MassDOT & MBTA LAUNCH MassWIN GLX WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

BOSTON – Today, MassDOT and the MBTA launched the Massachusetts Workforce Initiative Now (MassWIN) Green Line Extension (GLX) Workforce Development program to identify, assess, train, and place community members into transportation related careers.

The MassWIN GLX Workforce Development Program is a pilot project with the mission of building a sustainable workforce from local residents, organizations and institutions in the communities most impacted by the GLX project. The program is modeled after the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) Workforce Initiative Now, and will focus on workforce development and job creation in the communities along the GLX route.

“I strongly believe that investment in workforce development along side transportation itself is a vital component to building a strong future for our Commonwealth,” said MBTA General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott. “The transportation industry provides a multitude of career paths, and by launching the MassWIN GLX Program, we are helping to promote growth in this industry and in our own backyard.”

MassDOT and the MBTA worked closely with representatives from the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), Jobs for Somerville, the Cities of Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Bunker Hill Community College, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts and White Skanska Kiewit to identify job creation opportunities along the GLX corridor and support the creation of the MassWIN program.

“This program will help make it easier for local residents to access and excel at the jobs created as Green Line expansion moves forward,” said Congressman Capuano. “Through training and placement assistance, residents seeking employment will have the opportunity to learn new skills and put them to good use. I commend the Mass DOT for creating employment and job training opportunities for those most impacted by the GLX construction.”

MassDOT and the MBTA will also collaborate with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and the Executive Office of Education (EOE) in the development and implementation of the MassWIN model. These agencies will assist in identifying existing workforce development training programs and service providers that are administered by their agencies and meet the needs of the MassWIN program. Further, EOLWD and EOE will also identify funding sources and recommend possible areas of collaboration.

“I am excited about the MassWIN-GLX program getting started, promoting not only better transportation but also workforce development reaching our neighbors and friends” said Senator Jehlen. “Training and placing members of our community into new, transportation related careers is just one more way that the Green Line Extension will benefit our community.”

The program aims to retain a sustainable workforce qualified to support the rapid evolving needs of transportation. Additionally, MassWIN seeks to place trained community members in transportation and construction career paths. By expanding the local workforce, this program will contribute to the economic growth of the region.

"MassWIN is all about fully realizing the opportunities that large transportation projects like the Green Line Extension create for local communities,” said Representative Timothy Toomey. “I'm very proud of the hard work that so many people devoted to transforming what started as an idea into a reality, and I am hopeful that MassWIN will become a model for workforce development around the state and around the country."

"When I asked in 2006 how to assure local hiring on the GLX, I was told that it would be impossible. I applaud MBTA for persevering on jobs, and finding a way forward," said Representative Denise Provost.

“I’m glad to see MassDOT and the MBTA supporting local job creation through this initiative,” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “Preparing our residents for the workforce and connecting them with good local jobs that make living and raising a family possible will ensure that as Somerville and our regional economy grows, so do opportunities for our residents.”

“MassDOT has made it a priority to offer great jobs to Cambridge residents and this effort directly aligns with the City’s programs to encourage diverse, locally-sourced employment opportunities,” said Cambridge Mayor David Maher. “We are excited about the Green Line Extension project and equally excited about the job opportunities that this will bring to our community.”

"We are already witnessing job creation and environmental improvements with the initial Greenline Extension work presently being performed in the City of Medford which will develop a sustainable workforce based upon the MassWIN-GLX Workforce Development Program. This initiative, along with the new public transportation opportunities, will expand our economic base, create additional jobs, and improve the quality of our environment. We are excited to be partnering with our neighboring communities, the MBTA and State officials", said Medford Mayor Michael J. McGlynn.

Additionally, an Access and Opportunity Committee will be established and will help guide development and implementation of the GLX MassWIN program. The committee will serve as a forum for interested or affected individuals to exchange information and ideas concerning the development and implementation of the GLX MassWIN program.

About the MBTA
The MBTA is the nation's oldest and fifth largest public transportation agency. It consists of a network of fixed-route buses, subways, commuter rail trains and commuter ferries, as well as an extensive paratransit service. In total, the MBTA serves 175 cities/towns and provides 1.3 million trips per day. Established in 2007, the T's Department of System-Wide Accessibility oversees programs and services for persons with disabilities and seniors.
Visit www.mbta.com for more information.

In 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was created to unify the state’s various transportation agencies. MassDOT now includes the Highway Division, the MBTA and Rail Transit Division, the Aeronautics Division, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. MassDOT is committed to providing a safe and reliable transportation system to all those who travel in the Commonwealth and works to deliver excellent customer service. MassDOT has been nationally recognized for its innovative approach to transportation, including the Accelerated Bridge Program, the “Where’s My Bus and Train?” apps and “Fast 14” work. For more information, visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot blog: http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/, or follow MassDOT on twitter at https://twitter.com/MassDOT and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.