Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School were among schools awarded Career Technical Initiative grants Tuesday to train jobseekers for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors,
Whittier was awarded $784,000 from the Healey-Driscoll Administration while Essex Tech was given $2 million. Whittier will provide training to 98 participants for welding, advanced manufacturing, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, culinary arts, marine technology, construction laborer, and auto body and collision repair positions.
“We are thrilled to be able to support our region’s economy by providing career technical education to underemployed or unemployed adults. These training programs are critical to provide a skilled workforce for our region,” said Whittier Superintendent Maureen Lynch.
Whittier will partner with Fairview Machine, Magellan, Aero Manufacturing, Auto Body Builders, Repairs Unlimited, Bradford Towing and Auto Repair, Cale Wood Construction, Pepe Training, M.L. Mazzotta Building and Excavation, Germaine Lawn and Landscape, Premier Builders, , East Coast Welding and Fabrication, Metalcrafters, Momentum Manufacturing Group, A Sweet Affair, Whitson’s Culinary Group, Chococoa Baking Co., Donahue and Son Electric, Sanford Electric, Piquette and Howard Electric Service, American Boat and Yacht Council, Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Manchester Marine Corporation, T.J. Thistlewood, Bourque Plumbing and Heating and Riverside Plumbing and Heating.
Essex Tech will provide training to 250 participants for automotive technology, biolab tech, carpentry, CNC machinist, construction craft laborer, culinary, electrical, electromechanical manufacturing, HVAC, plumbing and welding positions.
The Career Technical Initiative grant program partners with Career and Technical Education Schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. Labor Secretary Lauren Jones awarded the grants at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District in Franklin.
“These awards will help address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways so that the construction, trades, and manufacturing sectors can continue to thrive now and in the future,” said Gov. Maura T. Healey. “CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers, and employers as we continue to promote a competitive and equitable economy.”