[Mwa] Update on the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund

[Deborah Mutschler]

Greetings MA workforce development colleagues,

MWA has a couple of updates to share with you about our work and the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF). 

Information on the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund 

Included in the recently passed Economic Stimulus Package were provisions to establish a Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and along with that, an Advisory Committee to oversee and shape the ways its funds are distributed. Along with a number of other individuals representing different stakeholders, MWA Executive Director, Deborah Mutschler, has a seat at this table. 

Deborah is also on the Program Design Sub-committee which is charged with developing the RFP. The work of this group is very much in process, however, we include below some of the highlights that are unlikely to change so you can begin to think about whether this program is a good match for your constituents.

1. Partnerships

The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) will pursue a sectoral strategy, and thus all awards will go to partnerships. 

Partnerships must include:

*At least 2 employers

*If an employer has a union representing workers, the partnership must include the union

*And one or more of the following types of organizations:

-Community-Based Organizations

-Local economic development agencies

-One-Stop Career Centers

-Workforce Investment Boards

-Community Colleges

-Institutions of Higher Education

-Other education and training providers

-Professional/Trade Associations

A Memorandum of Understanding will be required of all parties in the partnership.



2. Allowable Activities

Although there may be some additions to the list below, currently allowable activities will include:

- Basic Education (ABE, ESOL, GED)

- Occupational Training based on employer needs

- Integrated curriculum

- Post secondary education

- Case management

- Career Coaching

- Mentoring

- Support services needed to insure the success of the program, including but not limited to transportation and childcare.

3. Design Elements that will be strongly encouraged

- Career ladder/career lattice

- Industry-recognized credentials

- Release time and/or overtime pay for participants

MWA will send out more information as things come into focus about the WCTF and the RFP process, including the timeline.

Clearly, now is the time to begin thinking about meaningful programming and possible partnerships with employers and other organizations.



Looking ahead - a new Governor, new advocacy opportunities 

As you know, the Patrick-Murray Transition Team has been holding community meetings across the state for the 15 working groups they have created. We are encouraged that a working group on Workforce Development and Training exists, and are hopeful that this is a signal about the importance that the new administration places on the workforce development field. 

With a new administration comes new opportunities to make the case for the importance of the services you provide. We encourage everyone to submit comments via the webpage (http://www.patrickmurraytransition.org/comments.cfm). MWA has offered testimony highlighting, among other issues, the real importance of a strong web of community-based providers to the overall effectiveness of the state's workforce development system. MWA will continue to keep you in the loop as opportunities arise.

___________________________________________________________
Deborah Mutschler
Executive Director
Massachusetts Workforce Alliance (MWA)
6 Beacon Street, Suite 415
Boston, MA 02108
617-780-1770
deborah at massworkforcealliance.com
www.peer.mwapolicy.org

"The Massachusetts Workforce Alliance unites state and community coalitions to advance sensible workforce development policy that creates true economic opportunity for low-income people."

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