The Worcester Jobs Fund was created to better connect Worcester residents with good jobs made available through development projects and job expansion activities. The effort prepares residents for employment in viable long-term career pathways where there is an immediate workforce need through activities such as job training, job recruitment, and related services.

The Fund is administratively housed within the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board and is guided by a committee comprising representatives from the Executive Office of Economic Development, the MassHire Central Career Centers, Worcester Community Labor Coalition, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Worcester Public Schools.

The Fund currently receives an annual City of Worcester tax levy appropriation of $200,000. Additional funding from federal, state, local, and private sources are leveraged to enhance and support programming as well. For Fiscal Year 2023 the Worcester Jobs Fund is a recipient of funds from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

For individuals to be eligible to participate in Worcester Jobs Fund programs, they must meet the following eligibility requirements:

The following eligibility requirements must be met for an individual to participate in Worcester Jobs Fund Programs. Note that specific training programs may have additional criteria for applicants based on job-specific hiring standards related to that individual occupation. Examples include driver’s license as well as high school diploma or equivalent.

• Must be a City of Worcester resident
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be income eligible

February and April 2024

Earn your CDL for free and make $30/hour driving for the Worcester Public Schools. Includes CDL Permit classes and self-paced behind the wheel training.

In person. One week of permit prep Monday-Friday 8 am-2 pm and 60 hours of behind the wheel training

February 2024 – June 2024

Start your career in healthcare in as little as 6 months! Wages start at an average of $18+/hr. Full time positions hiring now!

In person, Mondays & Wednesdays 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. 4 months classroom + externship, 130 hours total.

September 2024 – December 2024

Start your career in healthcare in as little as 6 months! Wages start at an average of $18+/hr. Full time positions hiring now!

In person, Tuesday-Thursday 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. 4 months classroom, 1-2 months externship.

Fall 2024

In person, Monday – Thursday 7 AM to 12:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 3-5 months

Fall 2024

In person. Two-day permit class from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by two weeks of behind the wheel training Monday– Friday 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM. 1-3 months.

Prepare to join construction industry as an apprentice. Class starts October 2024.

Worcester Building Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship Program prepared students to enter a union apprenticeship in the building and construction trades, including but not limited to plumbing, carpentry, roofing, electrical, labor and painting. The training is 16 weeks long and includes professional development, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, Construction Math, Labor History, and a combination of classroom and hands on training at several different apprenticeship training centers.

The success of the Jobs Fund programs would not be possible without strong partnerships with local employers. By collaborating with local employers to design trainings that meet the demands of current employment opportunities, graduates are better prepared for the labor market and employers benefit from having access to a qualified pool of local candidates. The Jobs Fund currently has opportunities for Employer Partners to engage in the following activities:

• Provide advice on curriculum content and applicant assessment guidelines.
• Participate in industry Q&A panels with current trainees.
• Conduct mock interviews or résumé critiques with program participants or graduates.
• Collaborate with the Jobs Fund to design new training programs that prepare enrollees for living-wage career opportunities that are in demand with your company.

Contact us today for more information about becoming an Employer Partner!

554 Main St, Suite 401, Worcester, MA 01608

Office Phone: (508) 373-7641

554 Main St, Suite 401, Worcester, MA 01608

Office Phone: (508) 453-6847

Cell: (774) 418-1234