STCC receives $130,000 grant for workforce development
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College received a $130,000 grant to prepare people who are under- or unemployed to get the training they need to start careers in healthcare services.
Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced the state Department of Higher Education awarded STCC a Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grant, which is designed to support long-term unemployed or under-employed people and adults who are new to the workforce or re-entering the workforce.
“This grant will allow STCC to train 50 people through an in-person non-credit program in four skills and critical roles that are in high demand throughout the Pioneer Valley: memory care, home health aide, CPR and certified nursing assistant,” said Gladys Franco, assistant vice president of Workforce Development at STCC.
The grant will allow participants to enroll in the STCC CNA Plus program, which aligns with the Pioneer Valley Regional Labor Blueprint report that reveals a critical need in the region for direct care workers such as CNAs and home health aides.
Participants who successfully complete the CNA Plus Program will receive a CNA certificate, CPR certification, a Home Health Aide Training Certificate and Alzheimer’s & Neurological Disorders Training.
“We are thrilled to hear that STCC received the TRAIN grant,” said David Cruise, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Hampden County Workforce Board. “The Pioneer Valley’s healthcare industry continues to grow, and we need to attract, develop and retain qualified talent. With this grant, STCC can prepare students to meet the immediate and future workforce demands.”
This grant will allow STCC to train 50 people through an in-person non-credit program in four skills and critical roles that are in high demand throughout the Pioneer Valley: memory care, home health aide, CPR and certified nursing assistant.Gladys Franco, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development
These certifications will position them to place immediately into long-term living, rehabilitation and medical facilities or to work in private home care.
The grant pays for tuition, fees, books and materials. In addition, each participant will receive a two-month bus pass.
Under the TRAIN program, employers provide essential input on curriculum and program design to address industry skill requirements and workforce readiness expectations. In addition, the program offers internships and other experiential learning opportunities for students to prepare for careers.
As part of the training at STCC, participants will receive career readiness training that will assist in developing resumes, creating professional networks, researching companies, understanding benefits packages and interviewing.
STCC anticipates that 95 percent of the participants who receive certification will be placed into jobs.
The next CNA Plus course, which will be held in person, begins Oct. 25 and runs for eight weeks. Students will train on equipment used in medical facilities and have an opportunity to work in STCC’s state-of-the-art patient simulation lab to gain experience working with patients in a safe and controlled environment.
STCC partners with the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board to ensure the programs meet the needs of the region’s employers. In addition, STCC will work with MassHire Springfield Career Center to assist with recruitment and job placement.
In addition, STCC will partner with community organizations such as the New North Citizens’ Council, the Hispanic-American Library and other to assist with recruiting students.
If you have questions about the program and eligibility to participate through the TRAIN grant, contact the Workforce Development Center. Call (413) 755-4225 or email workforcetraining@stcc.edu.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu.