Rep. Cabral Announces $75k YouthWorks Grant

State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford) and the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (GNBWIB) announced that the Board has received a YouthWorks grant of $75,000 from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD).

GNBWIB will use this state grant to support a youth training program where teens and young adults can obtain commercial underwater diving certifications and participate in the marine, manufacturing, law enforcement, and hospitality industries. The implementation of this training will be in partnership with the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (GNBVT) and Bob’s Sea and Ski.

“This training provides unlimited opportunities that will add value to the participating students’ vocational skill sets,” said James D. Oliveira, Executive Director and CEO of GNBWIB. “Commercial Divers are in high demand and needed to support our maritime industry sector.”

“The partnership between the GNBWIB, GNBVT and a local business, supported by this YouthWorks grant, will allow our youth to obtain niche skill sets in an area of interest to them,” said Rep. Cabral. “These kinds of opportunities are rare and have the capacity to transform the way teens and young adults view their future career paths in a positive way. With the marine fisheries industry right in our backyard, this certification program is a perfect fit.”

As described by EOLWD, the YouthWorks grant funds youth training programs that offer short-term occupational skill building that can enhance job seeking prospects for teens and young adults.

--Representative Cabral's Office