In a bid to address a talent gap that is leaving jobs unfilled in a number of industries in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker last year created the Workforce Skills Cabinet.
It brought together, for the first time, state officials responsible for workforce development, economic growth, and education to plot how to bridge the gap between the skills and experiences of individuals and the needs of employers.
The state was divided into seven regions and a planning process produced reports that identified key industries in each region and strategies for meeting the employment demands.
The Pioneer Valley region includes Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. As officials begin to implement the plans, WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with David Cruise, president of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County.
