Massachusetts has awarded approximately $6.6 million to help 543 businesses train more than 5,200 workers, according to an Oct. 23 state announcement.
The Workforce Training Fund Program awards cover two different programs. Competitive General Program grants total $2,681,014 for training 2,027 workers. Express Program grants total about $3.97 million for 498 smaller businesses to train 3,200 workers.
Employers receiving the General Program awards expect to add 286 jobs by 2028. The hiring figures are employer plans over two years, rather than jobs that have already been created.
General Program awards include $219,120 for a BayCoast Bank-led group of employers to train 468 workers and $197,300 for Medford Wellington Service Co. to train 82. Teddie Peanut Butter received $144,000 for 33 workers, while SCHOTT North America received $174,350 for 178.
General Program recipients must make a matching investment of at least one dollar for each grant dollar. The program supports customized training over two years.
The Express Program serves businesses with 100 or fewer employees and uses a directory of more than 4,500 approved courses. The state says Express grants announced in this round were made between May 1 and Aug. 31, 2026.
Training can include English-language instruction, manufacturing skills, software and project management. Employers fund the Workforce Training Fund Program through the unemployment-insurance system, according to the state.