08/18/2026
Last week, CommCorp joined Massachusetts Labor & Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Representative Norman J. Orrall, and Senator Kelly A. Dooner at Fernandes Farm in Berkley to see YouthWorks in action and hear firsthand from young people continuing to build their skills through meaningful work experiences.
We had the opportunity to spend time with Eli, a YouthWorks participant whose experience at Fernandes Farms began earlier this year and is continuing this summer through YouthWorks. For Eli, the summer has been an extension of his learning and career exploration. He has continued developing his knowledge of the intricacies of planting, growing and caring for crops and flowers while gaining hands-on experience in a working farm environment.
His experience also gives him exposure to the many different skills that keep a local business running. From agriculture and horticulture to retail operations and customer service, Eli is continuing to learn, take on responsibility and explore where his interests and strengths may lead him in the future.
During the visit, Secretary Jones had the opportunity to hear about Eli’s experience and join in a hands-on harvesting activity.
That continued learning is an important part of what YouthWorks makes possible. Through paid work experiences, young people across Massachusetts can deepen their skills, explore career pathways, build professional relationships and gain experience that helps prepare them for what comes next.
We were also glad to meet Aaron Fernandes and Aimee Fernandes, fourth-generation members of the family that owns and operates Fernandes Farms, and see the supportive environment they are providing for young people to learn on the job.
Thank you to Eli for sharing his experience, to the Fernandes family for opening their workplace to young people, and to MassHire Bristol Workforce Board and Taunton Area School to Career Partnership for helping create opportunities for young people to keep learning, growing and exploring their futures through YouthWorks.