For more information, please contact Loreena LaMarca at 617-626-5683 or Email at LLaMarca@detma.org.

Food Stamp Employment and Training offers Skills Training and Job Search assistance at no cost

The Skill Start program provides short-term occupational skill training and job search services to individuals who have been determined eligible for Food Stamps by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and referred to the Division of Career Services.

To be eligible for Skill Start services an individual must be newly enrolled in the Food Stamp Program by DTA and ineligible for other public assistance.

Occupational skill training provided by qualified vendors must meet the following criteria to be approved for the Skill Start program:

• The total cost of training, including tuition, books, materials, supplies, and any associated license/certification fees, must not exceed $1,500.00 per trainee.
• Each training course must be completed within 6 weeks (42 calendar days, or less).
• Approved Skill Start training courses of lesser cost and length may be combined as long as the total cost per trainee does not exceed the $1,500.00 limit and the total length of training is not more than 6 weeks (42 calendar days).

Skill Start provides a $35.00 stipend at the successful completion of training. A second $35.00 stipend is awarded after the completion of five job interviews or entry into employment, which ever comes first. These payments are made to offset the costs incurred in travel to the training and job search activities.

Not sure if you qualify? Talk to your DTA Food Stamp Worker or locate a One Stop Career Center near you or call 617 626-5300.