Chicopee Chamber of Commerce hosts workforce development listening session

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce hosted members of the business community to share their struggles with workforce development.

Many state and local officials met with business leaders to listen to their workforce development struggles and successes, with some possible solutions for the delegation.

One struggle that was mentioned multiple times was the education system and why many think it is failing our youngest generations. Carl Ingram, the Director of Career and Technical Education for the City of Chicopee handles all of the technical programs and he said recruiting teachers back from the workforce is hard for them.

“From our point of view, finding non-traditional routes for these educators to come into the business. recruiting and retaining teachers is so vital these days for young people and their growth” said Ingram.

Other topics mentioned were how the newest Massachusetts emissions legislation will impact one business, the falling literacy rates, affordable housing vs. workforce housing, minimum wage compared to a living wage, and how state-paid jobs are hurting private companies.

State Senator Jake Oliveira highlighted this year’s new legislation making community college free for those who don’t have a degree.

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