The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund will provide up to $500,000 to the Berkshire Region to develop a sectoral training strategy for critical industries in the region. The Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc. will be taking the lead in developing a strategy for the healthcare and applied technology industries in our regoin. The BCREB will also be partnering with Older Worker Community Based Organizations to apply for an older worker component to assit the travel/tourism and retail industries. For more information, please contact Heather Boulger at (413) 442-7177.

The Extended Care Career Ladder Inititiative (ECCLI) - Commonwealth Corporation works in conjunction with the Nursing Home Quality Initiative to enhance the quality of long-term care in Massachusetts.  We assist long-term care employers in the design of unique education opportunities, career ladders, and positive workplace practices which lead to improved patient care and employee retention rates in their facilities. Direct-care workers, managers, and supervisors receive occupational training.

The Berkshire Bay State Works Grant - provided 106 employees from 25 companies the opportunity to upgrade their skills in leadership development, CISCO, Applied Engineering and Business Services.