Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $24.2 Million to Expand Career Technical Training Opportunities for 2,500 Jobseekers

 

Career Technical Initiative Addresses the Persistent Demand for Workers in the Trades, Construction, and Manufacturing in Partnership with over 180 Employers

 

HAVERHILL — The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $24.2 million in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants today to 23 school districts to train 2,490 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors across Massachusetts.

The CTI grant program partners with Career and Technical Education (CTE) 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. The administration also awarded a planning grant to an organization to prepare and design future training.

Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $53 million in CTI Grants, projected to train over 6,090 unemployed and underemployed individuals. Today’s announcement launches the tenth cohort of CTI grants. Among nine awarded cohorts, to date, over 4,400 total participants have received training, over 3,150 participants have completed training, over 3,100 have earned industry-recognized credentials, and over 2,360 have secured employment.

"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,” said Governor Healey. “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.”

“These awards are a key part of our agenda to build a job-ready workforce for today and the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “By tapping into our world-class education system and investing in targeted job training, we’re growing the talent pipeline that employers across Massachusetts depend on to compete and thrive.”

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) oversees the CTI program, which is administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency of EOLWD. In partnership with the Executive Office of Education, CTI transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become “Career Technical Institutes” that run three shifts a day for skill-building programs in the trades, construction, and manufacturing career pathways. The $24.2 million awarded today focuses on job training for adult learners participating in the evening hours, or third shift. 

“By leveraging available resources at career and technical education schools across Massachusetts, we are opening more opportunities to help train and prepare untapped talent for current workforce demands,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This program is a great example of the collaborative efforts needed to build our workforce. We appreciate the partnership with career and technical education schools, MassHire Regional Workforce Boards and career centers, businesses, and labor for paving the way for more jobseekers to gain meaningful skills and employment in Massachusetts.” 

Secretary Jones made the announcement today at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill. The school received $931,000 to provide training to 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions. 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions.

“With this investment in career technical education, we are creating more pathways for adult learners to gain the skills and experience needed to enter high-demand industries like the trades, construction, and manufacturing,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I’m grateful to our schools and employer partners whose collaboration is helping to expand access to career-connected learning and grow our state’s workforce.”

“Whittier Tech is proud to partner with the Commonwealth through the Career Technical Initiative, an outstanding program that empowers adult learners to pursue new career pathways while helping to meet critical workforce needs,” said Maureen Lynch, Superintendent, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.  “Over the past 5 years, our CTI program has supported the successful graduation of 350 individuals into the workforce, including 90 adult learners who will graduate from our CTI-funded programs this month. We are grateful for the continued funding that allows us to advance this important work and expand opportunities for adult learners.”

“Vocational schools across Massachusetts continue to be the backbone of the Career Technical Initiative, delivering hands-on, high-quality training in critical industries like construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades,” said Tom Hooper, Vice President of Sector Strategies at Commonwealth Corporation. "Their leadership and commitment are essential to building the talent pipelines our workforce needs to thrive.”

The following is a list of the twenty-three (23) grant recipients for Round 10 Implementation Grants, and one (1) grant recipient for FY25 Planning Grant totaling $24.2 million to train 2490 individuals:

Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District, Marlborough: $1,169,239

Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 108 participants for Plumbing, Electrical, Welding, HVAC, and Auto Tech positions. They will partner with Henry Pacific Plumbing and Heating, F.W. Webb Co., Control Point Mechanical Inc., McGovern Automotive Group, Acton Ford Inc., Ford Motor Company, MAS Building and Bridge, NyproMold, Curtis Industries LLC, Acton Refrigeration, Kensington Mechanical Inc., Medford Wellington Service Co. Inc., Brian Bradley Electrical Contracting Inc., City of Marlborough Office of Inspectional Services, and IBEW Local 103. 

Attleboro Public Schools, Attleboro: $1,340,946 

Attleboro Public Schools will provide training to 168 participants for Welding, HVAC, Plumbing, Auto Tech, Electrical, Medical Lab Tech, and Culinary Arts positions. They will partner with Wayne J. Griffin Electric Inc., RCL Mechanical, Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure, The Colonel Blackinton Inn, Tavern in the Square Attleboro, Citizen Crust, Sturdy Health, East Side Clinical Laboratory, Southcoast Hospitals Group, Engineered Materials Solutions, Environmental Systems Inc., Paldino Brothers Plumbing & Heating, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, Landes Family Auto Sales, Trustworthy Auto, Cross Street Automotive, Lockheed Architectural Solution Inc., Sousa & DeMayo, Green Brothers Fabrication, and Larson Tool & Stamping. 

Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District, Upton: $1,040,000  

Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District will provide training to 100 participants for Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, and Advanced Manufacturing positions. They will partner with Primetals Technologies USA LLC, Tessier Machine Company, Tegra Medical, Carter Electric, Kuik Electric, Renaud Electric & Communications, CPS Heating & Cooling, T&J Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, Ace Temperature Control, Curtis Septic Service, Notturno Home Services, Santon Plumbing and Heating, Riverdale Mills Corporation, Saint Gobain Abrasives, and DC Bates Equipment Co. 

City of Worcester (Worcester Public Schools), Worcester: $399,996

City of Worcester (Worcester Public Schools) will provide training to 40 participants for Diesel Tech positions. They will partner with The Pete Store, City of Leominster Department of Public Works, and Advantage Truck Group. 

Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Hathorne: $1,400,000  

Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School will provide training to 140 participants for Auto Tech, BioLab Tech, Carpentry, CNC Machinist, Construction Craft Laborer, Electrical, Electro Mechanical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Ferro-Ceramic Grinding Inc., Fairview Machine, Momentum, Abiomed, Harmonic Drive, Village Automotive Group, IRA, Kelly Auto, Cell Signaling, CVS Health, MassBioEd, STAR Construction, Millwrights, Housewright, Taormina Electrical, North Shore Tech Electrical, Innovent Technologies, Preferred Air, Breen & Sullivan, John Morello Plumbing & Heating, Maffei Services, Quinn Brothers, and Ironworkers Local 7. 

Franklin County Technical School, Turners Falls: $2,219,375  

Franklin County Technical School will provide training to 216 participants for Auto Tech, Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Electrical, Horticulture, Plumbing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Ames Electrical Consulting, National Grid, Crocker Electrical Services, Indie Automotive, Harrison Diesel Solutions, Cherry Rum Automotive, Built for the East Offroad, Grass Roots Landscaping LLC, Pioneer Gardens Inc., Snow & Sons Landscaping, Sugarloaf Gardens, Champion Tree and Lawn CareFranklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Doyle Properties, Ironworkers Local 7, Winchester Precision Technologies, SMART Local #63 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center, Sheet Metal Workers Local 63, Sandri Energy, Mike Woodard Plumbing, Carpenters Local 336 North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Mowry & Schmidt Inc., Fine Line Builders, Neal Leno Carpentry, Ron Grogan Homebuilder, and Salmon Falls Builders. 

Greater Lawrence Technical School, Andover: $1,320,000  

Greater Lawrence Technical School will provide training to 132 participants for HVAC, Auto Tech, Auto Collision Repair, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and Carpentry positions. They will partner with Don Kennett Inc., Empire Auto Parts, McGovern Automotive, Leo & Sons Auto Repair, Subaru of New England, Centimark Corporation, Delphi Construction, Shawnlee Construction, Ace Solar, Boston Solar, Solamp, Climate Zone, Monahan Technologies, New England Cooling Towers, Breen & Sullivan, Climate Zone, Boston Metal, Joel Fabrications, and Salem Metal. 

Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School District, Tyngsborough: $698,000

Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 86 participants for Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Carpentry, Auto Tech, and Culinary Arts positions. They will partner with New England Transit Sales Inc., Gaspari's, Bouley Paving, Primo Pizza and Restaurant, The Melting Pot, Boissonneault Electrical Corp., BC Electrical Services, Nashoba Building and Remodeling, Precise Industries Inc., NUCAR Honda of Westford, Wiroll Plumbing and Heating Inc., Medford Wellington Service Co Inc., Aramark, Silver Arrow Service, Marcoux Plumbing, Fielding Electric, RGC Millworks, A. Fagundes Plumbing and Heating, and Middlesex 3 Coalition. 

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford: $202,200

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 20 participants for Advanced Manufacturing and Carpentry positions. They will partner with Darmouth Building Supply, Brodeur Machine Co Inc., Horner Millworks, Precision Window and Kitchen, AutoCam Medical, All Page Inc., and Primo Medical Group. 

Keefe Regional Technical School (South Middlesex RVSD), Framingham: $575,470

Keefe Regional Technical School (South Middlesex RVSD) will provide training to 60 participants for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with Granite City Electric Supply Co., Harvard Art Museums, Flaherty Plumbing Co., Dirty Water Plumbing & Heating, R.C. Meany & Daughter Plumbing, Nicholson Plumbing and Heating, Littleman with Glasses Heating, and COAN Heating and Cooling. 

Lynn Public Schools, Lynn: $720,000 

Lynn Public Schools will provide training to 72 participants for Auto Tech, Welding, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with Herb Chambers Co, McGovern Automotive Group, Pride Motor Group, Cranney Home Services, Robert W. Irvine & Sons Inc., North Shore Heating Supply Co., Innovent Technologies, and J.R. Welding & Fabrication. 

Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District, Lexington: $799,923

Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 80 participants for Carpentry, Groundskeeping, Plumbing, and Welding positions. They will partner with North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund, Sweeney Drywall, Town of Acton, Town of Arlington, Town of Concord, John's Landscaping, Atlantic Heating and AC, New England Talent Pipeline Program, FW Webb Company, Ironworkers Local 7, and Steel-Fab Inc. 

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg: $970,000

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School will provide training to 72 participants for CNC Machine Operator, Electrical, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with DECCO Inc., Fitchburg Welding Co., Lloyed & Bouvier Inc., Burkart Flutes & Piccolos, Lakeview Landscaping & Irrigation Inc., Silvio's Masonry & Landscape, Princeton Scapes Inc., Brideau Energy, Orange Oil Co., Jay Moody HVAC, Williams Restaurant, The Barn Princeton, and Kro's on the Common. 

Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Westford: $800,000

Nashoba Valley Technical High School will provide training to 80 participants for Automotive, Plumbing, and Electricity positions. They will partner with McGovern Auto Group, MegaTech Corporation, Nucar Honda of Wesford, Domination Plumbing, Jerry Daley & Sons Plumbing & Heating Inc., SJ Plumbing LLC, Elliott Electrical LLC, MEC Electrical & Technologies, Norman E. Day Inc., Tocco Building Systems Co., and Village Home Services. 

Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Rochester: $335,000

Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 40 participants for Welding and Advanced Manufacturing positions. They will partner with Allied Recycling Center Inc., Tasco, A&M Associates, Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co., Dockside Repairs Inc., Autocam Medical, AccuRounds, and Teledyne. 

Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, Palmer: $730,000

Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 72 participants for CNC Machine Operator, Electrician, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with Viant, Sanderson MacLeod, Knight Machine, B&R Machine, IMI Adaptas, Noonan Energy, NBE, KACO, PVE, EWS, and Aquarius. 

Salem High School, Salem: $1,489,998

Salem High School will provide training to 148 participants for Auto Tech, Property Maintenance, and Electrical positions. They will partner with Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, Sudbay Motors, Harborlight Homes, McGovern Automotive Group, Salem Housing Authority, Callahan Inc., Endless Energy, and IUPAT DC35. 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton: $479,998

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School will provide training to 60 participants for Culinary Arts positions. They will partner with Snapchef, Tosca, Smith College Dining Services, Atkins Farms, River Valley Co-Op, Pete's Sweets, Ana Bandeira Chocolates, and Hungry Ghost Bread. 

South Shore Regional School District, Hanover: $3,929,999

South Shore Regional School District will provide training to 392 participants for Automotive, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Horticulture, HVAC, Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Planet Subaru Inc., Sonny Johnson Tire, D.J. Sullivan Collision Center, North Star Bailey, E. Costa Carpentry, Dova Properties Inc., Sutherland Brothers Partnership, Furlong's Candies, Scarlet Oak Tavern, The Fours Restaurant and Sports Bar, Viscariello Hospitality Group, Joint Apprentice and Training Committee, McDonald Electrical Corporation, Your Electrical Solutions, Paragon Landscape Construction, Plymouth Quarries and JF Price, Vetelino Landscape Inc., Bendon Gear & Machine Inc., Dimark Precision Machining Inc., Symmons Industries Inc., Blue Atlantic Fabricators LLC, New Bedford Welding Supply Inc., Triangle Engineering, Pilgrim Propane, Plumbers Supply Inc., New England Plumbing & Mechanical, Cotti Johnson HVAC, and Anderson Fuel. 

Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational Technical School District, Charlton: $1,337,077    

Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 130 participants for Auto Collision, Auto Tech, Building and Property Maintenance, Culinary Arts, Diesel Mechanic, Electrical, HVAC, Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Harr Motor Group, ckSmithSuperior, C&C Temp Control, Fuller Collision Group, Advantage Truck Group, Long Subaru Inc., Anctil Electric, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Dexter Russell, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, SMART Local #63, Atech Turbine Components, Acura of Auburn, Lakeview Marine Inc., Baps Auto Paint, The Center of Hope Foundation Inc., Mercier Electric Co Inc., C.M.T.S. Service Center Inc., Kinefac Corporation, Masonic Health System, Primetals Technologies, HVAC/R Service Contractors, Table 3 Restaurant Group, Worcester County Welding Corp., and Milton CAT. 

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Franklin: $883,955

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 150 participants for HVAC, Culinary, Auto Service, Carpentry, and Welding positions. They will partner with American Tool, Woodstock Building Associates LLC, Tri-County Food Services, Mystic Scenic Studios, Consigli Construction Co Inc., Clevco Mechanical, Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery, Vin Gadoury Construction Inc., Michael J Connolly & Sons Inc., James' Breakfast and More Inc., Suburban Service Corp., Shawnlee Construction, Professional Electric, ESI, Rodenhiser Home Services, Town of Franklin, and J White's Automotive. 

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Bourne: $419,996  

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School will provide training to 40 participants for Diesel Tech and Welding positions. They will partner with P.A. Landers Inc., RJ Bevilacqua Construction, Ryder Transportation Services, Balise Ford of Cape Cod, Allen Harbor Marine Service, Grand Cove Welding, and Town of Bourne Department of Integrated Solid Waste Management. 

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill: $931,000  

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions. They will partner with Fairview Machine Co Inc., Magellan Aerospace, Maero Manufacturing Corporation, Auto Body Builders, Don Kennett Inc., DJ Rogers Collision & Auto Center, Twomey and Legare Contracting, W.C. Pepe Career Training, M.L. Mazzotta, Germaine Lawn & Landscape, East Coast Welding and Fabrication LLC, Terex Ecotec & CBI, A Sweet Affair, Whitsons Culinary Group, Carolyn's Farm Kitchen, Donahue & Son LLC, Sanford Electrical Contractor, Piquette & Howard Electric Service LLC, American Boat & Yacht Council, Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Manchester Marine Corporation, Pine Island Plumbing & Heating, Burke & Sons Plumbing & Heating, and Z's Plumbing Services LLC.

The following is a list of the One (1) grant recipient for FY25 Planning Grants, totaling $50,000 to plan and prepare for the implementation of future training:  

Somerville Public Schools, Somerville: $50,000

Somerville Public Schools will receive funds to conduct planning to deliver training in FY26 for HVAC, Electrical, and Automotive pathways.