Blackstone Valley Hub
for
Workforce Development

Founded in 2018

The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development aims to positively contribute to a collaborative workforce pipeline by providing a centralized location for students to gain the technical and employability skills needed to meet the needs of the region and beyond. Established in 2018 as the non-profit and business development arm of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC), the Hub offers a sustainable learning model that seeks to connect the workforce and academic institutions.

This is accomplished by providing opportunities for individuals to acquire technical skills to increase employability as well as helping companies with their hiring needs. We also provide the opportunity for companies to provide upskilling for their incumbent workers. The BV Hub uses industry-standard equipment such as TRAK CNC mills and lathes, Bridgeport mills, Universal Collaborative robots, Miller Augmented Reality welders, 3D printers, and a 22-seat computer lab for all the training programs we provide.,

Our Impact

80%

Students offered permanent job opportunities with their matched worksite in the Advanced Manufacturing Career Pathway Program

40k

Direct payments to students and work based placement employees in Year 1 of YouthWorks

15k

Number of eligible students to be served in Blackstone Valley and Central MA school districts through Connecting Activities

183

Cumulative years of manufacturing industry and educator experience of the BV Hub Instructors Team

Impact

Vision

Our Vision

Empowering Central MA and beyond, our nonprofit envisions a dynamic workforce education and training ecosystem. By fostering collaboration among manufacturers, businesses, schools, and students, we aim to cultivate innovation, forge strong partnerships, and prepare individuals for thriving careers, ensuring economic growth and prosperity for the region and state.

Join Us

Approach

Fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and relationships is the key to meeting regional workforce needs and is critical for a healthy economy.

- Ashley Bregman, Executive Director

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Executing the Mission

Approach

Developing sustainable long-term relationships will ensure the growth and legacy of the BV Hub.

Active learning and hands-on training opportunities are fundamental to authentic learning and mastery. The BV Hub strives to provide local businesses and school systems increased access to experiential learning and employability skills that research shows are vital to success in the workforce.

Our approach includes:

Meeting those we serve where they are at
Listening to their needs
Development of programs to meet the identified needs
Relationship focused partnerships
Facilitation of regional resource sharing and networks
Assessment of effectiveness
Fidelity to the mission

Board

The BV Hub Board

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The BV Hub benefits from the significant knowledge and expertise of the Board of Directors. Leveraging their own networks, skill sets, and experience, Hub Board members consistently demonstrate their commitment to the mission.

The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development is currently expanding its Board of Directors to align with the organization’s significant growth in recent years. We invite individuals who are passionate about workforce development and committed to advancing our mission to consider joining the Board. Ideal candidates are collaborative, engaged, and dedicated to serving as ambassadors for the organization. BV Hub values diverse perspectives and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply. To express your interest or learn more, please contact young.joscelyn@bvhub.org.

Jeannie Hebert

Jeannie Hebert is the President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and Blackstone Valley Education Hub. She works tirelessly as an advocate and supporter for businesses in the Blackstone Valley to obtain the resources they need to grow and flourish.

Karen Crebase

Karen Crebase is the Superintendent of the Hopedale Public Schools. She is the president of the Blackstone Valley Superintendent's Consortium and a supporter and advocate for BVExcel, shared curriculum courses among schools in the Blackstone Valley.

Lucille Ward

Lucille Ward is the Human Resource Manager for Package Steel Systems, Inc. located in Sutton, MA. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and is a staunch advocate for the businesses the Blackstone Valley. Lucille is a member of AIM and the Blackstone Valley Women's Success Network.

Amber Polisher

Workforce Development Specialist with Massachusetts AFL-CIO

Amber Polisher brings over a decade of experience in digital marketing, communications, and business development to her role as a Board Member of the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development. She specializes in brand strategy, cross-sector partnerships, and data-driven initiatives that help organizations grow and connect with their communities. Amber’s expertise in employer engagement and project execution aligns with BV Hub’s mission to strengthen regional workforce pathways and expand access to opportunity. She is passionate about advancing programs that prepare students and job seekers for success in a rapidly changing economy. A Massachusetts native, Amber is inspired by the Hub’s collaborative approach and commitment to building strong local partnerships.

Eric Eisner

Eric Eisner is the chief of Staff for State Representative Michael Soter. He is a graduate from Blackstone-Millville Regional High School and a southern Worcester County native. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geoscience from University of Lowell and is a volunteer for MA Association of Student Councils, which works with students and educators from across the Commonwealth.