Boston's Governor Maura T. Healey is making strides towards an inclusive workforce with the launch of the MassSkills Coalition, a fresh initiative aiming to transform the recruitment landscape in Massachusetts. The coalition is not just talk; it's action, backed by the state's commitment to embracing skills over pedigree. Launched at the Massachusetts Business Roundtable’s Board Meeting at TD Garden, the coalition springs from Healey's executive order earlier this year mandating skills-based hiring for state jobs, according to an announcement from the Governor's office.
"I instituted skilled-based hiring across our administration to make sure we have a strong, diverse workforce and to lower barriers that far too many job applicants face," Governor Healey said. She didn't just stop there, calling on the business community to rally behind this paradigm shift. "The MassSkills Coalition will put that commitment to work," Healey added in the statement obtained by mass.gov. She emphasized the pull of Massachusetts' dynamic business sector, educational excellence, and strong labor unions, instilling hope of a grand collaboration under this coalition's banner, aligning Massachusetts as a beacon of affordability, competitiveness, and fairness.
There's a strong team heading this endeavor, including labor leaders, educational representatives, and private sector trailblazers. Lauren Jones, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development; Tonja Mettlach of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable; Jerry Rubin of the Eastern Bank Foundation and Harvard Fellow; and Chrissy Lynch from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, are teaming up as the coalition’s co-chairs. The full roster of founding members is up for view on the coalition's website.
This isn't just about meeting; it's about action. Resources will be available on the state website focusing particularly on skills-based hiring, from revamping job descriptions to rethinking degree prerequisites. "The MassSkills Coalition cultivates a community of partners, embracing skills-based hiring and leveraging skills, knowledge, and abilities to attract, retain, and develop a growing workforce," said Secretary Lauren Jones. Working groups co-led by various stakeholders are also on the agenda, setting the scene for what could be a transformative approach to employment.
The reaction has been positive, with leaders across the spectrum chiming in. "It’s important to have labor at the table on coalitions like this," said AFL-CIO’s Chrissy Lynch, recognizing the potential for opening up more career pathways with decent wages. "Rethinking hiring practices and being creative about how we recruit, retain, and invest in talent is a top priority for the Roundtable and our members," declared Tonja Mettlach, whose sentiments echo the Roundtable’s mission to lead the way. Jerry Rubin placed the issue in context of the tight labor market, stressing that "we can’t afford not to fully tap all our talent," underlining the coalition's critical role in spurring economic competitiveness.
