BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) announced today that CVS Health and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) will receive the 17th Annual John Gould Education & Workforce Development Award for their groundbreaking Health Pharmacy Technician Program. The award will be presented at AIM’s 100th Annual Meeting at the Boston Westin Waterfront Hotel.
The award was established in 1998 to recognize the contributions of individuals, employers, and institutions to the quality of public education and the advancement, employability, and productivity of residents of the Commonwealth. In 2000, the award was named after John Gould, upon his retirement as President and CEO of AIM, to recognize his work to improve the quality of public education and workforce training activities in Massachusetts.
The Pharmacy Technician Training Program created in partnership with the MRC has become one of CVS Health’s signature training program and serves as a model of the commonwealth’s commitment to job- driven training. The program is an innovative eight-week training session for MRC consumers who are seeking employment and have shown interest in careers in health services.
To support the program, CVS Health has shared its pharmacy technician training curriculum and provided access to its learning-management system. MRC provides added resources and expertise around soft-skills training and job readiness to meet the needs of MRC consumers while addressing CVS Health’s staffing needs.
The first cohort of the program was conducted during the summer of 2014 with nearly 30 pre-screened, qualified candidates. That group yielded an 89 percent success rate, based on the number of trainees hired. The second class graduated 43 consumers on March 23, 2015 in a ceremony held in the Great Hall of Flags at the State House. Several graduates have already obtained employment and others are moving forward in the employment process with CVS.
“The most critical challenge before us is affording every citizen the opportunity to participate in and contribute to building our commonwealth’s future,” said Richard C. Lord, AIM’s President and CEO. “We are pleased and proud to honor this successful collaboration between a major employer and a key public agency to prepare motivated people for productive and rewarding career paths.”
About the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
MRC assists individuals with disabilities to live and work more independently. MRC is responsible for vocational rehabilitation, community living, and disability determination services. www.mass.gov/mrc
About CVS Health
CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through 7,800 retail pharmacies, more than 900 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 65 million plan members, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, CVS Health enables people, businesses and communities to manage health care in affordable, effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality health care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health care at www.cvshealth.com.
About AIM
Established in 1915, Associated Industries of Massachusetts is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of Massachusetts employers. With nearly 4,500 member companies and institutions employing more than 600,00 people in the state, AIM’s mission is to promote the well-being and prosperity of the commonwealth by reducing business costs, shaping state and federal business regulations, and ensuring a skilled and highly educated workforce.
