Career Center cuts could lead to job losses

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Budget cuts set to take effect at the start of next year could have a major impact on career training centers in Massachusetts.

The Budget Control Act will go into effect January 2, 2013.

The cuts were in exchange for increasing the debt ceiling in 2011.

Massachusetts career centers, such as Futureworks and CareerPoint could lose more than $10 million in 2013. Much of that money goes toward job training programs that help people get jobs.

"What I found is, especially with our Excel training, that a lot of people need that to be qualified for a job.  So, I have actually had several gentlemen who have gone through the Excel training and, based on that, were able to get employment," said Sharon Benoit, who is a Computer Training Specialist at Futureworks in Springfield.

The cuts could lead to the loss of 19-thousand jobs and have a huge impact on the state's economy.

"It runs counter to the needs employers have had recently where they are looking for more skilled individuals.  If they want to upgrade their skills and can't, that's an impact on them and employers who are looking for people like them," said Konrad Rogowski, Career Services Manager at Futureworks.

The cuts will happen over a ten year period, which could eventually add up to a loss of more than 96-million dollars for the state.