Advanced Manufacturing is one of the Pioneer Valley’s top priority industries—driving economic growth and offering high-wage, high-skill career opportunities.
Priority Industries
Advanced Manufacturing in the Pioneer Valley
Why Manufacturing Matters
25,157
jobs in the region (2023)
$69,550
average annual wage
27.9%
Projected job growth through 2030
Workforce Challenges
- A graying workforce and loss of institutional knowledge
- Difficulty attracting and retaining younger workers
- Need for more upskilling programs in advanced technical areas
- Rising costs that limit investment in wages and training
In-Demand Manufacturing Careers
- CNC Operators and Machinists
- Inspectors and Quality Control Technicians
- Front-Line Production Supervisors
Our Regional Strategy
- Expand apprenticeships and career pathway programs
- Partner with training providers to deliver flexible, skills-based programs
- Support employers in upskilling incumbent workers
- Use real-time labor market data to guide job placements and training investments
Healthcare & Social Assistance in the Pioneer Valley
Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest and fastest-growing industry in the region — a top priority for workforce development.
Why Healthcare Matters
72,859
jobs in the region (2023)
$62,943
average annual wage
18.2%
Projected job growth through 2030
In-Demand Roles
- Nursing Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Patient Care Technician
- Social and Human Service Assistant (Behavioral Health)
- Clinical Lab Technicians (via Registered Apprenticeships)
- Home Health & Personal Care Aide
Workforce Challenges
- Shortage of bedside nurses and direct care workers
- Limited clinical training capacity due to staffing shortages
- Low wages and credentialing barriers for nursing faculty
- Difficulty retaining talent, especially in behavioral health and long-term care
Our Regional Strategy
- Expand healthcare training pipelines through colleges, vocational schools, and apprenticeships
- Address clinical training shortages through employer partnerships
- Increase the number of certified workers across key occupations by 2025
- Provide wraparound supports (childcare, housing, transportation) for jobseekers entering healthcare roles
Education Services in the Pioneer Valley
Education is a regional priority industry, critical for both workforce development and the region’s long-term economic health.
Why Education Matters
18,750
jobs in the region (2023)
$52,108
average annual wage
12%
Projected job growth through 2030
In-Demand Roles
- Teacher Assistants / Paraprofessionals
- Childcare Workers (Infant–Pre-K)
Workforce Challenges
- Shrinking labor pool, especially in Gateway Cities
- Non-competitive wages in paraprofessional roles
- Difficulty recruiting and retaining staff in mandated and critical-need positions
- Need for more flexible, stackable credentials and expanded paid internship opportunities
Our Regional Strategy
- Expand training pipelines and credential programs for paraprofessionals and childcare workers
- Partner with school districts and higher ed to offer career pathway programs
- Increase on-campus recruitment and paid internships to retain graduates in the region
- Promote education careers to disconnected youth and adult learners
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