$415,000 Awarded to North Shore Workforce Investment Board

With rates of unemployed men on the rise, the Patrick Administration has given a grant worth almost $2 million to five workforce investment boards across the commonwealth. The funding should train and educate around 280 unemployed or underemployed people in Massachusetts to work in advanced manufacturing.

Almost a quarter of the grant, $415,000, went to the North Shore Workforce Investment Board. The award will offer working-age people training in mathematics and core manufacturing courses such as OSHA, Microsoft and manufacturing fundamentals at community colleges in the area.

The North Shore Workforce Investment Board oversees the North Shore Career Center in Salem, Lynn and Gloucester. The board also partners with industries to solve workforce problems and produces labor market research.

Governor Patrick has supported the advanced manufacturing industry since establishing the Advanced Manufacturing Coalition in 2011.

Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki says he’s “proud of the work the AMC has accomplished over the years, creating opportunities for workers with a range of skill levels that will strengthen our economy for years to come.”

More than 7,000 manufactures work in Massachusetts and employ more than 250,000 people. Within the next decade, and with the Patrick Administration’s support, the industry is expected to grow to 100,000 jobs with an average salary of $75,000.

image via North Shore Workforce Investment Board on Facebook