June 2026

Workforce Pulse: Summer Opportunities

I thought I surprised my staff when I started a recent meeting by asking them to define workforce development in one word. I thought I'd hear "jobs", "employment", "training", or the things we do every day.


I heard instead: "people", "opportunities", "possibilities", "future", and a word that really resonated with me: "hope."


The exercise reminded me that workforce development is ultimately about hope: Hope we can find opportunities that improve the lives of our customers, their families, the businesses we serve, and the communities in which we live.


The economic outlook is hopeful: Nationally, employers added 172,000 jobs in May--the 3rd consecutive month of stronger-than-expected job growth; unemployment remained relatively low at 4.3%. Across our region, employers continue to seek skilled workers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, information technology, education, public safety, and other high-demand sectors.


I encourage job seekers, employers, educators, and community partners to stay engaged with the workforce system. Our region's economic success will be fueled not just by innovation and investment, but also by the belief that people can grow and excel when given the opportunity.


After all, hope catalyzes action. Hope inspires people to pursue new career pathways, encourages employers to invest in talent, and binds communities around a shared pursuit of prosperity. Across our region, I see that hope every day in the determination of our job seekers, the commitment of our partners, and the resilience of our businesses. Together, we're building a stronger workforce, a stronger economy, and a brighter future for all.


Sincerely,


Jeff Turgeon

Executive Director


P.S. Our offices are closed June 19th in honor of Juneteenth. Our website is open 24-7-365--visit for the latest opportunities.

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Job Fairs, Trainings, & Career Development Opportunities


  • Featured (free): Super Regional Virtual Job Fair (Premier Virtual). June 24, 10AM - 1PM. Register.
  • Featured (free): Start Your Career MA (new online resource helps recent college graduates and entry‑level job seekers transition successfully into the workforce).
  • Free: Healthcare & Human Services Job Fair (in-person at MassHire Worcester). June 12, 10AM - noon. Register.
  • Free: Facilities Career Fair & Open House with on-site interviews (UMass Chan Medical School). June 16, 1-5PM. Register.
  • Free: Driving Instructor Apprenticeship Program recruiting event (in-person at Franklin Mills Driving School). June 24, 1-3PM. More info.
  • Free Training: Diesel Technician (220-hour course starts in August). Register.
  • Free Training: MassSave Clean Energy Pathways Program. Apply by July 31.
  • Free MassHire Workshops: Resume writing, career directions, & more. Register.
  • Free MassBioEd Career Coaching: Explore careers in life sciences. Discover More.

Free Online AI Training via Mass AI Hub's Grow with Google program:

Google AI Essentials, Google Certificates, & More

Senior Scoop employer interaction

"Senior Scoop" Helps Recent Grads Explore Post-HS Opportunities


On Wednesday, May 13, the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development hosted the 4th Annual Senior Scoop at Polar Park. A highlight of the region's School-to-Work Connecting Activities programming, Senior Scoop connects regional businesses and graduating seniors from school districts across Central MA and beyond. Participants network, attend job search seminars, and explore and discuss post-graduation opportunities.


More than 350 high school seniors from 18 school districts engaged with over 50 regional 55 businesses, organizations, and training programs representing priority industries such as healthcare, banking, manufacturing, transportation, skilled trades, hospitality, public service, and higher education.


Navigating the crowded Polar Park mezzanine, students discovered immediate job openings, learned about free/low-cost certifications, explored career pathways, and in many cases started the hiring process on-site.


The initiative is supported by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), BV Hub’s Partnered School Program, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Worcester Public Schools.


Special thank you to Presenting Sponsor UniBank, which exemplifies a regional workforce partnership that creates meaningful career pathways for young adults poised to enter the workforce: UniBank's Teller Training Program offers recent HS graduates entry-level access to careers in banking and financial services. Event support provided by MassMEP and in-kind donations from Polar Park.

Discover the Magic of Work-Based Learning!

On June 9 at the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development, more than 50 Educators, Administrators, employers, and workforce development professionals gathered to discuss emerging trends and topics in youth employment and School-to-Career Connecting Activities in Central MA. MA DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez kicked off the Convening with brief remarks followed by a Fireside Chat hosted by Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. Attendees chose a breakout session: Enhancing Students' Preparation for Work-Based Learning, Building Strong Employer Partnerships, or Connecting Career Readiness to MassCore & Classroom Learning. Special thanks to breakfast sponsor All One Credit Union.

MassHire Central Region Workforce Board

554 Main Street, 4th floor

Worcester, MA 01608

(508) 799-1590

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MassHire programs and services are funded in part by U.S. Dept of Labor (US DOL) Employment and Training Administration grants and non-federal funded grants (details upon request).