The Cape & Islands Workforce Development Board (CIWB) partners are making major strides in healthcare workforce development, thanks to a $1.92 million Healthcare/Behavioral Health Hub Continuation Grant, awarded last year. These powerful collaborations between healthcare providers, educational institutions, community organizations, and labor groups create direct pathways for Massachusetts residents to step into high-demand healthcare and behavioral health careers.

Last summer, CIWB partnered with Broad Reach Healthcare of Chatham to launch an intensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program. Ten dedicated employees enrolled in the program, while three training slots were secured in Broad Reach’s Preceptor Training Program, a prestigious initiative designed to develop the next generation of CNA instructors.

The momentum continued into the fall, when CIWB joined forces with Upper Cape Tech’s Practical Nurse program to fund more than 25 training slots in an accelerated, 40-week course aligned with the Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School calendar. This transformative program not only prepares students for the NCLEX-PN but also equips them for dynamic roles in a variety of healthcare settings. For those looking to advance even further, the program offers a clear pathway into registered nursing programs. To ensure accessibility, the grant covers tuition, books, and even living expense stipends for eligible students, removing financial barriers and empowering future nurses.

Jason Lavallee, LNHA and Administrator at Broad Reach Healthcare/Liberty Commons Rehab & Skilled Care, praised the initiative, saying:

“We at Broad Reach are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Cape and Islands Workforce Board. Their support through this generous grant has been instrumental in enhancing our nurse aide training program and expanding CNA preceptor training. Thanks to their commitment to workforce development, we are better positioned to meet our staffing needs and provide high-quality care to our residents. This collaboration not only strengthens our workforce but also helps ensure that our team is equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. We look forward to continuing this impactful partnership and are excited about the future of healthcare in our community.”

These programs aren’t just about filling job vacancies, they are laying the foundation for a resilient, skilled healthcare system that will support the Cape and Islands for years to come. By investing in targeted training programs and fostering strategic partnerships, CIWB is actively shaping a stronger, healthier community.

As demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, these initiatives ensure that local talent is nurtured, developed, and retained, thereby strengthening both the regional economy and the quality of care available to residents. The success of these programs highlights a powerful commitment to workforce development, proving that when education, healthcare, and community organizations unite, transformative change is possible.

This September marks a major milestone for the Cape & Islands Workforce Board’s ArtWorks Program’s 30th anniversary. For three decades, this transformative program has been a vital force in nurturing young artists and providing career -focused opportunities in the arts. In a field where youth and career programs often come and go, ArtWorks has stood the test of time, a testament to its value and impact on generations of creative minds.

ArtWorks is a unique mentoring initiative that pairs Cape Cod high school students with professional artist mentors for internships. This hands-on learning experience provides students with invaluable exposure to the creative economy, helping them develop their artistic skills while gaining career awareness and professional development. Over the years, the program has included mentorships in drawing, painting, photography, fashion design, jewelry design, writing, poetry, video game design, dance, and voice. Now, as part of its exciting expansion, ArtWorks will welcome culinary students and musicians into the program, broadening the scope of artistic disciplines available.

The program owes much of its longevity and success to the dedicated mentors who have committed their time and expertise to guiding young artists. Some of these mentors have been with ArtWorks for 20 to 25 years, mentoring students throughout their careers as art educators. This continuity has created a rich legacy of artistic mentorship, shaping the future of many young creatives. Many ArtWorks graduates have continued their education at prestigious institutions like MassArt, Tufts, Maine College of Art, Cape Cod Community College, and Montserrat College of Art, showcasing the program’s ability to inspire long-term career paths in the arts.

Beyond artistic skills, ArtWorks fosters self-esteem, confidence, and essential soft skills that students carry with them into their future endeavors. The program not only prepares students for careers in the arts but also equips them with valuable life skills that transcend the creative field.

The 30th-anniversary celebrations will include a fall fundraiser to support the program’s continued growth. Additionally, the summer program, first introduced two years ago, will return this year with aspirations to expand even further. This initiative allows students and recent graduates to immerse themselves in the arts over the summer months, with the added opportunity for recent graduates to return as peer mentors.

The MassHire CIWB is providing official notice of its intent to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the purpose of selecting a qualified organization as the Operator/Service Provider of the Local One Stop Career Center for the Cape & Islands Workforce Area.

The CIWB is seeking proposals from experienced organizations to provide Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) services within the 22 communities within the region.

Important Dates/RFP Schedule:

• 12/12/24 – Public Notice Regarding dates of RFP and Bidders Conference
• 12/13/24 – RFP Release and Public Notice Issued
• 1/7/25 – Bidders Conference at 10 AM (Virtual Participation)
• 1/17/25 – Letter of Intent by 5 PM
• 1/24/25 – Written Question Deadline
• 1/31/25 – Responses Issued to Written Question Deadline
• 3/5/25 – Evaluation Committee Meets
• 3/7/25 – Proposals Due
• 3/28/25 – Proposal Presentations
• 4/11/25 – Presentation of Recommendations to MassHire CIWB Board of Directors
• 7/1/25 – New Contract