Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development welcomes Secretary Lauren Jones

The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development had the distinct honor of hosting Lauren Jones, the Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce

Development. This visit highlighted the Hub's commitment to workforce development and its

collaborative efforts to provide essential career training to people in the region.

During her visit, Secretary Jones had the opportunity to meet with students from the Grafton Job Corps Center, where she was particularly impressed by the talent and dedication of the students. She had a chance to speak with the students and their instructor, Talya Stebbins, about their experiences at the Hub. She met with students as they ran machines such as the Laser Engraver and Augmented Welders. The Secretary and her team were in awe at all that the students were accomplishing, and the success the AT trade has had this year.

As a token of appreciation for her visit, the students from the Grafton AT program presented

Secretary Jones with a beautiful glass bearing her logo and name. Secretary Jones expressed her admiration for the students dedication, and after touring the various programs, she admitted that the Grafton Job Corps students were her favorite group, particularly impressed by the laser engraving skills demonstrated by James Bramble.

The Blackstone Valley Hub continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of its community, providing youth with the skills and support needed to enter the workforce and thrive in a variety of industries. Secretary Jones’ visit underscored the importance of such programs, which help young individuals chart successful career paths and contribute to the states economic development.