2021 was an extraordinary year. Amidst a pandemic, Boston became more focused than ever on addressing inequity, culminating in a historic mayoral election and the promise of transformational change. In this context, the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) expanded and innovated on several fronts, even as it met its core responsibilities. As we move into 2022, the PIC is ready to make a difference under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu.
The PIC brings the city’s neighborhood residents, both youth and adults, into the Greater Boston economy. Looking ahead, we are seeing new momentum among our employer partners as they seek to diversify their companies and institutions. At the same time, the federal government is investing an unprecedented amount of funding in workforce development through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). The need for skilled employees and the availability of training dollars presents a unique opportunity for Boston residents to access higher paying careers.
As Boston’s workforce development board and school-to-career intermediary organization, the PIC is uniquely positioned for both influence and action by:
This report describes how the PIC supported Boston youth, adults, and employers in 2021 while helping to lay the foundation for a more equitable Boston – a city and an economy that benefits fully from the many backgrounds, perspectives, and skills of its diverse population.