The Healey administration has launched a new website to connect fired federal workers with job opportunities and training resources in Massachusetts.
More than 46,000 Massachusetts residents work for the federal government across sectors like public administration, education, transportation, warehousing and the postal service, according to Gov. Maura Healey’s office. The new portal comes as the Trump administration, particularly the Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk, fires droves of federal workers.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been recklessly firing essential public servants who care for our veterans, support our fishing industry, protect consumers, maintain our parks and more. The good news is that Massachusetts is home to world class talent and employers who are eager to hire, and we know members of our federal workforce have the skills to make a difference here,” Healey said in a statement Friday afternoon. “To all of our federal workers — if you’re fed up with the damaging tactics of Trump and Musk, we want you to consider continuing your career here in Massachusetts, whether that’s in state or local government or in one of our many thriving industries.”
State officials did not specify how many federal workers in Massachusetts have been fired or laid off since the start of the new Trump administration.
The state’s new website, dubbed by the administration as “Fed Up,” features more than 160,000 job postings across the private and public sectors, Healey’s office said. It pulls together resources and openings from other websites, including the state’s MassCareers and MassTalent portals, plus the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s job board.
The website also pulls together workforce training opportunities, including resume, cover letter writing and interviewing skills workshops at the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center at 101 Munson St. in Greenfield. Executive Director Maura Geary said the center offers free workshops, individual resume consultations and practice interviews not only for federal employees who have been laid off, but for anyone who is searching for a job.
“We have a very busy workshop team that is trying to keep up with changes in the labor market,” Geary said. “We have a lot of resources and a lot of people willing to help during a time that’s typically stressful for people. That’s what we’re here for, to make finding a job a bit easier and less stressful.”
Geary said the center’s three most popular workshops are the “Resumes That Rock,” “Captivating Cover Letters” and “Get Ready For Your Next Interview,” but the center also leads workshops on professionalism, navigating LinkedIn, financial literacy and how to navigate unemployment.
On Monday, March 17, at 1 p.m., the center will host a “Coping with Job Loss” webinar that will guide participants through stress relief exercises and answer questions about what steps they can take on their journey, including beginning a new job search and navigating the unemployment system. Geary said the center has seen increased requests for help figuring out how to file unemployment claims recently, so it is looking to strengthen its ties with the Department of Unemployment Assistance.
“A lot of customers come to the career center thinking it’s the unemployment office and we’re not,” Geary said. “We’re trying to increase help navigating the unemployment system. We do as much as we can but there’s only so much we can do.”
Geary said with federal layoffs and uncertainty revolving around future layoffs, MassHire has seen increased demand for job search assistance statewide, and even the Greenfield center has seen former federal employees walk in seeking resources.
“We’ve had some laid-off federal employees come through our doors,” Geary said.
Geary said anyone with questions about what the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center offers should call 413-774-4361 or visit its website at masshirefhcareers.org.
With the Trump administration planning to lay off 80,000 workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Healey’s office noted the state website also offers veteran-specific employment resources.
“Veterans are essential to the federal workforce, and these layoffs threaten both their livelihoods and the critical services they provide,” Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago said. “Massachusetts is stepping up to ensure they have opportunities to continue their mission. We encourage every affected worker to explore opportunities in Massachusetts, where their dedication and expertise are valued.”