Boston, MA (March 7, 2024) – Northern Essex Community College will receive $137,000 as part of a statewide initiative to create workforce training programs for adults looking to enter or re-enter the workforce. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they are awarding a total of $1.5 million in grants across 13 of the state’s community colleges.  The grants, which are part of the Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) program, will prepare Massachusetts residents for careers in fields such as education, health care, addiction recovery, cyber security, and manufacturing. It’s estimated the grants will provide free career training to more than 400 adult learners at Massachusetts community colleges, with all programs targeting residents who are unemployed or underemployed.

“The success of MassReconnect has demonstrated that Massachusetts residents are eager to further their careers, and these training programs are another way to meet that need,” said Governor Maura Healey. “TRAIN grants allow community colleges to be responsive to regional workforce needs and quickly prepare residents to fill critical roles in our cities and towns.”

At Northern Essex Community College, the funding will go toward training approximately 100 unemployed and/or underemployed adult learners with limited English language skills, many of whom will be recent immigrants. The college will offer two cohorts of Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training (maximum 20 students per cohort) and three cohorts of Pharmacy Technician training (maximum 20 students per cohort). In addition, there will be an ESOL companion class for any CNA student needing ESOL support.

“These grants will not only offer new career opportunities to those seeking them, but they will bring lasting benefits to our communities by increasing the number of trained professionals in our schools, hospitals and beyond,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts residents win across the board when employers in key industries can look into their communities and find the talent they need to carry out their missions.”

“Massachusetts’ community colleges are tuned into the workforce needs in their region and these grants allow colleges to meet those needs while bringing opportunities to residents looking to launch new careers with newly acquired and improved skills,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “TRAIN grants allow community colleges to build on their existing programs and offer new opportunities targeted toward residents looking for entry or re-entry into the workforce.”

TRAIN launched in 2016 when it served four community colleges. It has now grown to offer grant opportunities to all 15 community colleges in Massachusetts.

For more information on the TRAIN programs at Northern Essex, visit the webpage for Community Education or call 978-556-3060.