Vineyard Wind Announces Nicolette Collard-Andrade Hired as Workforce and Local Content Coordinator

Fall River Native Will Help Connect the Local Community with Employment Opportunities

(NEW BEDFORD, MA) – Vineyard Wind today announced that Nicolette Collard-Andrade has been hired as the Workforce and Local Content Coordinator for Massachusetts.  Collard-Andrade joins the company after serving as the Director of Workforce and Community Education at Bristol Community College (BCC).  Her first day was January 4, 2021. 

“We’re thrilled to bring Nickie on board as we look to implement the training programs that will help us to build out this new, cutting-edge industry,” said Jennifer Cullen, Manager of Workforce and Supply Chain Development. “From planning and construction to operations and maintenance, the offshore wind industry is going to create thousands of jobs that need to be filled with properly trained people.  Nickie will help us to make sure that we connect as many local residents as possible with those new employment opportunities.”  

Collard-Andrade brings over ten years of experience working at the Massachusetts Community College system, with a focus on enhancing student services and support.  

“I am excited to bring my experience in workforce development to help meet the needs of the fast-growing industry, so that as many local residents as possible can get good paying jobs with good benefits,” said Ms. Collard-Andrade.  “The opportunities for our local workforce in offshore wind are immeasurable, and the environmental benefits of sustainable energy in our region will provide peace of mind for our future.”

During her tenure at BCC, Collard-Andrade worked to improve student outcomes by increasing support for staff, students and programs.  By focusing on rigorous, skills-based coursework, her department allowed educators to provide real-world skills, leading to gainful employment for graduates.  She also built relationships with the local workforce and economic development agencies to reach out to underrepresented communities.

A resident of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, Collard-Andrade and her husband welcomed their first grandchild this past December.  

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