BIC Presents: Innovation Lives in the Berkshires

In this episode of BIC Presents, host PJ Moynihan sits down with Bryana Bayly, Manager of Industry Relations, and Heather Williams, Youth Program Director at the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board, for a conversation about workforce development, career readiness, and the future of opportunity in Berkshire County. The discussion explores how MassHire works alongside schools, employers, community organizations, and regional partners to build a connected career readiness system that introduces students to career pathways as early as elementary school.

Heather outlines the structure of the region’s career awareness, exploratory, and immersive learning programs, including internships, job shadowing, and structured work experiences that help young people develop employability skills before entering the workforce. Bryana discusses the Berkshire Skills Cabinet and the region’s workforce blueprint, highlighting healthcare, hospitality, management, and advanced manufacturing as critical industries facing workforce shortages and growing demand.

The conversation also focuses on the importance of collaboration between workforce development, education, economic development, and innovation organizations such as the Berkshire Innovation Center. Together, the group reflects on the evolving message that “Innovation Lives in the Berkshires,” emphasizing that the region offers not only cultural attractions, but also meaningful career pathways, entrepreneurial opportunities, and long-term professional growth for people of all ages.

Links:

MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board:

https://www.masshireberkshirecc.com

Berkshire Innovation Center:

https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com