Below is a press release from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development:
BOSTON, MA — The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced $17.9 million in grants for 1,255 Massachusetts businesses to train, upskill, and retain over 15,900 workers. Participating businesses also project adding over 1,000 employees in Massachusetts over the next two years as a result of these investments. Since Governor Healey took office in January 2023, the Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) has awarded $100 million to train more than 82,700 workers for approximately 3,850 Massachusetts employers.
In Wilmington, Kirkwood Printing Company was awarded $91,200 to train 113 workers and create 2 additional jobs by 2028, while Scully Signal Company was awarded $85,200 to train 77 workers and create 3 additional jobs by 2028.
“Massachusetts businesses are creating the jobs of the future, and we’re making sure they have the skilled workforce they need to grow and compete,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments help employers train workers, adopt new technologies and expand their operations, while creating more job opportunities for people across our state. Since taking office, we’ve invested $100 million through the Workforce Training Fund Program because supporting workers and businesses is key to strengthening Massachusetts’ economy.”
“One of the best investments we can make is in the people who power our economy every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants help workers build new skills, advance in their careers and earn higher wages, while helping employers meet workforce needs and grow their businesses. It’s a win for workers, a win for employers and a win for Massachusetts.”
The Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment to retain and upskill existing talent for Massachusetts’ workforce. Employers across the state continue to utilize the program to strengthen workforce skills, support employee advancement, and to respond to revolving industry needs.
This latest grant announcement for WTFP spans 20 different industries, including $5.6 million to train 4,444 workers employed by 230 manufacturing businesses and almost $2.3 million to train 2,352 workers from 287 organizations in the professional, scientific, and technical services industry. WTFP grants are designed to support business productivity and competitiveness by providing funds for businesses seeking to train current and newly hired employees. The WTFP is funded by employers through the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and provides eligible employers with a tool to maintain a productive, skilled workforce and upskill new hires, including unemployed jobseekers.
This announcement also includes $7.5 in General Program grants to train more than 6,400 workers from 114 employers in Massachusetts. These two-year grants are awarded competitively. Employers receiving these grants plan to add more than 1,000 additional employees in Massachusetts by 2028. During FY26, General Program grants could range from $10,000 to $200,000. Grant recipients contribute a matching investment of at least one dollar for each grant-dollar awarded. Additionally, WTFP grants during FY26 also reached small businesses through Express Grants, a highly used program that awarded more than $10.3 million in grants to 1,156 small businesses, that in turn, supported training for 9,400 workers from June 2025 to April 2026.
“Across every region of the state, employers are using the Workforce Training Fund Program to invest directly in their workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “These grants are especially useful for small and medium-sized businesses, giving businesses access to training that improves productivity, supports worker advancement, and helps meet evolving industry demands.”
“From manufacturing and healthcare to hospitality and technology, employers across Massachusetts are making meaningful investments in their workforce through the Workforce Training Fund Program,” said President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation Molly Jacobson. “These investments are strengthening our industries, expanding opportunity for workers and helping employers stay competitive. Commonwealth Corporation is proud to support these efforts alongside these employers and on behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration.”
The Workforce Training Fund Program offers grants to businesses of all sizes, though it is most utilized by small to medium-sized businesses. These grants support instruction in a wide range of skills such as ESOL, project management, software and IT, and machine set-up and operation. Businesses can apply for two types of grants through the program: 1) The General Program, which offers competitively awarded grants that support customized, strategic training projects over a two-year period and 2) The Express Program for employers with 100 or fewer employees, which provides a faster, more streamlined option. This grant program delivers training from a directory of over 4,500 pre-approved courses, making it easy for even the smallest employers in Massachusetts to access funding and respond quickly to workforce training needs.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 