Program
BayStateWorks is the new name of the Building Essential Skills through Training (BEST) Initiative. It uses state resources to award employer-driven partnerships that design and deliver skills training, education, and career pathway development for incumbent workers, the unemployed, and the underemployed.
Need
In 2001 research conducted by MassINC showed that nearly one-third of Massachusetts workers lack the literacy, education, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace. Employers report that lagging worker skills affect their productivity and success. Workers report that they lack opportunities for education and training to advance at their jobs.
Solution
Through a competitive bid process, local workforce intermediaries partner with employers and education and training providers to devise education, training, career coaching, and career pathway solutions to increase employer productivity and improve worker and supervisor skills. New training can lead to wage gains and career advancement as well as business impact.
Impact
Eleven workforce investment boards and nine community-based organizations lead BayStateWorks projects in partnership with employers from the following sectors: education, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and human services. Worker wage gains and business impact are tracked and will be measured over time.
