UMass-Lowell

UMass-Lowell, the technology campus of the University of Massachusetts system, has a highly regarded computer science and engineering curriculums, as well as continuing education programs in information technology, computer science, and digital media.

The Division of Continuing Studies and Corporate Education (CSCE) at UMass-Lowell has provided corporate training to major local companies such as Lucent and BAE systems. Umass Lowell Corporate Training gives companies flexibility and customized training available on campus, onsite or online.  For more information click here.

Middlesex Community College

Middlesex Community College brings affordable education to Greater Lowell by providing a full range of cost-effective on-site, on-campus, and on-line training programs for employers.

The Career Place, chartered by the Metro North Regional Employment Board and managed by Middlesex Community College, provides employment and career services to Lowell. Since 1997, the center has served over 17,000 individuals and over 2,000 local employers. The Career Place helps job seekers find openings, and provides free career counseling, employment workshops, and access to research tools. The Career Place also provides employers with useful labor market data, and assists in hiring qualified job applicants and upgrading the skills of their existing workers. Employers can also post job openings at the center and use their facilities at no charge. For more information click here.

Massachusetts Workforce Training Program

The Department of Employment and Training of the State of Massachusetts provides training and technical assistance grants to companies across the Commonwealth. Currently, DET offers three distinctive programs: the “General Grant Program”, the "Express Program" and the "Hiring Incentive Training Program" . The following are some of the highlights of each of these programs:

General Program:

• Companies of any size are eligible to apply;
• The maximum amount granted is $250,000;
• Training grants are awarded to employers, employer organizations, labor organizations, training providers, and local community colleges;
• Applications may be submitted at any time but will be reviewed according to published deadlines;
• Grant decisions are made approximately 60 days after the application deadline;
• All trainees must be employed in Massachusetts. (They are not required to live in the state.);
• Grant match by the applicant and/or its partners can be cash or in-kind;
• Training programs must be completed within 24 months;
• Trainer/s of applicant choice.

Express Program:

• Training grants are awarded to businesses with 50 or fewer employees and labor organizations.

      Greater Lowell Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

• Total grant request cannot exceed $30,000 per company for a 2-year period; $3,000 per course per trainee;
• There are no deadlines; application can be submitted at anytime;
• Grant decisions are made within 5 business days from filing the application;
• Training may begin 6 weeks from the date of application;
• The business or labor organization must pay at least 50 percent of the training costs. It will be reimbursed 50 percent of the total cost of training after the training is completed;
• Applicant will choose from database of pre-qualified courses;
• Total grant request cannot exceed $30,000 per company for a 2-year period; $3,000 per course per trainee;
• Training must be completed in 12 months or less.

Hiring Incentive Training Grant:

• Companies of any size are eligible to apply;
• Application must be submitted within 30 days of new hire’s start date;
• Grant decisions are made approximately 5 days from filing the application;
• Training may begin as soon as an application has been approved;
• The company must pay the wages of the employee while in training;
• Trainer/s of applicant choice;
• Total grant request cannot exceed $30,000 per company;  $2,000 per new hire;
• Training will last no longer than 120 days;
• Each new hire must have been unemployed for 6 months or more, waived for veterans;
• Trainees must be Massachusetts residents;
• Employee must be retained for 120 consecutive days.

For more detailed information on these training grants and how  to apply, please click here

The Career Center of Lowell works closely with the business community to identify and meet their employment needs, and to provide job-seekers with a wide range of employment and training services.

If you have any other questions about workforce development, please contact:

Primary Contact:
Economic Development Office
Phone: 978-446-7200