BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– The state has awarded $13.4 million in educational grants to 21 schools across the state for careers in the trades, construction, and manufacturing industries including two in western Massachusetts.
The Career Technical Initiative (CTI) is partnering with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Schools to provide adult learners with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers, targeting unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups.
InFocus: Regional employment outlook Two western Massachusetts schools are receiving funding. Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School District in Palmer was awarded $336,703 to provide training for 40 persons in Carpentry, Groundskeeping and Equipment Operator positions.
The Northern Berkshire Vocational Regional School District received a $50,000 planning grant to plan for training in FY’25 for occupations in Automotive Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding. They will partner with Pittsfield High School, MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board and MassHire Berkshire Career Center.
“As we close the workforce skills gap, the CTI grant program delivers a collaborative solution to leverage resources at career and technical education schools as an opportunity to train and prepare jobseekers for current workforce demands,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “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 right here in Massachusetts.”
“With this $13 million investment in career technical education, we are expanding opportunities for adults to get hands-on, applied learning opportunities in trade, construction, and manufacturing career pathways across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I am grateful to our career and technical education schools and employer partnerships who are supporting this work to expand access to career connected learning and strengthen our local economy and workforce.”
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) oversees the CTI program, which is administered by Commonwealth Corporations. They provide programs to train workers and fill jobs in high-demand careers in manufacturing, construction, and trades. They partner with vocational schools, MassHire Career Centers, Market Makers, and employers to meet local workforce demand, recruit students, and provide job placement.
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