MassHire Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) for Job Training in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts is grappling with a historic skills gap:

198,000 official job openings in December 2024—an elevated 5.0 % openings rate—with just 0.8 unemployed persons per opening.
242,000+ online postings were still unfilled a month earlier, according to state labor‑market analytics.
Yet the state’s headline unemployment rate hovers near 4 %, while the broader U‑6 measure shows 7.2 % of workers are under‑utilized.

The takeaway: jobs are plentiful, but credentials are scarce. MassHire Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) solve that mismatch by paying your tuition for short, high‑impact programs that feed directly into the Commonwealth’s talent‑starved industries—healthcare, tech, business service, and skilled trades.

Key Points

Demand: Massachusetts had 198,000 open positions in Dec 2024 and just 0.8 unemployed workers per opening.
Labor stats: The state unemployment rate is 4.3% (Feb 2025) and labor‑force participation is 66.5%—the highest since pre‑pandemic.
Funding caps: An ITA can pay up to $5 k–$7.5 k in tuition for an approved training program.
Top fields: Popular ITA fields include healthcare, IT, CDL/trades, and business support.
How to apply: Register for a free MyMassGov account, sign in to MassHire JobQuest, schedule a Career Center Seminar, and meet with a MassHire counselor with your eligibility documents.
Next step: Browse ITA-approved programs on JobQuest or Dreambound, copy the course names, and have your counselor confirm they’re on the Eligible Training Provider List before requesting your voucher.

What Is an Individual Training Account?

A pre‑paid tuition voucher funded by WIOA Title I and issued through your local MassHire Career Center.
Pays the school directly for tuition, books, required fees, uniforms, and certification exams (within the cap).
Only usable at programs on the Massachusetts Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).
Typical program length is 6 weeks to 12 months, leading to credentials in CNA, cybersecurity, CDL‑A, HVAC, bookkeeping, and more.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Get Your ITA

1 — Create a MyMassGov account

Go to my.mass.gov.
Choose Personal (blue banner) → Create an Account.
Verify your email and set up MFA.

2 — Register on MassHire JobQuest

Visit MassHire JobQuest.
Click Register and sign in with your new MyMassGov credentials (required as of Jan 2025).
Enter SSN, date of birth, and ZIP to finish your profile.

3 — Connect with a MassHire Career Center

Find your nearest center via career‑center locator.
Attend an orientation / Training Information Session and meet your counselor.

4 — Complete assessments & an Individual Employment Plan

Bring ID, layoff or income proof, and work‑authorization docs.
Take any required basic‑skills tests (e.g., TABE) and draft your career plan with the counselor.

5 — Choose an approved program

In JobQuest, open Training → Approved Courses & Vendors to search the ETPL.
Or explore options on Dreambound (healthcare, tech, business, trades) and then confirm ETPL status with your counselor.

6 — Submit the ITA request

Counselor files the voucher up to the local cap (many boards set $5,000; Greater Brockton recently raised to $7,500).

7 — Enroll & succeed

MassHire pays the provider directly.
Stay in touch with your counselor; on completion, use their job‑placement services.

Who’s Eligible?

Massachusetts resident (or laid off from a MA employer) aged 18 +.
Work‑authorized in the United States.
High‑school diploma or GED/HiSET.
Selective Service registration (males).
Falls under one WIOA group:
- Economically disadvantaged adult (low income or public assistance)
- Dislocated worker (laid off, UI recipient, displaced homemaker, recently separated veteran)
Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service.

Funding Details

Typical cap: $5 k statewide; some boards (e.g., Greater Brockton) have raised the cap to $7.5 k.
Covers tuition, fees, books, mandatory supplies, exam costs.
Does not pay living expenses, transportation, or optional gear.
Funds are first‑come, first‑served each program year (refresh on July 1).
Must start and finish training within 12 months unless a waiver is granted.

Choosing a High‑Value Program

Search the ETPL inside JobQuest for programs matching in‑demand occupations.
Focus on fields with sustained hiring:
- Healthcare – CNA, LPN, phlebotomy, medical assisting.
- Information Technology – cybersecurity, network admin, data analytics.
- Skilled Trades – CDL‑A, HVAC, welding, advanced manufacturing.
- Business & Finance – bookkeeping, project management, office software.
Use Dreambound for discovery, then verify ETPL status and start dates with your counselor.
Confirm the program can be completed within 12 months and fits within the funding cap.

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Benefits for Job Seekers & Employers

Debt‑free upskilling: ITA covers tuition, books, and fees—no loans.
Fast hiring pipeline: Programs target roles behind the 198 k‑opening backlog.
Bridges under‑employment: Moves part‑timers & career‑changers into full‑time roles.
Employer value: Companies get credentialed talent without footing training bills.
Economic boost: Helps close MA’s talent gap and keeps jobs local.

MassHire ITAs at a Glance

Funding source: WIOA Title I via 16 MassHire regions.
Award size: $5 k–$7.5 k.
Payment flow: MassHire → Provider (no cash to participant).
Eligible programs: ETPL‑listed, under 2 yrs, lead to in‑demand jobs.
Availability: First‑come, first‑served; funds refresh July 1 each year.
Your role: Complete the course, earn a credential, and seek work in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every Dreambound program ITA‑eligible?

No. Dreambound is a discovery platform. After choosing a course, your MassHire counselor must verify the provider appears on the ETPL for your region before voucher funds can be applied.

How much can an ITA cover?

Regional caps range $3 5–$7.5 k; Greater Brockton’s is $7.5 k. Ask your counselor for the exact figure.

Can I keep unemployment benefits while studying?

Yes. Apply for the Training Opportunities Program (TOP) waiver inside JobQuest to keep UI payments during full‑time training.

How long does approval take?

Roughly two weeks for eligibility review plus one week for provider paperwork. Apply early—funds can run out mid‑year.

Which careers qualify?

Any ETPL‑approved occupation—Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Tech, Cybersecurity, CDL, HVAC, Welding, Bookkeeping, and more.

Final Thoughts – Your Debt‑Free Path to an In‑Demand Career

Massachusetts employers urgently need skilled talent, and MassHire ITAs remove tuition barriers so you can fill that demand.

3 Easy Steps to Apply for Your MassHire ITA

Explore programs on Dreambound to find one that excites you.
Create your JobQuest account and book a Career Center Seminar.
Bring your documents, verify ETPL status with your counselor, request the voucher, and train.

Upskill now, help close the Commonwealth’s talent gap, and start a career that moves you forward—without debt holding you back.

Written by

Blessed Joy Amarga

Blessed Joy Amarga is part of the Growth and Sales teams at Dreambound. She helps bring in new leads, increasing the number of people at the top of the sales funnel, and supporting the team in creating graphics to boost social media engagement. Blessed is also a Licensed Architect. Outside work, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places for her vlog.

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