LEOMINSTER — The MassHire North Central Career Center just got a serious facelift. 

The center, which is near the BJ’s on Erdman way, was renovated for the first time in 20 years. The renovations took place from March until September of this year. 

On October 21st, local and state officials celebrated the reopening of the center with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Among those at the ceremony were: Rosalin Acosta, the secretary of labor and workforce development, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, State Sen. John Cronin (D-Lunenburg), and State Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster).

“We wanted to make sure the space was up to date, that it was technologically advanced and that it was a professionally warm space where people could come and receive services,” said Jeff Roberge, the North Central Workforce Board’s executive director.

The career center offers free counseling to anyone looking for a job, training, or a career change. Many years ago, the career center was an unemployment office.

The layout of the old career center was essentially a large room full of cubicles, where job seekers met with counselors out in the open. 

Now, according to Roberge, the front lobby has completely been redone, with hardwood floors and couches. The center also has a dedicated computer room, private interview rooms, and it offers virtual counseling in addition to in-person services.

“We completely redid the layout so we have private interview rooms where people can meet with counselors instead of cubicles, how it used to be,” said Roberge. 

The center has updated safety features as well. 

“We have security cameras, we built out the reception desk, it is enclosed. People go to private interview rooms, people can’t access the staff space, all the doors are key coded,” explained Roberge. 

Roberge added that the cost of the renovations – which exceeded six figures – were built into the 10-year lease they recently signed with their landlord. 

For more information on the MassHire North Central Career Center’s services call 978-534 1481 or visit https://masshirenorthcentralcc.com/.