As reported previously, the Education Committee of MMTA has been developing a series of courses which can be offered to our employees to increase their industry education and skills. This will, hopefully, be funded by a state grant called a Workforce Training Fund. As employers, our participation is to continue to pay the employee while taking these courses. The Workforce Training Fund would pay the tuition and instructor costs.

You all should have received a letter from the Education Committee outlining this program and requesting you return promptly a survey so we have some idea of the number of potential students that might participate. At present we are working with Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Massasoit Community College as course sites. This is a pilot program to educate and improve skills in your current employees. If successful, it may be expanded to other locations.