MassINC Report & Panel Recap:
“Constructing the Future: Strategies to Help Massachusetts Meet Its Clean Energy and Housing Goals”
NECA Boston Chapter Executive Manager Kristen Gowin recently participated in a panel discussion to launch Constructing the Future: Strategies to Help Massachusetts Meet Its Clean Energy and Housing Goals, a new report by the MassINC Policy Center and BW Research.
Gowin joined fellow panelists Frank Callahan, Massachusetts Building Trades Council, Samantha Wood, Director of Strategic Innovation and Workforce Development at Greenfield Community College. Jennifer Applebaum, Managing Director of Workforce Development at MassCEC, moderated the discussion.
The report emphasizes that Massachusetts cannot meet its ambitious housing and clean energy targets without significantly expanding the skilled construction workforce. It highlights the urgent need to scale apprenticeship programs, invest in training capacity, and boost productivity across the trades. While short-term economic and policy uncertainty may delay some projects, the report stresses that now is the time to prepare the workforce to ensure long-term readiness. It also highlights opportunities to enhance diversity in the trades and promote cost-effective, family-sustaining careers through more effective workforce development strategies. Check out the full report here.