Current Providers

The Breaktime Corps is a 30-week transitional employment and job training program. Here is what participants get from this experience: 

• $9,320-$13,480 in wages 
• $2,600 in Matched Savings Support 
• 520-780 of purposeful, skill-building on-the-job training at a local food pantry, soup kitchen, community health program, or another nonprofit 
• 52-130 hours of job search support, job readiness coaching, and financial counseling 

Our program aims to support motivated, passionate young people (ages 18-24) who are working to transition out of homeless. The on-the-job training experience at Breaktime is not only aimed at launching careers, but it also promotes the overall social and emotional development of every one of our associates. 

This program is offered remotely.

Breaktime's core program is a three-part supported transitional employment program that utilizes partnerships to empower young adults at risk/experiencing housing insecurity. 

This includes 3 weeks of work readiness training and financial education, 3 months of paid job placement at a local nonprofit or business, and 3 years of continued wraparound career, academic, housing, and financial support services. The Breaktime model is uniquely and intentionally designed to support young adults to access high-quality, in-demand job opportunities while equipping them with the skills, financial knowledge, and support necessary for them to acquire long-term stable housing.

After completing the Launchpad program Breaktime connects associates with local nonprofits or small businesses where they work for three months as part of our Liftoff Program. During this time, they earn a living wage of $18+ per hour for 20-30 hours per week while gaining valuable work experience with continued support from Pathway Coaches. Participants have the option to save money every week in a matched savings account where Breaktime matches each contribution up to $50. During Liftoff, Pathway Coaches also work to connect their participants with external supports for mental health, child care, and housing resources.  

At the end of the 13 weeks/3 months, any participant who is not brought on full-time by their placement works with their Pathway Coach to update their resume, compile job postings, and submitting job applications until employment is secured.

HEART offers a 6-week home health aide certificate training program.  The program is offered in partnership with the Home Care Aide Council (HCAC), which awards the HHA certificate to those successfully completing the training.  HEART conducts outreach and recruitment to identify potential participants for the newly forming cohort.  Those interested in applying to the program must attend an online information session prior to submitting an application.  HEART screens applicants and schedules interviews for eligible participants, which are conducted jointly by HEART and the employer partner.  The employer partner makes the final determination about enrollment in the training and agrees to offer employment to those who are awarded an HHA certificate, with employment expected to begin within weeks of the participant receiving their HHA Certificate.

The Heart Home Health Aide training program is a 120-hour training designed to prepare participants to work as home health aides in an agency. The program consists of three essential components. 

Home Health Aide Training: In the Home Health Aide training component of the program, participants are taught the skills and knowledge they need to become Home Health Aides through the ABCs of Direct Care curriculum (60 hours) and the Home Health Aide Add-On Training curriculum (15 hours) with a nurse, developed by the Home Care Aid Council. Both skills training and didactic knowledge training are presented in a balance of hands-on skills, examples, case studies, small group work, and discussions. Participants have a workbook to use to review materials and take notes. They also have access to the new online state program through the Mass Office of Elder Affairs.  

Trauma-Informed, job readiness skills training:  Mother for Justice and Equality's (MJE) “You Matter” program is a pre-employment leadership program designed to develop and strengthen participants' readiness for work and training. Through instruction, reflection, small group, and individual work, participants work closely with the staff to identify barriers that may impact their success in training and as they transition to work.  The program is conducted using a main facilitator and other MJE staff who work in small groups with participants to dig deeper into the issues and barriers they may face during their transition to work. These staff members also work individually with participants on life issues that need more attention. This may include case management for domestic violence, housing, and emergency funds, and food for those in need. During this program participants are assigned weekly tasks to do as homework and work in small groups to process the tasks and develop a future vision. The program has used case studies developed specifically for our trainees to assist with understanding and responding to situations that may come up with clients and agency staff. The program concludes with individuals working with MJE staff to craft an action plan and vision board for moving forward. MJE is an essential partner in the program. The program allows individual issues to surface and MJE staff are there to work with participants to address some of the issues they are facing. Once the 8-week program finishes, participants are then members of the MJE community and are invited to participate in their monthly offerings as well as to access their support services.

Supportive Aide Certificates: The program also offers two additional supportive care certificates in Alzheimer's and Mental Health. Each certificate is a 12-hour program that provides a more in-depth look at Alzheimer's and Mental Health and participants are awarded certificates at the end and are better prepared to work with clients who present with these challenges. The program is on Zoom.

The program consists of 2 tracks, Culinary and Construction. Students rotate for 2 weeks of education and then 2 weeks of culinary training/construction.

YouthBuild provides construction skills training to all students enrolled in the Program. Occupational training, focused on construction, is accomplished through vocational classes taught by qualified instructors, hands-on instruction in our onsite workshop or at partner training sites, or worksites supervised by YouthBuild construction staff.  Participants receive the 10-hour OSHA certification and then move on to the construction skills training utilizing the National Center for Construction, Education and Research (NCCER) and the Homebuilders Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (HBI-PACT) curricula. Construction Trainers instruct from NCCER's 72-hour core curriculum, which provides a comprehensive introduction to worksite safety and industry regulations, construction math, power and hand tools, and construction theory. Generally, participants complete the NCCER Core curriculum within 3 months. NCCER instruction is supplemented by HBI-PACT applicable housing and construction curricula and is also completed within the first 3 months. Participants then advance to NCCER's Carpentry Level 1 curriculum which provides instruction in excavation, framing, roofing, staging, window/door installation, site preparation, and interiors/exteriors.

The Culinary Program will give each student a training program with 1,000 hours of hands-on training and 30 hours of sanitation and food handlers' courses.  Completion of this training will give students an opportunity to take a written test and to perform a live cooking test to complete their American Culinary Fundamentals Certification. This program also gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a catering operation run by YouthBuild Culinary. Students are involved in menu creation, costing out the event, purchasing, food preparation, and event execution.

YouthBuild provides an on-site educational component providing students with instruction focusing on improving numeracy and literacy levels, preparing students for the HiSET exam, which is the high school equivalency degree attainment, and preparation for post-secondary education.   Individualized student learning plans are developed based on assessment of the student's subject knowledge, basic skills level, high school equivalency test readiness, and learning style. The Massachusetts Adult Proficiency Tests as well as the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) are used to assess students' progress and to measure numeracy and literacy gains. The Steck-Vaughn High School equivalency Practice Tests are used to evaluate the student's readiness to take the official high school equivalency Test. 

YouthBuild has received a grant that helps us to provide students with driver's education. Students must obtain their permit first, YouthBuild then pays for the classes and driving lessons. Youth are responsible for paying for their license and passing the road test.

Our Medical Interpreter Certificate training and job placement program is designed to level the playing field for talented, driven low-income and homeless bilingual women. It is free of charge; includes common-sense supports such as onsite childcare, transportation assistance, mentoring, and career coaching; and leads directly into jobs paying $20/hr+ in the fourth fastest growing field in the US. 

Our one-of-a-kind program includes: 

• 100+ hours of medical interpreting instruction using a proprietary curriculum, with advanced skills taught by local leaders in the interpreting field. 
• Anatomy & Physiology taught by professional clinicians 
• 30 hours of Language coaching in small groups under the guidance of an experienced medical interpreters who share each group’s target language 
• 40+ hours of job skills, financial literacy, and professional mentoring support to guide interpreters as they enter the professional arena 
• Unlimited, ongoing professional development and support, as well as direct job placement after graduation 

Upon completion of our Medical Interpreter Certificate Program, our post-graduation supports include: 

• One-on-one career coaching, job search/application assistance (resume writing, mock interviews), and direct job placement
• Monthly Alumnae Association, exclusive weekly jobs digest, Professional Development Scholarships, continuing education workshops

Graduates of our medical interpreter program work with our expert workforce development staff to apply for entry-level positions, attend job training, enhance professional development, and develop leadership skills.  We publish an exclusive weekly Jobs Digest for our graduates, with links to the latest job opportunities in the interpreting, medical, and bilingual worker fields. 

Our Alumnae Association meets monthly and serves as an additional way for continued engagement and provides ongoing support, networking opportunities, and professional development training to our graduates in a group setting. 

ESOL course emphasizes the development of English language learner's communicative competence through speaking, writing, analytical reading, and critical thinking skills. Ventures 3rd Edition is a four-skills, standards-based, integrated-skills series that empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals and also the books implemented in this course. Ventures is aligned to the National Reporting System (NRS) while covering Key English Language Proficiency, College and Career Readiness Standards (CCCRS), and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

This is the description of the program activities by lesson:

• Lesson A - Listening and Speaking: Focuses students on the unit topic 
• Lesson B - Vocabulary & Grammar: Focuses on Grammar 
• Lesson C - Reading: Develops reading skills and expands vocabulary
• Lesson D - Writing: Focuses on supporting students to meet the challenges of work and the classroom through academic and purposeful writing practice
• Lesson E - Another View: Brings opportunities for expansion including problem-solving and life skills 
• Google Classroom: Focuses on cultural competencies, local resources, and building digital literacy skills.

*Each cycle students will attend two additional courses: 1. Building a Resume, 2. Tips for Interview Presentation and One-on-One Sessions in College & Career Advising*

More information:

Class Schedule

• AM Level I, II, III & IV: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30am-11am 
• PM Level I, II, III & IV  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6pm-8:30pm

 Clothing and uniform support is provided as needed by referral to a partner organization.

The PCA curriculum was developed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and MassHealth. 

In addition, two other components have been added to the curriculum.

The Personal Care Attendant Certificate is divided into three sections:

1. The PCA fundamentals are the component where students learn about the requirements needed to successfully demonstrate basic caregiver skills with an emphasis on consumer safety
2. The Workforce Readiness is the section where students are prepared to find employment in the field  
3. Medical Terminology is a critical component of vocabulary building to improve learners' understanding in the medical sector

Resume-Writing Skills
Job-readiness training programs typically help participants create a resume and write practice cover letters. By learning how to format a resume, list experiences, and showcase skills, participants can then use the output to apply for jobs.

Participants learn how to state their abilities truthfully, highlight activities relevant to the job, proofread a resume, create a cover letter, and follow up with a potential employer. For example, a good resume focuses on accomplishment, rather than just duties.

When employers receive hundreds of resumes for a job, they might screen resumes using an applicant tracking system that picks out the best resumes by looking for specific keywords. Job-training students learn how to choose the best keywords for their careers and use them in their resumes and on their LinkedIn pages, which employers also search to help fill jobs.

Improving Interviewing Skills
Getting a job typically requires completing a successful interview. Job-readiness programs typically help participants practice answering typical questions, such as why they are qualified for the job.

Using role-playing exercises, participants learn to listen, avoid talking too much, speak professionally, express an appropriate level of confidence, answer questions, and ask for additional information to show interest in the job without appearing desperate.

The program also helps participants learn what is expected of them during the rest of the hiring process. This program has students go through practice interviews in front of their classmates, who then provide feedback after. Also, this program records practice interviews and then allows students to watch, looking at their word choice, looking at their word choice, eye contact, and body language. The overall objective is for participants to learn about proper etiquette for job interviews. They will also practice responding to interview questions, building impromptu speaking abilities, and getting insight into the unwritten rules of interviewing.

Clothing and uniform support is provided as needed by referral to a partner organization.

Description of Activities: The course provides students with the theory and entry skills necessary to safely provide basic nursing assistant-level care in a long-term care facility or home health care agency.  Students learn the role and responsibilities of the nursing assistant and home health aide within the health care team, including patient and residents' rights, professionalism, communication skills, basic body structure and function, common disorders, rehabilitation and restorative care, infection control, and safety, special care concerns, and basic patient care skills, including vital signs.  

The students will also complete a 4 & 6 hour online Dementia certification; LGBT certificate, CPR/AED certificate, and Home Health Aide certificate. 

Upon completion of classroom and skills practice, students participate in a clinical rotation at a skilled nursing facility, under the supervision of a registered nurse. 

Upon successful completion of this course and successfully passing the MA state nurse aide competency examination, students are prepared to seek entry-level employment as a certified nurse assistant (C.N.A.) and home health aide.

 Must be able to lift 50lbs, push/pull 25lbs, climb stairs, stoop, and stand for long periods of time. A physician's note is required if the student is pregnant, or has an existing medical condition; stating no restrictions.

Availability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends

Students will be required to sign a Hold Harmless document. 

Note 

Wrap-around services could include (but not exhaustive to):

Work Place Behavior & Soft Skill Training, Assistance with On-line Employment Applications, Labor Market Information, Job Development & Referrals, Staff Directed Job Search and Employer Visits, Career and Job Search Counseling, Active Job Search and follow through, Orientation & Membership in a Career Center System, Career Assessment, Case Management Sessions, Resume Development, Cover letters, Networking Skills, Interviewing Skills, Job Matching, Job Readiness Skill Building, Telephone Techniques.

Description of Activities: The course provides students with the theory and entry skills necessary to safely provide basic pharmacy technician support in a community pharmacy. Students will become familiar with prescription reading, filling, inventory control, preparing medications for pharmacists to dispense, preparing labels; calculating quantities; and assembling other pharmaceutical therapies, HIPPA, working effectively within a health care team, including patient and resident rights, professionalism, and communication skills. 

Must be able to stoop and stand for long periods of time. A physician's note is required if student is pregnant, or has existing medical conditions; stating no restrictions.

Must be Available to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends

Note:  

Wrap-around services could include (but not exhaustive to):

Work Place Behavior & Soft Skill Training, Assistance with On-line Employment Applications, Labor Market Information, Job Development & Referrals, Staff Directed Job Search and Employer Visits, Career and Job Search Counseling, Active Job Search and follow through, Orientation & Membership in a Career Center System, Career Assessment, Case Management Sessions, Resume Development, Cover letters, Networking Skills, Interviewing Skills, Job Matching, Job Readiness Skill Building, Telephone Techniques.

The Job Search component is 20 hours per week to include a variety of structured activities. The Supported services include: identifying the student's goals, enhancing their employment skills and supporting their job search strategy.  Career guidance is provided to help identify job opportunities, to assist in job search, resume development and interviewing.  

Note

Wrap-around services could include (but not exhaustive to):

Work Place Behavior & Soft Skill Training, Assistance with On-line Employment Applications, Labor Market Information, Job Development & Referrals, Staff Directed Job Search and Employer Visits, Career and Job Search Counseling, Active Job Search and follow through, Orientation & Membership in a Career Center System, Career Assessment, Case Management Sessions, Resume Development, Cover letters, Networking Skills, Interviewing Skills, Job Matching, Job Readiness Skill Building, Telephone Techniques.

Description of Activities: Designed for individuals receiving non-cash SNAP benefits through the MA Department of Transitional Assistance. This High School Credential Preparation Program is designed for the academically needy job seekers as well as individuals seeking to continue their post high school education who never successfully completed high school. Program will prepare candidates in the five core areas contained in the Hi-SET exam: Language Arts - Reading, Language Arts - Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  Test taking strategies as well as developing good study skills are also emphasized. All students will be assessed in reading comprehension, math, and writing prior to the first class.

Note:

Wrap-Around Services could include (but not exhaustive to):

Work Place Behavior & Soft Skill Training, Assistance with On-line Employment Applications, Labor Market Information, Job Development & Referrals, Staff Directed Job Search and Employer Visits, Career and Job Search Counseling, Active Job Search and follow through, Orientation & Membership in a Career Center System, Career Assessment, Case Management Sessions, Resume Development, Cover letters, Networking Skills, Interviewing Skills, Job Matching, Job Readiness Skill Building, Telephone Techniques.

This course is designed to build the self-confidence and professional demeanor necessary to provide a superior level of customer service in a variety of consumer-based settings. Emphasis is on business etiquette, communication skills, effective questioning techniques, and active listening with real-world customer service application and life skill development. Students will develop resumes, and cover letters, review online job applications, job offers, and support as they begin their employment. 

Structured Job Search will happen after the students complete the class. 

Note:  

Wrap-Around Services could include (but not exhaustive to):

Work Place Behavior & Soft Skill Training, Assistance with On-line Employment Applications, Labor Market Information, Job Development & Referrals, Staff Directed Job Search and Employer Visits, Career and Job Search Counseling, Active Job Search and follow through, Orientation & Membership in a Career Center System, Career Assessment, Case Management Sessions, Resume Development, Cover letters, Networking Skills, Interviewing Skills, Job Matching, Job Readiness Skill Building, Telephone Techniques.

Culinary Program

The course is an entry-level training in the Culinary/Hospitality sector in both front-of-house and back-of-house positions (front desk receptionist, host/hostess, counter attendant, food server, food preparer, line cook, culinary cook, etc.). The training also provides a solid foundation in basic customer service and job readiness. Participants are guided through the fundamentals of the hospitality and restaurant industry, and the importance of customer service. ServSafe certification included. 140 hours of training.

Culinary – 7 weeks

Hospitality – 4 weeks

+ Hotel Front Desk and Hotel Room Attendant Training

+ Evening program

+Hands-on,in-personclassesat the state-of-the-art HCC MGM CulinaryArts

Institute in Hotel Training Suite.

Students will develop resumes, cover letters, review online job applications, job offers and support as they begin their employment.

Structured Job Search is schedule once the academic portion of the class is complete.

Note:  

Wrap-Around Services could include (but not exhaustive to):

Work Place Behavior & Soft Skill Training, Assistance with On-line Employment Applications, Labor Market Information, Job Development & Referrals, Staff Directed Job Search and Employer Visits, Career and Job Search Counseling, Active Job Search and follow through, Orientation & Membership in a Career Center System, Career Assessment, Case Management Sessions, Resume Development, Cover letters, Networking Skills, Interviewing Skills, Job Matching, Job Readiness Skill Building, Telephone Techniques.

A comprehensive job readiness course. Content is geared toward the English communication skills of the client. Class levels range from SPL 0 – SPL 6 (Student Performance Levels 0-6 as defined by the National Reporting System). All four skills are addressed in the program (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking). Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the program — aide in the quality of instruction delivery, improvement of communication skills, gains in digital literacy and positive employment outcomes. 

Job readiness components include: Basic resume and cover letter writing, filling out applications (paper and online), understanding job postings paper and digital), asking about job openings and following up on applications, interview practice, workers’ rights, and American work culture. Clients participate in quarterly interview practice and receive feedback on their performance, attend job fairs and open houses, and meet regularly with an employment specialist, who assists them in their job search. 

This program may be offered remotely.

Students enrolled in EFA receive up to 9 hours of contextualized English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes each week. These classes focus on workplace readiness skills, interview practice, and grammar and vocabulary used in the workplace. In addition, students meets individually with a designated career coach to create an Employment Plan, write a resume, apply for jobs and practice for interviews.

This program may be offered remotely.

The Bridges to College and Careers program (Bridges) is an intensive, 23-week, 460-hour college transition program designed to equip adult learners with the English, math, science and computer skills needed to enter college and complete a post-secondary certificate or degree. The Bridges program offers students multiple career pathways to industry-recognized certificates in high-demand and technical occupations.

The Bridges model of intensive academic support - which includes ESOL, college-level reading, writing and math, and practical study and technology skills - is designed to help adults close learning gaps much more quickly and efficiently than traditional college developmental education classes. Bridges incorporates weekly one-on-one and group coaching support for all students. JVS also provides assistance with navigating financial aid, enrollment in a matched savings account, peer support activities and job placement.

Program components include: a dual-enrollment option for Adult Diploma program students nearing attainment of their high school diploma, a pre-Bridges English for Academic Success (EAS) class as well as Bridges to College pathways in General Studies, Biotechnology and Business/Technology. Depending on their pre-Bridges academic English and math levels, students enter the program directly into a college pathway or they first complete a cycle of English for Academic Success and begin a college pathway in the next Bridges cycle. All Bridges pathways lead students to college certificate/degree programs.

This program may be offered remotely.

Participants can increase their job readiness through career coaching, workshops, online skill building, job search strategies and access to employers, interview clothes, etc. Some clients will enroll in outside vendors for job training or education opportunities. Participants can create an individualized schedule according to their educational and career goals by selecting the services that correspond to their needs and ensure they are engaged in job search or education activities to meet their work requirement, if necessary.

This program may be offered remotely.

This program is designed for students who are interested in a career in long-term care doing direct patient care. JVS' geriatric Nurse Assistant program, Caring for our Seniors, was developed in 2010 in partnership with the region's largest eldercare providers in order to meet the need within the long-term care sector for caregivers with geriatric skills. During the first ten weeks of the JVS program, the JVS nurse's aide curriculum equips trainees with the English fluency, computer literacy, medical terminology, anatomy, working with frail elders and the nursing skills needed to be caregivers in a variety of long-term care settings. The program also includes ESOL, computer classes, customer service, Nurse's aide training, job readiness classes, job placement. The final four weeks take place at the Academy for Healthcare Training where students will prepare for the Certified Nursing Assistant certification examination. In addition, students receive extensive job search skills training and job development services.

This program may be offered remotely.

JVS offers vocational training to meet the needs of students and employers. The professional training programs provide a complete set of skills that enable students to begin careers that are demand in today's job market. Each program consists of a package of courses, along with support such as case management, job placement and post placement. Students receive a certificate upon completion. The Building Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician training program teaches the skills needed for a successful career in a retail or hospital pharmacy. The primary goal of the 12-week training program is to prepare students to pass the national certification exam and to place them in a job as a certified pharmacy technician in retail or hospital settings. Class instruction includes accurate calculations and conversions, medications and anatomy, pharmacy law, hospital basics, customer service and inventory, and an internship in a retail pharmacy. Students receive extensive experience during their externship at a retail and hospital pharmacies. Program length is 33 hours per week for 12 weeks. Once students have successfully completed their classes and graduated, JVS staff assists students in finding jobs in a pharmacy. Recently, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to deliver remote classes to all students who successfully completed and graduated. In early May, we began remote classes for our next group of students despite the Governor's current shelter and place order.

This program may be offered remotely.

Secure Jobs is a rapid employment program designed to help clients who are homeless or at risk of being homeless to begin to stabilize their situation through employment. Clients begin with intensive Job Readiness training provided both individually and in small group settings to help clients learn to: design and write resumes and cover letters, prepare reference lists, research employers, build computer skills particularly applicable to job searching, learn interview techniques and prepare follow-up questions for employers, set up a professional email account, complete online applications, and handle telephone screenings by employers. Secure Jobs staff also work with clients to identify other barriers to getting and keeping employment and create step by step action plans to address these. Post placement, clients receive ongoing support and development of professional skills including: problem solving, communication and other soft skills to ensure clients successfully retain their employment. Clients also engage in longer term goal setting to help them move from initial employment to long term sustainability.

This program may be offered remotely.

The Together We Rise program provides specialized coaching to help participants identify their career goals, and then support them in taking the next steps in one or more of the following tracks: Employment, Education or Training.

Participants will receive up to 1 year of one-on-one coaching to complete the next step identified with their Career Coach. It is expected that participants will work closely with JVS staff as well as complete tasks independently to achieve their goals.

This program may be offered remotely.

VTP is a short-term, intensive skills training program that provides participants with a mix of classroom and experiential learning in one of four industry tracks: Healthcare Client Relations, Research Enrollment Coordinator, Bank Careers, and Food Service. JVS collaborates closely with employer partners to maximize job prospects for participants upon successful completion of the program. 

*The Healthcare Client Relations track, is a 3 week pipeline program which guarantees full-time employment in a Research Enrollment Coordinator role at Mass General Brigham upon successful completion of the program. 

This program may be offered remotely.

This comprehensive 10-month education and vocational training program provides academic remediation and enrichment leading to a HiSet certificate, intensive construction skills training leading to a construction industry-recognized credentials including the HBI-PACT and OSHA certificates, and retail skills training leading to retail industry credentials including the Retail Industry Fundamentals (RIF) certificate. Participants participate in career readiness and life skills seminars throughout the duration of the program.

Academic instruction includes, but is not limited to:

• Math
• Humanities
• Science
• Academic readiness

The pursuit of a HiSET certificate requires participants to pass tests in five core academic areas. The HiSet is awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Construction skills training includes, but is not limited to:

• Rehab and new construction skills & techniques
• Green-standard construction methods
• Pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) Carpentry & Painting.

The pursuit of an industry-recognized certificate-PACT involves intensive classroom, workshop, and community-based construction site training. Training also includes OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration) certification. Training is designed to prepare students for employment in construction and construction-related jobs. 

The retail skills track includes 18 hours of intensive classroom training in the NRF Foundation's RISE Up curriculum that leads to a credential in Retail Industry Fundamentals (RIF). Students who successfully earn this credential will be eligible to participate in 180 additional hours of on-the-job skills training through employers who can offer direct hands-on experience in retail and customer service roles.

Career readiness and life skills seminar training include, but are not limited to:

• Social Emotional Learning
• Leadership
• Communication/Debate
• Media Awareness
• Career exploration & pathways (including PSE awareness & access)

This 34-week intensive occupational skills training includes classroom academic technical instruction and exploration of the IT support occupation with partners/employers via tours and guest speakers. Career Readiness/Workforce preparation seminar will run concurrently throughout the duration of the full program.

Information & Technology training includes, but is not limited to:

• IT Help Desk concepts
• Operating systems and software
• PC Computer Hardware & Support
• Networking technologies
• Customer Service Training
• Career Exploration & Readiness

Participants receive hands-on experience with troubleshooting & maintaining computers, software, networks, and mobile devices.

Career Exploration and Readiness preparation include, but are not limited to:

• History, language and Culture of the Information Technology Industry
• Employment and career pathways in the Information & Technology industry
• Job readiness and job-seeking techniques (e.g. resumes, interviewing, soft skills)
• Microsoft Office Suite & Google Apps

Frequent written reports and oral presentations are required to strengthen the student's communication skills and get them accustomed to public speaking. Examinations and quizzes are administered weekly to assess learned knowledge of presented material and determine the need for remediation/tutoring intervention.

Graduates are eligible to apply for 16 college credits through a partnership with Bunker Hill Community College.

Program graduates can continue to receive weekly job-seeking and placement support, through one-on-one meetings or small-group seminars focused on improving job-seeking skills and identifying positions for which they were trained and/or aligned with their career pathway. Support strives to enhance the participants' skills, increasing motivation and self-confidence to persevere in the job-seeking process.

34 weeks of intensive occupational skills training including 20 weeks of classroom academic instruction and 14 weeks of laboratory skills training. Biotechnology job seminar and Career Exploration run concurrently throughout the duration of the full program. The laboratory skills training is located off-site at the Bunker Hill Community College.

Instruction & lab training include, but not limited to:

• Fundamentals of Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Biology
• Biotechnology Seminar
• Career Exploration

Lab skill training includes but is not limited to:

• Collecting, Organizing, and Analyzing Data
• Use of Liquid Measurements
• Use of Centrifuge and Microfuge
• Solution Preparation and use of pH Meter
• Protein Quantitation and use of Spectrophotometer
• DNA Electrophoresis
• Restriction Analysis/DNA Fingerprinting
• Bacterial Transformation
• ELISA Immunoassay
• Separation of Proteins by Column Chromatography
• Use of Microscopes and the Hemocytometer

Biotechnology Job Seminar and Career Exploration training include, but are not limited to:

• History, language & culture of the biopharmaceutical industry
• Employment and career pathways in the biomedical industry
• Job readiness and job-seeking techniques (e.g. resumes, interviewing, soft skills)
• Microsoft Office Suite & Google Apps

Frequent written reports and oral presentations are required to strengthen the student's communication skills and get them accustomed to public speaking. Examinations and quizzes are administered weekly to assess learned knowledge of presented material and determine the need for remediation/tutoring intervention. Graduates are eligible to apply for up to 8 college credits of science electives through a prior learning assessment with Bunker Hill Community College.

Program graduates can continue to receive job-seeking and placement support.

 Job Search Training activities provided within the STRIVE START (Success Through Attitudinal and Readiness Training) Workshop include 30 hours of live instruction and a minimum of 5 hours of Case Management over 5 weeks. Topics covered include: 

1. Workplace Etiquette: punctuality, time management, positive mental attitude, professional communications skills, professional dress, accepting and applying constructive feedback, managing professional relationships, and teamwork. 
2. Job Search Skills: understanding the hiring process and which employer skills meet industry needs, navigating job search websites, completing job applications, completing a resume, participating in mock interviews, and practicing interview etiquette such as making a good first impression, how to dress and as indicated answer questions regarding past mistakes, gaps in employment, or criminal records, and following up after an interview. 
3. Financial Literacy Education: STRIVE partners with the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Center to bring financial literacy education during the workshop. Topics covered include financial goal setting, money management, banking, basic budgeting, managing and repairing credit, saving for financial goals, and the use of insurance. 
4. Within the Case Management component, each STRIVE participant completes an extensive intake interview providing their Case Manager with information pertaining to their personal and employment history, they complete educational assessments and develop an Individualized Support Service ("ISS") plan that outlines measurable goals. Participants meet with their Case Manager throughout the 5-week program to track their progress with goals and to receive support with referrals to services that address educational, housing, social, and mental/medical health needs. In addition to making targeted referrals, the Case Manager may also coordinate with collaterals to monitor a participant's follow-up on the referrals and services put in place as indicated. 

We will loan laptops to SNAP participants as needed for their job search, education, and training activities. Additional participant support may include assistance with covering costs for childcare, transportation, tests/fees, books/supplies, and clothes/uniforms. 

Job Retention services are provided to each graduate of the STRIVE START (Success Through Attitudinal and Readiness Training) Workshop once they begin employment. For SNAP-eligible clients, their Job Retention services will begin on the first day of their employment and continue for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days thereafter. Employment is verified via pay stubs or other types of verifications provided by the STRIVE client and/or the employer. 

Job retention activities may include on-the-job visits and/or regular communication with our clients and their supervisors. Job retention services typically occur weekly for up to 30 minutes in length for a minimum of 30 days or a maximum of 90 days. This strategy enables us to address any workplace issues, provide additional training, find new employment placements as needed, and provide coaching and support as our clients look to advance in position and develop their careers.

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The Work Participant Program (WPP) is a collaboration between the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the statewide MassHire Career Center network. As a participant you will find and get on a career path that will lead to a secure, successful future. We will help you gain the new skills and training you need to qualify for jobs that are in-demand and pay a wage that reflects your hard work. All participants will:

• become a MassHire Career Center member (for free!) and register through mass.gov/jobquest;
• attend an orientation;
• meet with the job counselor for a career readiness assessment;
• receive transportation assistance if needed; and
• participate in weekly and monthly activities that may include:

JOB COACHING

Get counseling and a career readiness assessment. A job counselor will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality, and skills to identify what will make you successful and satisfied in your work. Then get advice on how to navigate the job, training, and education processes in your chosen industry.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

You may be eligible for training—ranging from one-hour workshops to certificate programs—based on your assessment and what's in current demand. Gain English language skills or get credentialed in machining, healthcare, HVAC, hospitality management, computer information systems, and more, based on availability. Digital resources and offline workshops on resume-writing, leadership, interviewing techniques, professionalizing your online presence, computer software programs, and entrepreneurship will give you the tools and talent that employers really want.

JOB SEARCHING

Find out the best way to look for a job. Organize your search with access to computers, internet, and statewide and national online job listings for 1000s of openings for full-time and part-time work.

NETWORKING

Many people find and get jobs through networked opportunities. Become a member of a job club and make useful business and employment connections that will grow your search and get you hired. To get started on a career path that works for you, visit a MassHire Career Center & let them know that you are a DTA client. To find one, visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center

The  Links Program at MCC is a comprehensive transition to college program that provides its target population of non-traditional learners with the academic, college-going and life skills necessary to attend a college degree or certificate program, and establish a career path. In addition to the coursework, the program includes intensive case management, monthly academic updates, and ongoing advising to ensure that each student develops and completes an Individualized Education and Career Plan; use of a cohort model whereby students complete core classes together, which creates a community of learners who are supportive of one another; and connection to MCC academic and financial aid advisors to ensure a positive, seamless transition to college certificate and degree programs.

To achieve its goal of a positive transition to college level programs, Links provides coursework that addresses the needs of its target audience including developmental pre-college requirements as well as the initial steps to earning college-level credits. Designed to meet the needs of adult and non-traditional students who have attended ESE adult education programs, the Links Transition to College Program offers week-day classes with a schedule that is planned so that students are only required to be on campus two days per week. The courses provided to the students in the Links Program are the same developmental math and writing classes, and the same Interdisciplinary seminars, First Year Experience and Career Exploration, as those taught mainstream at MCC. Links students can also fulfill the required college level English Composition I through the Links Program. A fundamental goal of the Links Program is to ensure that its students have established college level skills in math and English and fulfilled any needed developmental coursework by the completion of Links.

Although students may enter Links with the goal of completing a college degree, their ultimate objective is a job and career path with family sustaining wages. Healthcare is one example of a local in-demand industry that the Links Program helps students connect to, and advance in. For example, Links has helped students who came to the program to gain the math and writing skills to succeed in the entrance exam for the LPN training. Other examples include students who have earned their degrees in Nursing and Radiologic Technology at MCC as well as several students who had their academic start with Links and went on to earn a certificate through the college's Academy of Health Professions such as certificates as Nursing Assistants, Medical Receptionists, Medical OfficeAdministrators.

The program, which was originally offered only at the Bedford Campus, was expanded to the Lowell Campus in FY18 to enrusre that the population of this urban center had access as well and additional courses sections will be offered in Lowell during FY21.

This program may be offered remotely.

The Personal Leadership Training program provides low-income women and men with the opportunity to enhance job readiness and employability. During the 4-week program, participants engage in:

• Personal goal-setting activities and the development of an Individual Action Plan
• Individualized case management
• Goal-oriented financial literacy training; and
• Individualized workforce development trainings such as computer literacy, job readiness and skills training, and professional skills development.

Participants also receive ongoing case management that include mentoring/coaching, wraparound services, job search assistance, referrals to additional training and service programs, and follow-up support as needed.

• Secure employment. These clients will have the option of receiving job retention services through MJE. This includes ongoing case management and mentoring to provide:
  • Continued referral for services
  • Addressing needs/challenges that arise (i.e. changes to housing, childcare, transportation, etc.)
  • Addressing client interest in changing employment or other status as applicable
• Transition to skills training and/or education programs, such as our PCA (Personal Care Assistant )Workshop, Our Technology Training workshop, where clients receive a free new Chromebook and certificate upon completion, Resume/ Cover Letter Support, Financial Empowerment Workshops as well as Entrepreneurship Workshops and more.
• Mothers for Justice and Equality also partners with HEARTs to support case management services while clients are participating in the Certified Nurse Assistant Programs with HEARTS.
• This group will continue to be supported with MJE Case Management as needed or may come back to MJE for job placement or other services following the completion of their training.
• Participate in internships with MJE and/or partner agencies. These are subsidized positions (by grants/contracts) and will include working in administration in an office or health care environment most typically. Internships depend on the client 

MJE has a wide range of existing employment and internship partners. They also work with several community colleges to conduct college tours and college placements. In addition, Mothers for Justice and Equality also supports clients with obtaining certification in fields of interest. MJE anticipates our clients will obtain jobs in retail, administrative, health care, childcare, construction, and related roles. Collaborations occur ongoing, we regularly meet and connect with employer partners through daily interaction as we seek to support our clients.

ESOL Supported Microsoft Office Certificate Program

This 16-week online program for English Language Learners with Intermediate to Advanced English Skills is a series of courses taught by live instructors with much interaction. 

The first course in this series, Digital Literacy, will teach students how to use Outlook to create and manage calendars, Video Conferencing applications such as Zoom and GoToMeeting, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.  Throughout the entire Certificate Program students will participate in supported ESOL studies to improve their English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

The skills portion of this program will include Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Students will acquire the skills needed to complete the Microsoft Office Specialist Expert Certification. With training in current computer applications, students will be prepared to perform the job duties needed to work in an office environment. Students will receive supportive ESOL services while enrolled in this certificate program. ESOL instruction and activities will closely follow the career and vocational curriculum to bolster the skills learned in class. 

The last portion of this training will include Personal Finance Literacy.  Introduction to Personal Finance will cover essential aspects of consumer personal finance consisting of budgeting, debt management, saving, credit and its history, insurance, taxes, investments, and retirement. The goal is to understand the financial system along with products offered and what works best for the individual to make the best-informed decision for their life and different life cycles. Reviewing saving plans, loan options, how to manage your credit, how to become a savvy consumer and save for the future addressing the core and fundamental concepts. This will lead to informed decisions for the future, as their careers and life evolve and change. 

Upon completion students will work with a Career Coach who will provide career readiness, job interviewing, resume building and job search skills. 

Requirements:

Intermediate or higher level (SPL 4/5) –English required. 

*Required Textbook: GO! Microsoft Office 365: Introductory 2019, 1st edition  -- MyLab IT with Pearson eText ISBN-13: 9780135651346

*Please note; students are required to purchase their own textbook prior to start of class.

ESOL Supported Medical Office Front Desk Certificate Program

This 18-week online program for English Language Learners with Intermediate to Advanced English Skills is a series of courses taught by live instructors with much interaction. The Certificate program is designed for those who seek entry-level employment in the medical office field, as well as those currently employed in the medical field who seek additional training.

The first course in this series, Digital Literacy, will teach students how to use Outlook to create and manage calendars, Video Conferencing applications such as Zoom and GoToMeeting, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.  Throughout the entire Certificate Program students will participate in supported ESOL studies to improve their English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

The skills portion of the course will provide an introductory study of medical office procedures, law/ethics, terminology, billing/coding, computer keyboarding, computes in Healthcare along with supportive ESOL instruction in healthcare literacy and career development skills.

The last portion of this training will include Personal Finance Literacy.  Introduction to Personal Finance will cover essential aspects of consumer personal finance consisting of budgeting, debt management, saving, credit and its history, insurance, taxes, investments, and retirement. The goal is to understand the financial system along with products offered and what works best for the individual to make the best-informed decision for their life and different life cycles. Reviewing saving plans, loan options, how to manage your credit, how to become a savvy consumer and save for the future addressing the core and fundamental concepts. This will lead to informed decisions for the future, as their careers and life evolve and change.

Upon completion students will work with a Career Coach who will provide career readiness, job interviewing, resume building and job search skills.

Requirements:

Intermediate or higher level (SPL 4/5) –English required.

*Required Textbook: MindTap: Medical Terminology for Health Professions 12 Months Access, 8th Edition, Spiral bound Version ISBN: 9781305634435

*Please note; students are required to purchase their own textbook prior to start of class. Approx. $30

Advanced ESOL for Health Professionals

This 20-week online course with a live instructor will help students master specific medical vocabulary and idioms, and improve their ability to communicate in English in a hospital or clinical setting. Students will receive additional assignments to complete at home. This course is great for someone already working in the medical field who needs more confidence in their job, or for someone looking to move up in the field. This is a 20-week, one evening per week course.  Students must be intermediate to advanced English Language Learners.

Upon completion, students will work with a Career Coach who will provide career readiness, job interviewing, resume building and job search skills.

Requirements:

• Intermediate or higher level (SPL 4/5) –English required.
• Required Textbook: TBD
• Please note; students are required to purchase their own textbook prior to the start of class. Approx. $30

ESOL Supported Coding Certificate

This 14-week online program for English Language Learners with Intermediate to Advanced English Skills is a series of courses taught by live instructors with much interaction. 

The first course in this series, Digital Literacy, will teach students how to use Outlook to create and manage calendars, Video Conferencing applications such as Zoom and GoToMeeting, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.  Throughout the entire Certificate Program students will participate in supported ESOL studies to improve their English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

The skills portion of this program will include an Introduction to Python, and Software Development Using Python. Course instruction will include both technical and employability skills training will prepare participants for workforce readiness or industry certification to meet the very high demand for these types of occupations in the local labor market. Participants will explore career options and gain employability skills, which will include knowing how to provide good customer service to meet employer needs by developing effective communication strategies, and using collaborative teamwork.   Learners will practice coding in an online environment and develop their knowledge and skills using data structures such as strings, lists, and range sequences, as well as methods for working with these structures Students should also be prepared to take and pass the relevant certification exams. Students will build on these skills by using JavaScript code for supported data types and write simple code.

The last portion of this training will include Personal Finance Literacy. Introduction to Personal Finance will cover essential aspects of consumer personal finance consisting of budgeting, debt management, saving, credit and its history, insurance, taxes, investments, and retirement. The goal is to understand the financial system along with products offered and what works best for the individual to make the best-informed decision for their life and different life cycles. Reviewing saving plans, loan options, how to manage your credit, how to become a savvy consumer and save for the future addressing the core and fundamental concepts. This will lead to informed decisions for the future, as their careers and life evolve and change. 

Upon completion students will work with a Career Coach who will provide career readiness, job interviewing, resume building and job search skills. 

Requirements:

Intermediate or higher level (SPL 4/5) –English required. 

*Required Textbook: TBD 

*Please note; students are required to purchase their own textbook prior to start of class.

ESOL Supported Accounts Payroll Certificate Program

This 20-week online program for English Language Learners with Intermediate to Advanced English Skills is a series of courses taught by live instructors with much interaction.

The first course in this series, Digital Literacy, will teach students how to use Outlook to create and manage calendars, Video Conferencing applications such as Zoom and GoToMeeting, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.  Throughout the entire Certificate Program students will participate in supported ESOL studies to improve their English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

In the skills portion of this program you will learn payroll functionality and controls to process bi-weekly payroll, including paysheet creation, time and labor interface, retroactive pay processing. You will learn how to maintain payroll information by collecting, calculating, and entering data into a payroll system. Students will learn how to update and reconcile monthly payroll transactions, journal entries and preparation of W2 and 1099 forms.

Research and response to routine, non-routine and complex payroll and labor inquiries.

Students with Intermediate to Advanced ESOL language skills will receive support throughout the program with a contextualized ESOL component that closely follows the academic curriculum.

The last portion of this training will include Personal Finance Literacy.  Introduction to Personal Finance will cover essential aspects of consumer personal finance consisting of budgeting, debt management, saving, credit and its history, insurance, taxes, investments, and retirement. The goal is to understand the financial system along with products offered and what works best for the individual to make the best-informed decision for their life and different life cycles. Reviewing saving plans, loan options, how to manage your credit, how to become a savvy consumer and save for the future addressing the core and fundamental concepts. This will lead to informed decisions for the future, as their careers and life evolve and change.

Upon completion students will work with a Career Coach who will provide career readiness, job interviewing, resume building and job search skills.

Requirements:

Intermediate or higher level (SPL 4/5) –English required.

*Required Textbook: TBD

*Please note; students are required to purchase their own textbook prior to start of class. Approx. $30

The overarching goal of One Family’s Credential to Career Coaching program (C2C) is to help parents who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness identify pathways into family-sustaining careers, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty. To achieve this, C2C helps parents determine what career to pursue based on their skills and interests, where to obtain any necessary credentials, and how to finance their education or training. At the end of the 12-week intensive program, each participant has created a detailed and actionable plan to enter a career that can support their family. Each participant also receives a full year of follow-up coaching on a quarterly basis to ensure they stay on track to their established goals and help troubleshoot any barriers that arise.

The C2C program includes both group workshops (to convey foundational information on credentials and career paths) and one-on-one coaching (to apply this information and construct each participant’s individual plan). 

The program takes place in two key phases: “Exploration” and “Planning”. During the Exploration phase, participants work with their One Family coach to identify their skills and interests and align them with careers that can support a family. This phase also builds up participants’ knowledge of the different types of credentials; the connection between credentials, career paths, and earnings potential; and the different types of universities and training programs, along with key metrics for evaluating them.

After the Exploration phase, participants synthesize what they have learned and make decisions about credentials and career paths in the Planning phase. Herein, the focus shifts toward creating each parent’s personal roadmap, outlining the key steps they will follow to obtain their credential (if needed) and enter their chosen career. This includes creating a budget and planning to finance their credential; detailing the steps to apply and enroll in credential programs, including deadlines, key tasks, and resources needed; mapping how the credential will lead into their chosen career path; and planning considerations for common obstacles to success such as stress management, childcare, and transportation.

By empowering low-income parents to access postsecondary education, C2C opens the door to better careers, increased income, and long-term stability. In fact, 80% of participants are employed or enrolled in a credential by the end of the program, and new jobs secured by program participants yield an average salary increase of over $22,000! Not only does this provide much-needed stability in the short term, but it also sets a higher floor for future earnings and career growth.

The impact of making good information available to all can be seen in stories like Fitzroy's. When Fitzroy first heard about One Family’s C2C program in March 2022, he was working in an entry-level role as an Environmental Services Technician at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. He was looking for a way to advance his career and increase his income, and C2C seemed like a great opportunity to explore his options.

In the program, Fitzroy worked one-on-one with his One Family coach to align his skills and interests with career growth opportunities in the hospital network, and he realized a career in mental health counseling could provide both personal fulfillment and a family-sustaining wage. Reflecting on this experience, he says:

“The coaching I received helped give me a broader perspective of what’s possible in my career. It helped others to see my potential and gave me more confidence. Sometimes you don’t realize there’s more in you to give the world until you start to empower yourself, motivate yourself, and share that with others. And that’s what makes me want to do mental health counseling.”

During C2C, Fitzroy worked with his coach to prepare for job interviews and promotion conversations, and since then Fitzroy has been promoted within Signature Healthcare not once but twice, and his income has increased by roughly 20%! He now works as a Mental Health Specialist – a role perfectly aligned with his ultimate career goal of mental health counseling. He is an incredible role model for his two children, working hard to advance his career, build assets, and achieve lasting economic stability.

The ABCs for Direct Care Worker Curriculum is grounded in adult learner centered principles. To enhance the Home Care Aide’s understanding of his/her roles, responsibilities, and limitations, the curriculum introduces these concepts in the first module: Roles and Responsibilities. Instructional scaffolding, a process used to help the worker develop a deeper understanding, continues to reintroduce the worker’s role, responsibilities, and limitations throughout the entire training; resulting in a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the important role s/he has in home and community-based care. This curriculum is taught in both English and Spanish. 

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is important for those in the professional childcare space. Commercial center directors and family child care providers have this credential either because it is mandatory for the job they hold, or as a step towards professional and career advancement. Maintaining the CDA credential requires continuing education. This educational opportunity will provide training on how to care for children safely within different environments. 

This comprehensive program will prepare students to handle patient encounters, patient customer service and other areas related to intake and the coordination of a patient’s healthcare experience. Medical administrative assistants, medical secretaries, and medical records clerks are all positions in great demand. The growth and the complexity of the U.S. healthcare system have resulted in a substantial increase in the need for qualified medical administrative assistants.

Gain the knowledge and skills as you train for an entry-level position as a veterinary assistant. Veterinary assistants work in a variety of settings including animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, laboratories and zoos. They perform front office functions; assist in providing routine and emergency care; perform laboratory procedures; assist in dental and surgical procedures; and taking x-rays. 

Gain the knowledge and skills as you train for an entry-level position as a veterinary assistant. Veterinary Assistants work in a variety of settings including animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, laboratories, and zoos. They perform front office functions; assist in providing routine and emergency care, perform laboratory procedures, assist in dental and surgical procedures, and take x-rays.

This program is not typically offered remotely. 

This 58-hour certificate program will introduce the student to the basic knowledge needed for a career in ophthalmic medical assisting. This growing field is one in which the assistant works independently of the ophthalmologist preparing patients for their eye exam. Topics to be covered include anatomy & physiology of the eye, medical terminology, ocular disease pharmacology, as well as, hands-on skills. Some classes will be held in the offices of local ophthalmologists. Ophthalmic experience or medical assisting background is desirable, but not necessary.

This comprehensive program will prepare students to handle patient encounters, patient customer service and other areas related to intake and the coordination of a patients healthcare experience. Medical administrative assistants, medical secretaries, and medical records clerks are all positions in great demand. The growth and the complexity of the U.S. healthcare system have resulted in a substantial increase in the need for qualified medical administrative assistants.

The CDA, or the Child Development Associate, is an important credential for those in the professional childcare space. Commercial center Directors and even family child care providers have this credential either because it is mandatory for the job they hold, or as a step towards professionalism and career advancement. Childcare is one industry that is here to stay no matter how the economy changes, however, the profitability of this industry is still subject to all the challenges of other businesses, even though demand for this service will never go away. Maintaining the CDA credential requires continuing education, and this education opportunity is prolific, but most of what is available surrounds the job itself - how to care for the kids, curriculum, safety, center specs, and more.

This course is designed to gain an understanding of the basic components of Office 365, communicating with the Outlook web app, managing contacts, and calendars, communicating with colleagues using Skype, and getting started with Microsoft Teams. Students learn and practice advanced apps and features. Topics include file storage and collaboration with OneDrive and using SharePoint, using Delve, and Planner; and managing users, security compliance, and domains.

The ABCs for Direct Care Worker Curriculum is grounded in adult learner-centered principles. To enhance the Home Care Aides understanding of his/her roles, responsibilities, and limitations, the curriculum introduces these concepts in the first module: Roles and Responsibilities. Instructional scaffolding, a process used to help the worker develop a deeper understanding, continues to reintroduce the worker's role, responsibilities, and limitations throughout the entire training; resulting in a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the important role s/he has in home and community-based care. This curriculum is taught in both English and Spanish.

This course provides students with the theory and entry-level skills necessary to safely provide basic nursing assistant-level care in a long-term care facility, acute care facility or home health care agency. Students learn the role and responsibilities of the nursing assistant and home health aide within the health care team, including patient and resident rights, professionalism, communication skills, basic body structure and function, common disorders, rehabilitation and restorative care, infection control and safety, special care concerns, and basic patient care skills, including vital signs. Upon completion of classroom and skills practice laboratory learning and competency testing, students participate in a clinical rotation at a skilled nursing facility, under the supervision of a registered nurse. 

Upon successful completion of this course and successfully passing the state nurse aide competency examination, students are prepared to seek entry-level employment as a certified nursing assistant (C.N.A.) and home health aide. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to: List key developments in the history of EMS, the five types of services that provide emergency care, and discuss the role of the National Scope of Practice and the National EMS Education Standards as they relate to the levels of EMS education. Understand the body’s topographic anatomy, including the anatomic position and the planes of the body, and the major structures of the respiratory system. Explain how pharmacology relates to emergency medical technician clinical practice, and describe the regulatory measures affecting medications administered in the pre-hospital setting. Describe how to determine the mechanism of injury or nature of illness at an emergency and the importance of differentiating trauma patients from medical patients; discuss some of the possible hazards that may be present at an emergency scene, ways to recognize them, and the precautions to protect personal safety. Define the term trauma and explain its relationship to energy, kinetics, and biomechanics. Discuss the importance of the American Heart Association’s five links of the Chain of Survival to a successful code; describe how progressive communities can improve survival of pre-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Understand the normal changes that occur in the various body systems during pregnancy and the process of childbirth. Summarize the medical equipment, safety equipment, and operations equipment carried on an ambulance; provide examples of some high-risk situations and hazards that may affect the safety of the ambulance and its passengers during both pre-transport and transport. Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) as instructed in the program.

Program includes the following courses:

First Year Experience- First year students who want success and direction in their college experience gain practical skills that are directly applied to selection of a college major and future career paths. Students gain effective learning strategies and information on how to navigate and use college procedures and resources. This course emphasizes self-discovery, the workplace, life decisions, and career/future planning within a multicultural framework. Students explore psychological theories and apply those theories to their own personal situations to formulate career/life plans. Students identify their abilities and explore their values, interests, motives, motivations, behaviors, personalities, and interaction styles. Students acquire and develop skills for career planning, job searching and understanding job satisfaction. Students develop an e-portfolio that integrates information developed through the self-assessment and career development process

Computer Information Systems-This course provides an overview of common business office technology usage, including operating systems functions, Internet technologies, and productivity suites. The course focuses on basic working knowledge and hands-on experiences in word processing, spreadsheet processing, relational database processing, and presentation software. This course is the first of two in a series to assist students in preparation of the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exam.

Intro to Business Management -This course provides a broad overview of the business world. Students learn to apply basic business concepts and principles to a variety of business situations. Topics include business terminology, the legal forms of business organizations, the impact of the economy on business, and the basic functions of management including marketing, banking and financing, accounting, and technology.

Introduction to Accounting- This course focuses on the relationships between business activities and events and the impact they have on financial statements from a preparer perspective. Students study financial transactions for both service and merchandising businesses and relate the transactions to a company's assets, liabilities, owners' equity, revenues, and expenses. Areas of study include the basic accounting model, the process of the accounting cycle, accounting principles and terminology, financial statement preparation, and computerized accounting applications.

Computerized Accounting- his course focuses on understanding accounting through a mastery of general ledger software applications, using industry-standard software. Students set up and maintain a computerized accounting records system by recording the transactions necessary to operate a service and merchandising business. The course covers the areas of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll transactions. Students learn how to create these transactions on a computer and how to understand and interpret the resulting financial reports

Successful completion of the recruit officer course (ROC) curriculum is required under M.G.L. Chapter 41 §96B to be a sworn municipal, University of Massachusetts, or environmental police officer in the Commonwealth. The ROC is organized into three (I-III) volumes with multiple subtopics. The ROC takes 20 weeks to complete and covers 21st century policing best practices with specific emphasis on the following core principles: problem-solving procedural justice ethical decision making fair and impartial policing

Physical Requirements:

All student officers must know what to expect ahead of time and must prepare well in advance of the first day of the academy. The most significant factors in this preparation are: weight control, aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Download the MPTC Health and Wellness Fitness Preparation Guide to assist with preparing to attend the police academy.

Minimum Requirements:

Student officers must (1) be a minimum of 21 years old; (2) be employed or sponsored by a municipal, Environmental, or University of Massachusetts police department or other law enforcement department authorized by the Committee; and (3) successfully complete the Massachusetts Human Resource Division's Physical Ability Test (PAT) and medical examinations.

Medical Assistants play a crucial role in helping doctors treat patients. In this course, you will learn medical terminology, medical law and ethics, HIPAA rules, scheduling systems, patient check-in and check-out, contents of a medical record, anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nutrition, phlebotomy theory, injections, and routine treatment and laboratory duties. 

QCC’s Biomanufacturing on-ramp program will provide students with the basics for an entry-level position in a bio-manufacturing lab. Here’s what to expect:

• Learn the skills necessary to get hired and get started in the industry
• Learn soft skills required to be successful
• Hear from guest speakers who are working in the industry
• Finalize your resume, practice interviewing
• Seven weeks of lab training including academics and hands-on learning.
• This course is open to adults who hold at least a high school equivalency
• Prior work experience and the ability to work in the United States is required
• Students must submit proof of being fully vaccinated before starting class

Learn a new skillset in 8 weeks! 

A fun, engaging, hands-on learning experience. This program will provide you with the skills and support to enter the culinary industry. Get the following industry credentials: 

• ServSafe Food Handler 
• Food Equipment & Safety Training (FEAST) 
• MA Allergen Awareness 

Program Highlights: 

• Earn industry credentials and college credit 
• Learn from dedicated professional chefs 
• Prepare and enjoy meals every class 
• Work with a variety of ingredients to create meals from other cultures 
• Get creative! Cooking and baking is a great way to create something unique 
• Work with other students in a collaborative environment 
• Get on track to begin a new career in an industry with flexible schedules 

Includes work readiness preparation and post-exit job placement assistance!

 Roca's TRANSITIONAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (TEP) uses real work to teach young people how to show up, follow instructions, and learn skills critical to succeed in the open labor market. Roca operates work crews - contracted through local governments, housing authorities and private companies - in custodial work, property maintenance, painting, and landscaping.

Under the direct supervision and coaching of a working Crew Supervisor, transitional employees receive real pay (MA minimum wage) for real work. Participants work four days per week and engage in other required training on the fifth day.   

Transitional Employment is used for participants who are not ready for work and repeatedly fail at employment.  Participants will be assigned to a 5-person work crew, with one crew supervisor, that works on state, city and private maintenance and cleaning contracts in the region, including, outdoor cleanups, construction site cleanup and other custodial tasks that can be completed in large groups.  All participants holding basic assignment work slots will be paid for four (4) work days per week.  Each work day has an actual work time of 6.5 hours not including lunch and transportation to and from the work site.  The rate of pay for work slots is MA minimum wage. Participants also engage in a “development day” one (1) day per week, focusing on hard and soft skill development.  Participants who are more prepared for employment can skip the basic transitional employment component and move immediately on to more advanced program elements. We plan on most participants spending 90 days in basic transitional employment before moving on to advanced transitional employment.

Advanced Transitional Employment (ATE) are individual and/or work crew placements, which may be partially subsidized at decreasing percentages over 6 months, in businesses and other organizations. Participants will be paid a minimum of $1 above the current MA minimum wage/hour for 32-40 hours per week. The work content the crews perform provides them the opportunity to gain higher-level work skills through more advanced projects including construction, landscape installation, and apartment turnovers.  Roca, through our Bridge to Success program,  works with employer partners to have our young people work directly under their supervision with Roca's available for support.  The goal is for the employer partner to hire the young person at the end of the assignment. We plan on most participants spending 60 days in advanced transitional employment/green jobs training.  

Roca also has begun a Bridge to Success (B2S) program that allows the participants to work in subsidized jobs with some of Roca's employment partners with support from their Youth Worker and other Roca support.  This opportunity gives the young man a chance to gain valuable work experience directly in the workforce and learn marketable skills.  Roca will subsidize this work for an agreed-upon term with the employer with the expectation that the young man will earn the job without any subsidy.

Following job placement, Roca provides job retention for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days under the SNAP Employment and Training program. This support, provided by Youth Workers and our Employment Specialist, is laser-focused on ensuring that participants are not only retaining employment but are continuing to advance their skills and achieving the individual goals that will move them toward economic independence.  

Roca will provide its own ongoing retention and advancement services for a minimum of two years after placement. For the first six months (or until the young person has achieved six months of job retention), these services will be provided by the youth worker, who will see the participant a minimum of two to three times per week (not counting the young person's participation in programming.)  Following this six-month period, the participant technically graduates from Roca, but continues to receive retention and advancement services from Roca for an additional two years.  All retention and advancement services will be focused on ensuring that young people served are not only working but are continuing to advance their skills and achieving their individual goals that will move them towards economic independence.

Overall Roca Programming Model 

Many participants have dropped out of school, have criminal records, and have little work experience. Perhaps more importantly, these young people are not ready, willing or able to engage in traditional work or programming. For these reasons, Roca structured its programming to not only engage participants into educational activities that will promote employment over time, but to balance that with critical skills around emotional regulation and managing their barriers to employment and education. As a result, all Roca services are delivered as part of Roca's larger Intervention Model. This Intervention Model has four key components: 1) relentless outreach; 2) transformational relationships - or intensive case management; 3) stage-based programming; and 4) engaged institutional partnerships. The programs below are all part of the stage-based programming. 

Workforce Readiness 

Roca has integrated formal Workforce Readiness Criteria (WRC) that must be met for all participants that complete our educational, pre-vocational, and employment programming. Roca has trained staff members dedicated specifically to ensuring that participants meet specific goals within the four major WRC headings: Basic Needs; Workforce Readiness Workshops; Workforce Behaviors & Demonstrated Skill Assessments; and, Concrete Benchmarks. WRC are clearly defined and ensure that participants are both prepared and competitive when they enter employment and educational opportunities outside of Roca. Together, these programs and the transformational relationship provided by the youth worker are a potent combination in bringing about positive behavior and outlook change with the skills necessary to re-engage in the workforce and be economically self-sufficient. 

Onsite and off-site, one-on-one and small group Workforce Readiness Programming ensures that participants are fully equipped with the paperwork (ID, resume, childcare vouchers, etc.), knowledge of workplace behavior, and interview/communication skills necessary to find and retain employment. Eight workforce readiness workshops in Basic Financial Literacy, Conflict Management, What to Know About Your CORI, Customer Service, Job Applications, Mock Interviews, Sexual Harassment, and Workforce Communication must each be completed twice, along with a Workforce Readiness Skill Assessment, prior to job search activities or placement. 

In addition, a key component of Roca's workforce readiness work described above is the delivery of our life skills curriculum and cognitive behavioral theory. The delivery of these services provides young people with the concrete skills they need to be able to successfully engage in employment. 

Finally, young people will work with Youth Workers and CORI counselors to better understand and manage the impact of their criminal history and other key barriers to employment. 

Education 

Educational programming for young people who dropped out of traditional academic settings is designed to tolerate the considerable comings and goings of young people in and out of class and move them through stages of change until they are able to participate consistently. Roca has designed a flexible educational curriculum suited to the skill levels and needs of young people. For young people who can attend classes with some support, the curriculum is sequential and builds on the prior lessons. For young people who are challenged to participate, the curriculum is stage appropriate, level appropriate, and can be taught in non-sequential sessions. This model allows for everyone to have the ability to access education regardless of where they are in the stages of change or their educational level. 

After trying a range of curriculums and teaching methods to support out-of-school youth, Roca created alternative education programming that is both consistent with Massachusetts State Frameworks for adult education and able to tolerate the considerable comings and goings of young people in and out of class. 

Each of the participants arrive at varying literacy levels as well progress at their own pace, however, lesson plans are constructed to meet each of their Individual Learning Plans. Over time, weeks and months, they increase their literacy and math skills and become ready to commit towards doing what it takes to take the HiSet test. 

Prevocational Training 

Roca provides pre-vocational readiness programming targeted to each young person's ability and readiness to learn including: Custodial Arts, Culinary Arts, Construction, Retail, Customer Service, Landscaping, Introduction to Metal Fabrication, and Carpentry. 

Training sessions range from drop-in sessions to industry-recognized certifications. All young people are afforded the opportunity to try out a variety of available career paths through engagement in short-term informal training certifications. These informal sessions are often offered in single sessions or in a short series of sessions and will offer an introduction to more comprehensive training offerings. Each session includes hands-on, project-based problem-solving activities, games and mini-lessons aimed at engaging young people who are in contemplation about work or who have difficulty showing up. For example, there are trainings in construction, custodial arts, painting, and basic cooking skills. Trainings continue to be developed and new trainings are targeted to the interests of the participating young people (encouraging more intensive levels of engagement) and the needs of our partner employers. 

For those who achieve success and develop interest through these short term training sessions, Roca delivers industry-recognized content (both classroom and on-site construction training) through a comprehensive range of employer-advised curricula in: Property Maintenance/Construction; Custodial Services; Culinary/Hospitality; and Office Administration. Industry-recognized certificates include OSHA General Industry, OSHA Forklift, 8-hour Lead Safe Renovators License, Drivers License, ServeSafe, CPR, AED, and First Aid. 

Job Search 

Ultimately, Roca's goal is to move people through each of these training components with the goal of moving them into long term, unsubsidized employment. To support this work, participants work with Roca's Job Developer. Whenever possible, this employment will build on the skills developed during the training and subsidized employment experiences outlined above. Young people are encouraged to actively engage in the job development process, as Roca believes that this participation is essential to their success. 

Roca's Employment Specialists work one-on-one with enrolled participants to provide guided job search activities with the goal of unsubsidized, permanent job placement in the community. The Employment Specialist/Job Developer simultaneously works with specific employers in the community to teach them about Roca, the population we work with, and any specific information related to a candidate's readiness or experience related to a specific position or employer. 

Given the intensive case management and cognitive-behavioral support that is the foundation of our program model, Roca's Employment Specialists work closely with both the participant and the participant's Youth Worker (case manager) in providing job search activities.