's Brett Casavant and Home Base Program's Nick Dutter are interviewed by Greater Boston on WGBH. See the video here.

 

Barry Brown, Acting President and Provost, Suffolk University

Joanne F. Goldstein, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development

Seminar participants in a workshop.

Marketing Your Military Service

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

On Wednesday, November 2, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) will partner with Suffolk University to host a free Career Seminar for job-seeking veterans.

The full-day seminar, “Marketing Your Military Service”, will provide the advice, resources and tools necessary for job-seeking veterans to properly maximize Massachusetts’ resources available for veterans entering or returning to the workforce. Secretary of Veterans’ Services Coleman Nee as well as Suffolk University’s Acting President and Provost Barry Brown will be on hand for opening remarks. Secretary Nee will then lead the first panel of the day.

A Resource Expo will take place in the afternoon. Highlights include: Asian American Civic Association, Helmets to Hardhats, Home Base Program, Suffolk University Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Suffolk University Office of Graduate Admissions, Suffolk University Law School Office of Admissions, There & Back Again, Veterans Upward Bound, Vet Center, Veterans Training School: New England Center for Homeless Veterans, and Vocational Rehabilitation Program: VetSuccess. The day will conclude with individual resume reviews facilitated by representatives from EOLWD, the state’s One Stop Career Centers and Suffolk University human resources professionals. Participants are encouraged to bring resumes and cover letters for review.

Refreshments and a complimentary lunch will be provided. 

For more information, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/eolwd/vetseminar 

RSVP IS REQUIRED to Laura Piscopo, lpiscopo@suffolk.edu

WHO: The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Veterans’ Services and Suffolk University
WHAT: “Marketing Your Military Service”
WHEN: Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
WHERE: 73 Tremont Street 9^th Floor Boston, MA  

One Stop Career Centers in Cambridge, Fall River, Hyannis and Worcester Honored During Older Workers Week

Posted by: 
Director George Moriarty, Department of Career Services

 

As part of Older Workers Week (September 18 – 24), the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development joined the Executive Office of Elder Affairs for an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, September 22 to honor four One Stop Career Centers for their exemplary work on behalf of older workers.

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein spoke:

“I am proud to honor these four Career Centers for their work on behalf of our older workers” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein. “They each have successfully worked with businesses and individuals to make sure that older workers have the skills, training and resources necessary to thrive in today’s workplace. Massachusetts is outpacing the nation in recovering from this global economic crisis because of our investments in our workforce and we will continue to focus our attention on programs such as these as our population ages.”

The following One Stop Career Centers received awards:

Cambridge’s One Stop Career Center – Career Source

 
Secretary of Elder Affairs Ann L. Hartstein, Career Source Director Linda Rohrer, Director of Career Services George Moriarty

Cape Cod and the Island’s One Stop Career Center – Career Opportunities

 

Secretary of Elder Affairs Ann L. Hartstein, Career Opportunities Director Kris Dower, Director of Career Services George Moriarty

The Fall River Career Center

 
Secretary of Elder Affairs Ann L. Hartstein, Fall River Career Center Director Joe Viana, Director of Career Services George Moriarty

Worcester’s One Stop Career Center - Workforce Central

 
 Secretary of Elder Affairs Ann L. Hartstein, Workforce Central Director Don Anderson, Director of Career Services George Moriarty

The Career Centers were nominated by Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) coordinators in their regions.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work based training program for older workers. Authorized by the Older Americans Act, the program provides subsidized, service-based training for low-income persons 55 or older who are unemployed and have poor employment prospects. Participants have access to both SCSEP services and other employment assistance through One-Stop Career Centers.

There are 34 One Stop Career Centers located throughout the Commonwealth committed to providing job seekers with the quality resources, assistance, and support to get back to work. Please visit www.mass.gov/careercenters  to find a Career Center near you.

Secretary Goldstein Visits Worcester

  Posted by Bonnie McGilpin, Deputy Director of Communications, The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

 

Last week, Secretary Joanne F. Goldstein visited Worcester’s Workforce Central Career Center where she met with jobseekers and career center and Workforce Investment Board staff, sat in on a GED preparation class and learned about the recent STEM initiatives in Central Massachusetts.

 
(photo courtesy of Sean McGauley, Central Mass Workforce Investment Board)

Workforce Central helps Central Mass jobseekers get back to work by offering extensive job search assistance, career counseling, coaching on job search skills and workshops on a variety of job search strategies. 

During her visit, Secretary Goldstein recognized the hard working Worcester staff of the Department of Unemployment Assistance and the Department of Industrial Accidents.

The Secretary’s visit came on the heels of Worcester being ranked third for job growth in a recent Business Journal quarterly analysis of 100 metropolitan job market data. Worcester’s job growth has been an impressive 4.3 percent over the past twelve months. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced earlier this month that Massachusetts added 12,700 jobs in the month of July and the unemployment rate remains well below the national average at 7.6 percent.

My Summer Interning at the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

 Posted By: Ali Inglese, EOLWD Summer Communications Intern

My time spent as an intern for The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development was an immensely gratifying and educational experience. I spent those sweltering and sticky summer days in a refreshingly air conditioned office compiling important press clips, helping to prepare a department newsletter, attending job fairs, and sitting in on official meetings and public relations discussions.

The highlight of the internship was when I had the opportunity to attend a veteran’s roundtable at Boston’s One Stop Career Center JobNet. I was able to talk one-on-one to local veterans, JobNet employees, and Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray! Many Massachusetts veterans struggle finding jobs after being in the service. Having the chance to listen to veterans expressing their concerns and our elected officials actively engaging reiterated the importance of communication.

Here is a short video of our experience at the event! Enjoy!

 

Commonwealth Corporation Research Featured in Front Page Boston Globe Article

Posted by:

Nancy Snyder, CEO of Commonwealth Corporation

At a summit held earlier this week in Worcester, the Commonwealth Corporation presented research that finds that older workers are expected to account for nearly 27 percent of the Massachusetts workforce by 2020. The reports, entitled The Increased Presence of Older Workers in the Massachusetts Labor Market and Retaining Older Workers, were joint projects with the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University and Community Matters.

The studies find that certain industries have become increasingly dependent on older workers. In 2010, nearly 19 percent of the workers in the professional and business services were at least 55 years old. In Educational and Health Services, nearly one in four workers (24.3 percent) were 55 years or older. And, in repair, maintenance, and personal services, 28.2 percent of workers were 55 years or older.

The research also finds that because of the aging population, the medium age of the Massachusetts population and workforce will continue to increase. In 2009, one out of four people in Massachusetts (25 percent) were 55 years or older, and the medium age was 39. By the year 2030, nearly one out of three Massachusetts residents (32 percent) will be 55 years or older, and the medium age will increase to 40.2.

We are pleased that the Boston Globe today highlighted the research in a front page story, A jobs pinch for the ages.

The Commonwealth Corporation has, and will continue to invest in older worker retaining strategies.  In 2010, six businesses and one industry association were awarded with Older Worker Retention Strategy grants find and design successful strategies to retain and support older workers.

 

Mortgage Assistance Available for Unemployed Homeowners

Homeowners MUST apply by July 22

Posted by: 
Director George Moriarty, Department of Career Services

The Patrick-Murray Administration is encouraging out-of-work homeowners to apply for interest-free loans now available through the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP) being administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and NeighborWorks America. Massachusetts is eligible for over $61 million in assistance, a welcome relief for homeowners struggling to keep up with mortgage payments.

Homeowners interested in applying must meet certain qualifications including having experienced an income drop of at least fifteen percent due to job loss, wage cuts, or health emergencies, and be at least three months behind in mortgage payments. Income requirements differ by region.

Potential borrowers must complete a Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet before July 22. EHLP counseling agencies will then evaluate completed screening worksheets to make an initial, informal
pre-determination of household eligibility. Selected homeowners will then be asked to meet with a EHLP counselor to submit required documentation.

To find out more and complete the pre-applicant screening documents, visit http://www.findehlp.org or call 855-346-3345.