MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board Regional Blueprint

CAPE & ISLANDS

INTRODUCTION The MassHire Cape and Islands Workforce Board (CIWB) Regional Blueprint Team unites a broad coalition of partner organizations from across the Cape and Islands, including leaders in workforce development, education, and economic development, as well as business partners and community stakeholders. This collaborative effort spans Barnstable County’s 15 towns and the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket—together home to over 260,000 year-round residents and more than 750,000 during the

260,000 year-round residents

summer months.

Originally formed in 2017, the Team set out to identify regional skill gaps and training needs, while developing

750,000+ summer residents

strategic actions to support employers and highlight opportunities. The strength of CIWB’s partnerships across the Workforce Skills Cabinet sectors—Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Housing and Economic Development—has shaped a Blueprint that is practical, inclusive, and widely accessible.

Recent leadership transitions at the CIWB have renewed the focus on regional business engagement. This has led to a revitalized and expanded team, now including representatives from priority sectors, Housing, the Creative Economy, and local Chambers of Commerce.

We hope this Blueprint offers a comprehensive view of the region’s workforce landscape and serves as a valuable tool for employers, educators, and community partners. The CIWB remains committed to developing the future workforce of this vibrant, historic, and treasured region.

REGIONAL PLANNING

BLUEPRINT TEAM Marnell Cash Employment and Training Program Manager, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Christopher Cataldo Vice President/Branch Manager/Small Business Specialist, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Dr. Barbara-jean Chauvin CEO, Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club Dr. John Cox President, Cape Cod Community College Kristina Dower President/Career Center Director, JTEC/MassHire Cape & Islands Career Center

Roger Forget Superintendent, Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School

Erin Perry Deputy Director, Cape Cod Commission

Michael Looney CTE Director, Mashpee MiddleHigh School

Jamie Regan Certified Realtor, Compass, Regan Southworth Group

Alisa Magnotta CEO, Housing Assistance

Maryanne Ryan CEO, Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands

Christin Marshall Executive Director, EforAll Tricia Murray Manager of Business & Credit Programs, Community Development Partnership Paul Niedzwiecki CEO, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

Dr. David Quinn Asst. Superintendent, Sandwich Public Schools Dr. Robert Sanborn Superintendent, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School

REGIONAL PLANNING

PROCESS

Since the summer of 2023, the CIWB has been engaged in an ongoing process to revise the Regional Blueprint. This included meetings with regional stakeholders and priority sector employers, along with a comprehensive data review and analysis. These efforts laid the groundwork for a regional convening held in November 2023, which served as the official launch of the Regional Blueprint revision. The event brought together state partners, CIWB Board members, Regional Blueprint Team members, and regional legislators—all committed to developing strategies that support unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers, as well as local employers.

2

BUSINESS

ENGAGEMENT As part of the Regional Blueprint revision, the CIWB took a closer look at its own Board of Directors, recognizing that it already includes representatives from several priority industries and private sectors members. By strategically engaging additional employers from key industries, the CIWB not only strengthened the Regional Blueprint Team but also enhanced the composition of its Board.

The organization continued to leverage its strong network of employer partners across critical sectors such as healthcare and construction. In alignment with the launch of the Healthcare Hubs Extension Grant, the CIWB spent the summer and fall of 2023 meeting with regional healthcare employers— including Duffy Health Center, Broad Reach Healthcare, Gosnold, Inc., Harbor Health Services, Relief Home Health Services, and Outer Cape Community Solutions—to better understand their hiring needs and skills gaps.

A longstanding partnership with the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, which represents over 325 employers, continues to play a vital role in advancing workbased learning opportunities, apprenticeships, and statewide initiatives such as the Career Technical Initiative, Mass Skills Capital Grant Program, and Innovation Career Pathways.

REGIONAL

CONTEXT Cape Cod is a distinctive, arm-shaped peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean from southeastern Massachusetts. Known for its scenic coastline, beaches, recreational activities, accommodations, and vibrant tourism industry, Cape Cod remains a highly desirable vacation destination.

The Sagamore and Bourne Bridges, built in 1935 and located just four miles apart, span the Cape Cod Canal and serve as essential connections between the Cape & Islands and the mainland.

These bridges are critical infrastructure for transportation, tourism, and emergency evacuation routes, playing a vital role in the region’s economy.

3

Waterways define the region—Cape Cod Bay to the north, Buzzards Bay to the southwest, and Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds to the south. Ferries and regional airports provide access to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, while seasonal buses and local rail service help transport residents and visitors across the Cape.

The region’s identity is deeply rooted in its maritime heritage, which continues to shape its thriving Blue Economy. Industries such as marine science, technology, wastewater management, and Offshore Wind contribute to the region’s economic development. In parallel, the Creative Economy is a major driver of tourism and year-round cultural engagement, drawing visitors to performances, art exhibits, galleries, and other artistic venues.

However, challenges persist. The lack of affordable housing and rising rental costs make it difficult to attract and retain young families. Additionally, communities across the region are facing a shortage of quality, affordable childcare and early education services.

Digital equity remains an urgent priority. Many residents still lack affordable access to internet, devices, and digital literacy training—barriers that limit educational and workforce opportunities.

Ensuring all individuals and communities have the tools they need to succeed in a digital world is essential to the region’s long-term growth and resilience.

CRITICAL

TRENDS*

271,933

133,670

$75.0K

Population (2024)

Total Regional Employment

Avg. Earnings Per Job (2024)

Population grew by 30,2019 over the last 5 years and is projected to grow by 18,300 over the next 5 years.

Jobs decreased by 1,126 over the last 5 years but are projected to grow by 3,063 over the next 5 years

Regional average earnings per job are $10.0K below the national average earnings of $85.0K per job.

*Source: Lightcast.(2025) [Economy Overview]. https://analyst.lightcast.io/analyst/t=4mqDB#h=2LhM2tfRQvgSNatM1MAHZzJ5YHo&page=edo_economy_overview&vertical=edo&nation=us Retrieved 02/26/2025.

4

According to Lightcast’s Economy Overview Report: As of 2024 the region's population increased by 12.5% since 2019, growing by 30,219. Population is expected to increase by 6.7% between 2024 and 2029, adding 18,300.

From 2019 to 2024, jobs declined by 0.8% in 3 Massachusetts Counties from 134,796 to 133,670.

This change fell short of the national growth rate of 3.9% by 4.7%. As the number of jobs declined, the labor force participation rate decreased from 60.9% to 55.7% between 2019 and 2024.

Concerning educational attainment, 26.2% of the selected regions' residents possess a Bachelor's Degree (4.7% above the national average), and 9.9% hold an Associate's Degree (0.9% above the national average).

EDUCATIONAL

ATTAINMENT* % of Population

Population

LESS THAN 9TH GRADE

1.5%

3,352

9TH GRADE TO 12TH GRADE

2.1%

4,652

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

20.2%

43,713

SOME COLLEGE

17.9%

38,645

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE

9.9%

21,351

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

26.2%

56,685

GRADUATE DEGREE AND HIGHER

22.2%

48,077

According to Lightcast’s Economy Overview Report: 26.2% of the selected regions' residents possess a Bachelor's Degree (4.7% above the national average), and 9.9% hold an Associate's Degree (0.9% above the national average).

*Source: Lightcast.(2025) [Economy Overview]. https://analyst.lightcast.io/analyst/t=4mqDB#h=2LhM2tfRQvgSNatM1MAHZzJ5YHo&page=edo_economy_overview&vertical=edo&nation=us.

Retrieved 02/26/2025.

5

POPULATION

CHARACTERISTICS* USA

USA

USA

37,262

132,915

33,832

Millennials

Retiring Soon

Racial Diversity

Your area has 37,262 millennials (ages 25-39). The national average for an area this size is 54,250

Retirement risk is high in your area.

The national average for an area the size is 80,600 people 55 or older, while there are 132,915 here.

Racial diversity is low in your area.

The national average for an area the size is 111,197 racially diverse people, while there are 33,832 here.

USA

USA

USA

17,290

2.63/1,000

7.68/1,000

Veterans

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Your area has 17,290 veterans.

The national average for an area the size is 13,675.

Your area has 2.63 violent crimes per 1000 people. The national rate is 3.54 per 1000 people.

Your area has 7.68 property crimes per 1000 people. The national rate is 18.02 per 1000 people.

*Source: Lightcast.(2025) [Economy Overview]. https://analyst.lightcast.io/analyst/t=4mqDB#h=2LhM2tfRQvgSNatM1MAHZzJ5YHo&page=edo_economy_overview&vertical=edo&nation=us.

Retrieved 02/26/2025.

INDUSTRY DEMAND

ANALYSIS

The Massachusetts Department of Economic Research (DER) Regional Occupation Explorer is a powerful data tool designed to offer in-depth insights into occupations across the state. Available at both the Workforce Development Area (WDA) and Workforce Skills Cabinet Region (WSC) levels, the tool provides data by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes specific to each region.

Its primary purpose is to support workforce development leaders in crafting regional workforce blueprints by highlighting potential labor shortages, identifying high-demand and high-paying occupations, and aligning occupational data with key priority sectors—including advanced manufacturing, health and human services, life sciences, and clean energy.

6

OCCUPATION

DEMAND ANALYSIS* Top Growing Occupations Business and Financial Operations Management Transportation & Material Moving Life, Physical & Social Science Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports & Media Installation, Maintenance & Repair Computer & Mathematical Architecture & Engineering Construction & Extraction Farming, Fishery & Forestry 0

Largest Occupations

200

400

Occupation Jobs

600

800

1,000

1,200

National Average

Food Preparation & Serving Related Sales & Related Office & Administrative Suport Management Construction & Extraction Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance Transportation & Material Moving Healthcare Practitioners & Technical Educatoinal Instruction & Library Business & Financial Operations Healthcare Support Personal Care & Service Installation, Maintenance & Repair Protective Service Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports & Media Production Community & Social Service Life, Physical & Social Science Architecture & Engineering Legal Farming, Fishery & Forestry Military-only 0

5,000

10,000

15,000

*Source: 4 Lightcast.(2025) [Economy Overview]. https://analyst.lightcast.io/analyst/?t=4mqDB#h=2LhM2tfRQvgSNatM1MAHZzJ5YHo&page=edo_economy_overview&vertical=edo&nation=us Retrieved 02/26/2025.

7

DESIGNATED

CAREER PATHWAYS The CIWB recognizes the urgent and evolving needs of regional healthcare employers. In response to critical employer feedback, the CIWB has focused its Healthcare Hubs Extension Grant on supporting Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. In a region with a large aging population, ensuring access to quality patient care is vital. A consistent challenge reported by healthcare providers is the shortage of skilled nursing staff across all care settings. This challenge is intensified by the region’s elevated healthcare workforce retirement rate, which surpasses both state and national averages. By investing in CNA and LPN training, the CIWB is laying the groundwork for a robust nursing career pathway that addresses workforce gaps across the healthcare continuum.

Offshore Wind and the Blue Economy remain key focus areas for workforce development in the region, contributing to both environmental and economic sustainability. With support from a Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Offshore Wind Grant, the CIWB is partnering with regional vocational schools to enhance curriculum in electrical, marine, and environmental sciences.

These efforts are designed to expand and align educational programming with career pathways in the offshore wind sector. By collaborating with technical high schools and higher education institutions, the CIWB aims to establish a comprehensive training pipeline into skilled trades, grounded in current labor market data.

Construction continues to be a critical and expanding priority sector in the Cape and Islands. This industry offers pathways to full-time, year-round employment and provides self-sustaining wages, making it a key contributor to regional economic stability.

WORKFORCE

SUPPLY

While the Cape and Islands region has limited educational and training institutions, it is supported by strong academic anchors including Cape Cod Community College, Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, and Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. These institutions offer a wide range of degree and certificate programs and serve as the foundation of the region’s educational ecosystem.

Cape Cod Community College (4C’s), established in 1961, has long delivered academic programs and community services tailored to the diverse needs of Cape Cod, the Canal Region, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Greater Plymouth Area. As the only comprehensive college on Cape Cod, 4C’s offers Associate degrees in Arts, Sciences, and Applied Science, with over 80 degree and certificate options available. The college is deeply committed to aligning its programs with regional workforce needs, providing equitable and flexible learning opportunities that ensure access for students from all backgrounds. Their mission is rooted in the belief that the transformative power of higher education should be available to all—empowering students and their families to build better futures.

8

According to the college, the following are their most popular programs:

Health Sciences Nursing Dental Hygiene EMT/Paramedic Medical Assisting Medical Interpreter

Transfer Pathway/ Career Programs General Studies Business Criminal Justice Communication

Hands-On STEM Career Programs Engineering and Robotics Cybersecurity Avionics

Unique Destination Programs Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Funeral Service Marine Technology Applied Economics of Coastal and Ocean Environments (“Blue Economy”)

The Adult Education Center on Cape Cod offers free educational courses and services to individuals who are interested in enhancing their reading, writing, listening, speaking, math, science and social studies skills. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) offers classes twice a week both during the day and in the evening. The classes are held September to June in the following levels: Beginner, High Beginner, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Advanced Level. Through the Mass Reconnect Program, 4C’s is committed to supporting adult learners without college credentials who enroll into degree programs.

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School (UCT) operates as a school of choice for students in the communities of Bourne, Falmouth, Marion, Sandwich and Wareham and is designed for students who are seeking to enhance their educational programs with a highly relevant career and technical experience that is connected directly to business and industry. Over 200 business and industry advisors review and update the school’s educational program annually. The UCT experience provides students with a blend of classroom theory, technical applications in state-of-the-art laboratories, and actual off campus work-based experiences. Students learn technical skills and earn nationally recognized industry certifications. They apply reading, writing, mathematics, science, communications, and technology in a way that has personal meaning and career relevance.

With a current enrollment of over 800 students, UCT offers the following technical programs: Automotive Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology, Health Technology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Horticulture, Information Technology, Marine Technology, Plumbing and Heating and Veterinary Science.

UCT also offers a Practical Nurse Program for adults seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. In the UCT Practical Nurse Program, we prepare each graduate for safe, entry level nursing practice, caring holistically for individuals from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating technical competence, all while functioning as an integral member of the health care team with a commitment to educational advancement and life-long learning. The graduates from the Practical Nurse Program are personable and professional role models in the workplace, academia and their communities.

9

Cape Cod Regional Technical High School (CCT), serves students and families living across mid and lower Cape Cod. As a dedicated technical high school, CCT gives students the opportunity to choose career pathway programs of study and prepare for occupations aligned with the regional economy.

Many of their graduates pursue postsecondary credentials, while other students find immediate employment opportunities. Cape Cod Tech also offers technical and certificate-based programs for adult learners through an after dark program managed by the Community School.

Programs of study at CCT fall within four major program academies, including: Construction, Health and Human Services, STEAM and Transportation. These programs speak directly to employer needs within high demand industries and priority occupations. Employers in the hospitality, healthcare, and construction sectors employ graduates of CCT as well as adult learners who acquire skills through state funded programs such as the HVAC Program which is funded by Commonwealth Corporation.

Many students at Cape Cod Tech take advantage of the Cooperative Placement Employment Program opportunities to find meaningful work experience while employed by local businesses and organizations. CCT knowing that often their graduates progress from coop employment to fulltime employment upon graduation.

Cape Cod Tech has an array of technical departments which include: Construction Academy: Carpentry, Electrical, Horticulture, HVAC, Plumbing Health & Human Services Academy: Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Health Technology, Dental STEAM Academy: Design and Visual Communication, Engineering, Information Technology Transportation Academy: Auto Collision, Automotive Technology, Engineering, Marine Services Innovation Career Pathways are designed to provide students with coursework and experiences in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, life science and advanced manufacturing. Districts within the region that have successfully been awarded an Innovation Career Pathways designation: Barnstable, Bourne, Dennis-Yarmouth, Mashpee, Nantucket and Sandwich. Students receive extensive career exploration opportunities which ultimately provide students with a competitive advantage upon graduation.

Connecting Activities provides students across the Cape and Islands region with access to a variety of meaningful work-based learning experiences and internships, all aligned with the region’s priority sectors and the Cape & Islands Regional Blueprint. The CIWB plays a vital role in promoting, coordinating, and supporting the Connecting Activities initiative throughout the region. Currently, all public high schools in the Cape and Islands actively participate in the Connecting Activities program, creating strong links between education and the workforce.

YouthWorks is a youth employment program that will serve as a conduit to the already robust youth programming offered by the CIWB. Designed for young adults ages 14–25, the program provides Cape and Islands high school students with exposure to career pathways, career exploration, and mentorship opportunities.

Additionally, participants will have access to the Signal Success curriculum, which supports the development of essential employability skills and long-term career readiness.

10

LABOR SUPPLY

CHALLENGES The Cape & Islands region faces two significant demographic trends that will shape the future workforce. First, the region has a disproportionately aging population, with only 37,262 millennial residents (ages 25–39), compared to a national average of 54,250. This imbalance results in a higher concentration of older adults, many of whom lack the skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving workforce. Additionally, more older adults are remaining in the workforce longer. Other regional challenges include barriers to employment such as limited access to affordable childcare, insufficient public transportation, and language proficiency gaps. While higher education institutions like Cape Cod Community College offer strong programming, capacity constraints have led to long waitlists. To address this, the CIWB is partnering with the college to develop an industry-specific English as a Second Language (ESOL) program through its healthcare grant, helping to meet both workforce and language needs.

PRIORITY

INDUSTRIES & OCCUPATIONS After reviewing relevant labor market data, we have identified the following priority industries for the Cape & Islands region:

Health Care & Social Assistance (62) Construction (23) Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (54) Accommodation & Food Services (72) Government (90) Healthcare and construction have been prioritized due to their ability to support sustainable wages and provide clear career pathways. Although healthcare is not the top industry in terms of employment numbers, the CIWB has intentionally included it as a priority sector. This decision is informed by our region’s aging population and consistent employer feedback highlighting urgent hiring needs, particularly in clinical roles.

Technology was also highlighted as a priority focus due to the strong foundation of innovation and technical skills being cultivated in local high schools. Regional employers across sectors continue to emphasize the need for a well-trained, tech-savvy workforce. While this section focuses on industries, it is clear that technology-driven roles are embedded across all sectors.

11

The construction industry remains vital to the region’s infrastructure and economic growth. It is also highly diversified, with the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBRACC) representing more than 325 members—including builders, developers, general contractors, electricians, and designers.

As a renowned travel destination, the Cape & Islands region relies heavily on the Accommodation & Food Services industry. This sector, which includes resorts, hotels, cultural venues, and recreational destinations, is key to supporting the local economy during peak tourist seasons.

Promoting career pathways in this industry is essential to ensuring its continued vitality.

In a region facing rising housing costs, selecting and supporting occupations that promote selfsufficiency is essential. Prioritizing career pathways also plays a critical role in advancing equity.

Based on labor market data and direct feedback from the Regional Blueprint Planning Team and the CIWB, we have identified the following priority occupations.

With 132,915 individuals over the age of 55, the Cape & Islands region has a significantly aging population, making the healthcare sector essential to meeting the needs of both year-round and seasonal residents. Demand for healthcare services is expected to grow steadily, driven by increased medical needs among older adults. As hospitals continue to discharge patients more quickly, more individuals are being admitted to long-term care facilities or receiving treatment at home—heightening the need for Medical Assistants, Home Health Aides, and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

Job prospects within the healthcare sector remain strong: Registered Nurses (RNs) earn between $64,300–$85,200 annually. Cape Cod Community College, in partnership with UMass Boston, offers a flexible RN-to-BSN program, allowing working professionals to advance their education while continuing to work.

Medical Assistants earn between $37,600–$45,000, supporting both self-sufficiency and career advancement.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn between $59,500–$64,600.

Upper Cape Tech supports students pursuing nursing careers by encouraging graduates— many of whom already hold a CNA certification—to further their training through its nursing pathway programs.

Construction continues to be a critical sector within the region. Despite a more limited formal career pathway, it often provides year-round employment and self-sufficient wages—an important consideration in a high-cost region like Cape Cod. Construction wage data in the region includes: Electricians: $46,000–$79,000 Carpenters: $42,000–$61,000 HVAC Technicians: $44,000–$63,000 Construction Managers: $81,000–$108,000 Wind Energy Development Managers: $77,000–$132,000 12

SHARED

STRATEGIES Continued Communication Our regional team has developed a strong, collaborative approach to advancing the Regional Blueprint initiative. This includes holding regular meetings—both in-person and virtual—which has led to increased participation and engagement. We have also broadened our communication efforts to include additional community partners, as well as local and state elected officials. To further enhance outreach, the CIWB has updated its social media platforms, using them as a key channel for sharing updates and promoting regional initiatives.

Shared Measurement Systems We will utilize multiple data sources and measurement systems to assess our progress with this initiative. These include the Apricot system through the Commonwealth Corporation, the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan to monitor progress on Offshore Wind initiatives, and Career Center reports to track training enrollment and ensure alignment with in-demand industry sectors.

Other Shared Strategies Previously, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) recommended the involvement of key community stakeholders in the Regional Blueprint initiative, particularly within the sectors of housing, economic development, and workforce development—areas critical to the Cape & Islands region. In response, several actions have been taken: the Executive Director of the CIWB now serves on the Barnstable County Economic Development Council, an advisory body to the Barnstable County Commissioners. This Council brings together leaders from the academic, workforce, arts, economic, entrepreneurial, and housing sectors and has become a valuable platform for sharing information and regional updates. To further support this work, we plan to use Salesforce to organize activities and share outcomes. Additionally, the CIWB is actively recruiting new Board members from in-demand sectors to strengthen representation and insight.

The regional team and CIWB have also built strong collaborative partnerships with academic institutions—a relationship rooted in our long-standing work through the Connecting Activities Program. Productive relationships with superintendents and principals have guided several academic initiatives, including the STEM@Work grant, Innovation Career Pathways grants, and the Mass Skills Capital Grant Program. Superintendent support has been critical to our success, and we continue to collaborate across multiple districts. Current representation includes Cape Cod Tech, Upper Cape Tech and Sandwich Public Schools many of which also have members serving on CIWB boards or committees. This level of engagement is also reflected in our partnership with Cape Cod Community College.

Many of our key initiatives, such as those mentioned above, require employer collaboration.

Fortunately, the employer partnerships we’ve cultivated across the region continue to be instrumental in driving program success.

13

MUTUALLY REINFORCING

ACTIVITIES Education

Integrate Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) into existing grant opportunities.

Expand ABE/ESOL offerings to align with workforce needs in priority sectors.

Collaborate with Cape Cod Community College to develop a Healthcarefocused ESOL program.

Continue promoting career pathway education initiatives.

Partner with academic institutions to review and align curricula with specific workforce development grants.

Workforce Development Stay informed of evolving employer needs and skill gaps within priority sectors.

Maintain and disseminate up-to-date regional labor market information (LMI) and analysis.

Host annual convenings with industry partners and state agencies to strategize on workforce solutions.

Promote career pathway education programs, including Connecting Activities, Innovation Career Pathways, and the Career Technical Initiative (CTI).

Strengthen the partnership with the Career Center to align training and employment services.

Hold quarterly meetings with the Regional Blueprint Team to ensure coordinated action and accountability.

Economic Development Facilitate brainstorming sessions with the MassHire Cape and Islands Career Center (MHCICC) Business Services Team to generate innovative solutions.

Continue to educate regional employers about the full range of MassHire services.

Strengthen alignment and collaboration with regional economic development organizations to support shared goals.

14

CONCLUSION The Cape and Islands is a unique region where strong partnerships and collaboration are the driving forces behind our continued progress and success. We take great pride in the strategic alliances that have shaped innovative solutions, expanded equitable access to education and training, and fostered sustainable career pathways. These efforts have contributed to a skilled workforce and a more resilient regional economy.

The CIWB has remained committed to building and leveraging partnerships that address the evolving workforce needs across our region. As a result, the CIWB has become a trusted convener, facilitating powerful connections and securing resources that align with our priority sectors and long-standing commitment to career pathway education. Our workforce development strategies focus not only on present demands but also on investing in the future workforce.

Through the Healthcare Hubs grant, CIWB continues to convene healthcare employers and training providers to identify skills gaps and develop career ladder training opportunities. In partnership with the Commonwealth Corporation and local employers, we are working to ensure the healthcare workforce is equipped to meet regional needs.

Simultaneously, the CIWB remains focused on securing new funding opportunities that align with in-demand sectors. We are strengthening our healthcare consortium and expanding training programs to be self-sustaining. As we implement the Offshore Wind grant, we are also seeking additional resources to grow academic and career pathways in this emerging sector. A robust offshore wind industry will bolster our Blue Economy and support long-term regional sustainability.

We hope this Regional Blueprint serves as a comprehensive guide to the workforce needs of our region and a valuable resource for local employers, educators, and workforce and economic development partners. With great confidence and a shared sense of purpose, we remain committed to growing a strong and vibrant workforce for the Cape and Islands—now and into the future.