A total of 680 adult learners will benefit from a combined $6.6 million in funding from the Massachusetts state government, seeking to boost training in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
The Gov. Maura Healey Administration awarded the funds to seven technical high schools or school systems serving Central Massachusetts communities as part of the Career Technical Initiative, an effort led by the quasi-public Commonwealth Corp. to create more opportunities for unemployed or underemployed adults.
“The CTI program opens doors for adult learners by providing the hands-on training they need to step into high-demand careers in construction, the trades and manufacturing,” Healey said in a Wednesday press release announcing the funding. “With some of the best public Career Technical Education schools in the country and strong employer partnerships, Massachusetts is positioned to prepare our residents for rewarding, lifelong careers.”
The Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational Technical School District, which operates Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton, was awarded the highest amount of any Central Massachusetts recipient, at $1.34 million. These funds will be used to provide training to 130 participants studying fields which include automotive tech, HVAC, and manufacturing. This training will involve partnership with Shrewsbury-based Advantage Truck Group and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District in Marlborough received $1.17 million, which will fund training for 108 participants, including programs which involve partnership with local businesses and municipalities including Acton Refrigeration and the City of Marlborough Office of Inspectional Services.
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District in Upton received $1.04 million. These funds will be used to train 100 participants studying electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and advanced manufacturing. Businesses who are participating in partnerships related to this training include Northbridge-based Riverdale Mills Corp. and Worcester-based Saint Gobain Abrasives.
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in Fitchburg received $970,000. These funds will be used to train 72 participants in CNC machining, electrical work, and plumbing and involves partnerships with companies including Fitchburg Welding Co. and Nashua-based construction firm DECCO Inc.
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin received $883,955. This funding will provide training for 150 adults in fields including HVAC and culinary arts. Participating business partners include Consigli Construction in Milford and Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery in North Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Nashoba Valley Technical High School, which is located in Westford but serves Central Massachusetts communities including Ayer, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend, received $800,000. These funds will be used to train 80 participants for automotive, plumbing, and electricity positions and involves partnerships with Newton-headquartered McGovern Automotive Group and Tewksbury-based MegaTech Corp.
Worcester Public Schools received $399,996 for 40 participants in the Diesel Tech program offered at South High Community School. Partners in this program are The Pete Store in Fitchburg, City of Leominster Department of Public Works, and Advantage Truck Group.
“The Monty Tech community is thrilled to partner with our colleagues at Commonwealth Corporation and MassHire to provide an opportunity to the residents of northern Worcester County who are seeking life-changing no-cost workforce training to reset their career pathway,” Tom Browne, superintendent-director of the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District, said in the press release. “Through the Career Technical Initiative, Monty Tech will be able to provide instruction to 96 deserving trainees spread across four career pathways – HVAC, CNC Operator, Cook and Groundskeeping & Small Engine Repair – that are in dire need of an infusion of skilled workers.”
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
