Due to state budget cuts, the NextStep Program is no longer in existence as of October 31, 2008. For further assistance, please contact your local Department of Transitional Assistance Office. For job search assistance, please visit your local career centers – FutureWorks & CareerPoint.
Welcome to the NextStep Program Website!!
The NextStep Program is a collaborative effort of both CareerPoint and FutureWorks One Stop Career Centers. The program is designed to offer job readiness training, job development and placement to those who are receiving (TAFDC) transitional assistance to families with dependent children through the Department of Transitional Assistance. The Career Centers have staff designated to work in each of the three Hampden County Department of Transitional Assistance Offices (DTA). These offices are located in Holyoke and two in Springfield. The Springfield offices are on State and Liberty Streets.
Participants who are referred to the NextStep Program attend workshops that help to prepare them for the world of work. "Working Works" is a general term that we use for workshops that present the core topics of the job search process; such as, Skills Identification, Completing Applications, Resume Writing, Interviewing Techniques, Dressing for the Workplace, and How to Get and Keep a Job. Some of the additional workshops that are offered are: Daily Planning, Marketing Tips, Attitude in the Workplace, Keeping Your Job, How to Relate to your Co-workers and Supervisors, and First Impressions. In addition, Job Clubs are held in both the local DTA offices and the Career Centers for the NextStep participants.
Individualized job development and placement is integral to the success of this program. Over the past twelve years of operation our program has placed literally thousands of individuals in unsubsidized jobs in Western Massachusetts. We work closely with area employers to assess their needs and provide them with suitable employees. This alliance with the business community has been a win-win situation. We are proud of our participants who have gone on to secure employment that has greatly improved their lives and the lives of their children.
