State awards $1.6M in grants for technical skills programs in Western Massachusetts Updated Dec 10, 2020; SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday announced $11.7 million in vocational skills grants for educational institutions statewide, including approximately $1.6 million for programs in Western Massachusetts. The grants include $300,000 for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department for inmate training and $250,000 for the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield. The grants are intended to help update equipment and expand student enrollment in programs that provide career education, according to an announcement from the governor’s office. “At a critical time in our Commonwealth, these Skills Capital Grants will increase flexibility and support for schools and educational institutions to launch new programs and help more students develop important technical skills and prepare them for high-demand industries,” Baker said. “As our economy moves forward, it will be crucial for young people to develop the important technical skills that local employers need to grow their businesses.”