Greater Lowell WIB

Kevin E. Coughlin, Chairman of the Board
Barbara O'Neil, Director

Building Bridges Between Employers and Skilled Workers

Mission

The Greater Lowell Workforce Investment Board, working in partnership with the Chief Elected Office (Lowell City Manager) provides policy guidance for workforce development initiatives in the Greater Lowell area.

The Board works in concert with business, education, labor and other agencies dedicated to improving and promoting economic sufficiency for residents of Greater Lowell.

Who We Are

"The Workforce Investment Act represents national consensus on the need to restructure a multitude of workforce development programs into an integrated workforce investment system that can better respond to the employment needs of its customers-current workers, workers laid-off due to restructuring and downsizing, and new entrants to the labor force, as well as employers."-U.S. Department of Labor

The Greater Lowell Workforce Investment Board is one of 16 Workforce Boards throughout Massachusetts, servicing the communities of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Dunstable and Westford.

For more info....

Youth Programs

Lowell Association for the Blind
Senior Teen Employment Program (STEP)

The Senior Teen Employment Program (STEP) administered by the Lowell Association for the Blind is designed as a transition program for blind youth, who upon graduation from high school, choose to enter the workforce. Through indivualized case management each youth establishes individual goals, identifies their interest, and skills, and learns adaptive technology and its application in the workplace. Staff from LAB provide the technical support for the employer when hiring youth. Prior to placement at a work experience internship, youth must successfully complete trainings, which address: resume writing, appropriate workplace dress, workplace conduct, employment applications, and interviewing and interpersonal skills. Familiarization with public transportation and commuting to and from work safely is perhaps the most critical component of this training. Taken altogether the goal of the program is to enhance blind youth's independence and involvement in the workforce.

Contact person: Christie Cleaver

978-454-5704
ccleaver@lowellassociationfortheblind.org

Youth Programs