SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Goodwill has opened the doors to its new facility in Springfield called the Pioneer Valley Job Training and Operations Center.

Goodwill is taking over operations at this new facility aimed at training people who face more barriers than some to get employed. The new Pioneer Valley Job Training and Operations Center is located at 245 Caldwell Drive in Springfield. It is equipped with a computer lab, classroom space, and a distribution center with loading docks and parking where donations to Goodwill can be sorted and processed.

Goodwill’s focus with this facility is to help people with developmental disabilities, people transitioning off public assistance and individuals returning from the corrections system. Here they will be able to develop the skills they need to head out into the workforce.

“We know today there’s a great need for the workforce and we create that match. We also work with employers so that at the end of their training, there’s a job opportunity,” said Joanne Hilferty, President and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries.

Among those speaking Thursday was Ricky Washington. He started working at Goodwill in 2003 and through job training passed his forklift test in 2018.

The building here will also act as a hub for its operations in western Massachusetts.