Ready to get to WORC2?

The Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (WORC²) is designed to support the growth and development of local contractors and construction professionals by providing access to valuable resources, training, and technical assistance. Our goal is to strengthen the construction workforce and build the capacity of small and mid-sized contractors to better meet the increasing demand for qualified labor and skilled project delivery across the region.

WORC² offers low-cost programs that prepare individuals to enter and succeed in the construction industry, connecting them with employment opportunities and career pathways. For contractors, we deliver personalized business development support, helping firms improve operations, increase efficiency, and scale their businesses for long-term success.

With our deep industry experience and commitment to workforce and contractor development, WORC² is a platform for meaningful, long-term growth that both individuals and businesses can build on.

 
 
We invite you to learn more. Schedule a One-on-One Appointment session, register for a class or call Katrina Conrad at (617) 238-7680 to see how we can help you succeed.

Workforce =
Our Community

Opportunity =
Construction Projects

Resource=
Training + Development

Center =
Our Neighborhood

Are you a Worker?

WORC² can help you look for employment and training in the building trades sector at no cost.

A construction project can represent an employment opportunity for residents in Greater Boston and perhaps an opportunity to start on the right path to a construction career.

See Upcoming Classes and Events
 
 

Are you a Subcontractor?

Scheduled classes and workshops are based on suggestions from contractors like you and are designed for both you and your team’s participation.

At WORC², we recognize that each contractor has its own identity, strengths, and weaknesses. The success of any contractor is based on its team, strategic planning, and access to capital. Our model at WORC² will not offer a ‘one size fits all’ package to its clients.

Schedule One-on-One Appointment

Classes We Offer

Upcoming Classes and Events

  • This 10-hour course covers the fundamentals of workplace safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ideal for entry-level workers, it introduces essential safety practices and the identification of common hazards in construction environments. Participants learn to recognize safety risks and implement basic preventive measures to ensure a safer work environment.

  • A more advanced course than the OSHA 10, the OSHA 30-hour training is designed for supervisors and workers with more responsibilities. It provides a deeper dive into OSHA standards, construction safety protocols, hazard identification, and safety management. This course focuses on comprehensive safety leadership to help reduce workplace incidents.

  • This hands-on course equips participants with life-saving skills, teaching how to perform CPR and basic first aid in case of emergency. From treating cuts and burns to handling medical emergencies on-site, this course prepares individuals to respond confidently and effectively in critical situations.

  • In this course, participants learn the specific qualifications and responsibilities required to act as a "competent person" on a construction site. Focused on identifying and mitigating potential hazards, this training is designed for those overseeing tasks like excavation, scaffolding, and fall protection to ensure safety compliance.

  • This introductory course covers the basics of reading construction plans and blueprints. Participants will learn how to interpret symbols, scales, dimensions, and different types of drawings to fully understand project specifications, helping them communicate effectively with architects, engineers, and other tradespeople.

  • Building upon Plan Reading I, this intermediate-level course goes deeper into more complex plans, including structural drawings, electrical, and mechanical systems. Participants will enhance their ability to read detailed construction documents and identify potential issues in design or execution early in the process.

  • This comprehensive series is designed to introduce aspiring project managers to the full scope of construction project management. Covering topics from planning, budgeting, and scheduling to managing teams, materials, and risk, participants will develop the skills necessary to lead successful projects from start to finish.

  • These interactive sessions offer personalized guidance for job seekers looking to craft an effective construction industry resume. On the first and third Friday of every month, participants can receive hands-on assistance to enhance their resumes, learn how to highlight relevant skills, and improve their chances of landing interviews in the competitive construction field.

  • This course provides an overview of various funding options available to contractors and construction businesses. Topics include loans, grants, venture capital, and other financing strategies to help participants understand how to secure the financial resources needed to start, grow, or sustain their construction enterprises.

  • In this course, participants learn the ins and outs of construction bonding, an essential element in securing contracts and mitigating financial risks. The course covers the different types of bonds, how they work, and the steps involved in obtaining them, ensuring businesses are protected against unforeseen risks and non-performance.

  • Focusing on strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in construction, this course covers key areas of insurance, including general liability, worker's compensation, and property insurance. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to safeguard their projects, teams, and assets from unexpected events.

  • This unique networking event offers participants the opportunity to engage with experienced estimators over dinner. It provides insights into the estimating process, including how to develop accurate bids, manage project costs, and understand the financial side of construction. Attendees can ask questions, discuss industry trends, and gain valuable advice from professionals.

  • In this course, participants learn how to use social media platforms effectively to market their construction business. Topics include creating engaging content, targeting the right audience, and building an online presence that drives business growth. Perfect for contractors looking to enhance their digital marketing strategy.

  • This course provides an essential introduction to legal principles for construction professionals. Participants will learn about contracts, liability, permits, licensing, and other legal considerations specific to the construction industry, helping them avoid legal pitfalls and operate within regulatory frameworks.

  • This course prepares participants for the 2A/1C Hoisting License exam, a requirement for operating cranes and hoisting equipment in Massachusetts. It covers safe equipment operation, relevant state regulations, and industry best practices to ensure participants are well-prepared for the licensing exam and on-the-job responsibilities.

  • This introductory course provides a fundamental understanding of the Passive House standard, a rigorous energy-efficient building design. Participants learn the principles of high-performance construction, energy conservation, and creating sustainable buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort and energy savings.

  • In collaboration with the Dorchester Bay EDC, this course provides guidance on securing funding for construction businesses. Participants will learn about grants, loans, and other funding opportunities available to entrepreneurs, with a focus on practical advice and application processes.

  • These interactive workshops cover a wide range of construction skills, from basic carpentry to advanced installation techniques. Hands-on learning ensures that participants gain practical experience in essential trade skills that can immediately be applied to real-world projects.

  • This course introduces participants to Bluebeam, a powerful software tool used in the construction industry for digital collaboration, document management, and drawing markups. Participants will learn how to navigate the platform, perform takeoffs, create and edit PDFs, and streamline the review process for construction projects.

  • This summer program provides hands-on experience in various construction trades for high school students or young adults looking to enter the industry. Participants will engage in practical workshops, learning basic skills in areas like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and more, while being introduced to the professional world of construction.

  • Building on Passive House 101, this more advanced course dives deeper into the technical aspects of Passive House design and construction. Topics include energy modeling, building envelopes, ventilation systems, and sustainable construction techniques, offering participants the knowledge to integrate Passive House principles into their own projects.

  • This series is designed for individuals looking to take on supervisory roles in construction projects. Topics include leadership, crew management, budgeting, scheduling, and conflict resolution. Participants will learn how to oversee operations on a job site while ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality control.

  • This workshop introduces participants to the City of Boston’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program, which allows homeowners to build small additional housing units on their property. The course covers zoning regulations, design requirements, permitting processes, and available incentives. Ideal for contractors, developers, and property owners, it provides the knowledge needed to plan, permit, and build ADUs in compliance with local guidelines.

  • This practical course helps construction professionals develop effective public speaking and communication skills. Tailored for those who lead teams, present project updates, or engage with clients, the training focuses on clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Participants learn techniques to improve presentations, speak persuasively, and communicate effectively in high-stakes situations.

  • This four-part series offers a step-by-step introduction to Procore, a leading construction project management software. Ideal for project managers, field supervisors, and admin staff looking to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration.

  • This finance-focused course breaks down key concepts like financial forecasting, cash flow management, and working capital planning for construction businesses. Participants learn how to project future revenue and expenses, manage day-to-day cash needs, and ensure financial stability through proper planning and resource allocation. A must-have for contractors looking to scale sustainably or weather slow seasons.

  • This course explores the essentials of managing construction payroll and submitting accurate payment requisitions. Topics include certified payroll compliance, union vs. non-union payroll considerations, tracking labor hours, and preparing requisition documents for general contractors or public projects. Participants gain practical tools to streamline their billing and payroll processes while avoiding common pitfalls.

Upcoming classes
& events

Please check our upcoming events and classes. For more information contact Katrina Conrad at (617) 238-7680.

 
 
See Upcoming Classes and Events