State Launches Workforce Innovation Tour at Interprint
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development kicked off its "revolutionary" workforce tour at Interprint and learned some about decor printing.
On Monday, the Healey-Driscoll administration launched the "MassHire 250 Workforce Innovation Tour" to celebrate local and regional workforce innovations across the state. From now until July, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones will visit each of the state's 16 MassHire regional workforce boards to hear about partnerships that fuel and sustain sectors.
"Berkshire companies are innovative in creating new possibilities," said David Moresi, chair of the Berkshire Workforce Board. "Technology and innovation are part of the Berkshires' industrious past, thriving present, and limitless potential."
In celebration of Interprint's 40th year in the city, state and local officials toured the surface design and printing facility and even participated in an ink matching exercise. With around 200 employees, the company sells its decorative papers and films worldwide and has seen several expansions.
"As I often say, workforce development takes collaboration and the network of organizations, community leaders, and workforce partners represented here demonstrates the partnerships that drive outcomes from career coaching and job training to employment," Jones said.
"That was demonstrated certainly by hearing some of the highlights shared during our tour of the partnership with MassHire and the employment and professional development outcomes that we see at a company like Interprint."
In a week, Massachusetts will join five other states in celebrating Patriots Day, commemorating the inaugural battles of the American Revolutionary War: Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy (Arlington). The workforce tour builds on the launch of Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America's independence and Massachusetts' revolutionary legacy.
Jones noted the Taylor Swift's Eras Tour inspired the signage.
"Two hundred and fifty years ago, the people of Massachusetts laid the foundation for a revolution, one that would build a new nation based on freedom, opportunity, and a belief that hard work could shape a better future," she explained.
"Fast forward to today, we celebrate the incredible revolutionary progress, and as part of the Healey-Driscoll administration, we are truly leaning into this through workforce development to lift up the opportunities that we have seen advance over the years, over the centuries, as we think about innovation within our workforce."
Moresi said there is an abundant wealth of possibilities for innovation in the Berkshires, as companies are building submarines, armored trucks and medical equipment, wind turbines, and "transforming our economy into new creative outlets and high tech incubators."
"MassHire Berkshire and our partners are creating new possibilities by engaging with our rich community of strong innovators and leaders by forging education, training, and career pathways," he explained.
"These opportunities are designed to promote key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense, software engineering, climate technology, and healthcare."
Managing Director Bill Hines Jr. explained that the company is the leading decor printer in North America and one of the world's largest.
"Interprint's creativity puts emotional needs into the center of modern interior design. Our passion for great design transforms spaces into comforting environments. You saw only a brief moment of what it is we do out there, but our products are all around the world," he said.
"Our team of close to 200 are problem solvers and innovators and are the core of the company. Anyone can buy machinery, but our difference is marked by a team spirit which fosters continued expansion and growth in both the business and the mindset of our people."
He reported that Interprint maintains a "grow your own" type philosophy at the facility and strong partnerships in the community. The company helped to launch the Berkshire Plastics Network, which has evolved into what is now the Berkshire Innovation Center.
"Interprint has utilized workforce training grants and has partnered with MassHire for over 20 years, combining our resources to attract and train new talent. We take great pride in being a leader with technology-driven career opportunities that provide exciting, meaningful work in addition to the quality of life for which the region is already renowned," Hines said.
"We foster career pathways, we connect with our young people, we train our employees, and we're always at the cutting edge of technology for our industry. Additionally, we train and retrain the talented individuals who have been responsible for building this company into a successful and continually growing manufacturer. The things that I just mentioned are just a few of the elements that have made us technology pioneers here, and we take great pride in the fact that we are celebrating our 40th year here in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, and the Commonwealth."
Jones said the timing of this tour aligns with the first step towards modernizing the state's workforce system. Last month, the EOLWD launched the new Office of Workforce Innovation, and between now and June, is soliciting feedback to help shape the vision for a more modernized and innovative workforce system and how to best serve job seekers, workers, and employers.
"Berkshire County is known for its creativity, resilience, vibrant businesses, and our ability to collaborate," Moresi said.
"Our long-standing partnership between MassHire and Interprint is one of the many ways our region sparks innovation and substantial growth of technology-focused companies. We foster lifelong learning, career pathway development, and enrich people's lives with innovation right here in the Berkshires."
Following the tour at Interprint, Jones joined members of the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board at Berkshire Health Systems and Hillcrest Education Center to meet with students in the Healthcare HUBs Medical Assistant training program.
Tags: Interprint, labor, labor secretary, state officials, workforce development,
