Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover and Whittier Tech in Haverhill will receive around $700,000 each as part of a workforce development grant announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration on Thursday, Oct. 5.
The grant will fund the training for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction and manufacturing sectors, according to a press release from the state. The after-hours programs aims to match adult learners and with local businesses. The goal is to turn vocational high schools into career technical institutes with skill building programs serving various trades. The program will target the unemployed and underemployed from underserved populations and underrepresented groups.
"Programs like these are vital to achieving our workforce development goals and building the talent pipelines and career pathways we need for a strong Massachusetts economy," Gov. Maura Healey said
"It's critical that we match skills training and labor demand to support our workers, employers, economy and competitiveness."
In total 18 organizations are receiving $10,144,414 in funds which will go toward training 1,259 people.
"Career Technical Initiatives provide essential skill building and job training, unlocking pathways for Massachusetts residents to pursue rewarding careers and driving our state's economic growth," Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said "These grants will help broaden our skilled workforce and extend life-changing opportunities to underrepresented communities throughout the state, and we're proud of our administration's commitment to these important programs."
Greater Lawrence Technical School will be receiving $704,000 to train 88 people for carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, automotive technology and auto collision positions.
While Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School will be getting $784,00 to provide training for 98 people in welding, advanced manufacturing, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, culinary arts, marine technology, construction laborer, and auto body positions.
"It is a priority of the Healey-Driscoll administration to promote broad and equitable access to career and technical education for all of our students and families. Our Career Technical Initiatives help us do that by harnessing the equipment and physical resources housed in our vocational high schools to power the reskilling and relearning of our workforce, and I'm proud that the state has delivered more than ten million dollars to continue this critical workforce effort across the Commonwealth," Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said.
The announcement of the grants was made at South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School, which is receiving $2,176,000 to provide training to 272 participants.
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