MASSHIRE CENTRAL BOARD WORCESTER JOBS FUND
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 2026 the Worcester Jobs Fund is a recipient of funds from MassCEC (Massachusetts Clean Energy Center).
WJF CURRENT PROGRAMS
Certified Clinical Medical Assistants
Every Spring and Fall
In Partnership with Worcester Night Life. Become an allied healthcare professional, learning to take vitals, perform point-of-care testing and more! Take night classes, ending in an externship at a local healthcare facility, to sit for the national certification exam.
Starting Wages at $19.95
Certified Pharmacy Technicians
Every Spring and Fall
Take night classes, ending in an externship at a local pharmacy, to sit for a national exam. You will work to prepare prescriptions, process insurance claims, and more!
Starting Wages at $19.95
CDL Class B Truck Drivers
Runs once every year
In Partnership with CMSC Parker Driving School. Apply for this permit class with behind the wheel training to earn your CDL-B License and become authorized to drive straight trucks, box trucks, large buses, dump trucks, and more!
Starting Wages Vary
7D Van & School Bus Driver Training
Rolling Applications
In Partnership with WPS Transportation Department. Drive for the Worcester Public Schools and join a fleet of supportive hard workers. Competitive pay with benefits and opportunities for growth!
Starting Wages at $24 and $31
Worcester Building Pathways
Runs once every year
In Partnership with Boston Building Pathways. This training prepares 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.
Starting Wages Vary
EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS
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!
Contact our team for more information!
Landon ParrStaff Assistant
554 Main St, Suite 401, Worcester, MA 01608
Office Phone: (508) 373-7641
Cell: (774) 764-1652
Anh DaoDirector
554 Main St, Suite 401, Worcester, MA 01608
Office Phone: (508) 453-6847
Cell: (774) 418-1234
