Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We are pleased to share this success story from the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. This month the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program at Monty Tech Nites graduated 53 adult students who completed 200 hours of training in the Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Carpentry trades. The program provides job seekers with short-term training in high-demand fields to combat the skills gap created when seasoned workers in the trades retire at a higher rate than younger workers enter the field. It is funded by the Commonwealth Corporation in partnership with the MassHire North Central Career Center.
Vocational technical schools across the Commonwealth provide this type of training as well.
David
Monty Tech program helps trade workers boost their skills
Several dozen trade workers graduated earlier in June from a short-term training program to help combat the skills gap created when seasoned workers retire at a higher rate than younger workers join. The Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program at Monty Tech Nites graduated 53 adult students, who completed 200 hours of training, during a ceremony on June 12, 2024. Pictured are some of the graduates recognized for their extraordinary work in the program.
FITCHBURG — On June 12, the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) program at Monty Tech Nites graduated 53 adult students who completed 200 hours of training in the Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Carpentry trades.
The Career Technical Initiative (CTI) provides job seekers with short-term training in high-demand fields to combat the skills gap created when seasoned workers in the trades retire at a higher rate than younger workers enter the field, all funded by the Commonwealth Corporation in partnership with the MassHire North Central Career Center.
“We are doing our part to address the ongoing need for workers in manufacturing, and construction trades by increasing training capacity for local residents,“ said Monty Tech’s CTI Program Coordinator Autumn Kelly. “Our team has trained 197 adults with the funding support from Commonwealth Corporation over the past two years.”
Ranging in age from their late teens to their 50s, this class included entry-level workers trying to enter the trades as well as older workers seeking career change. Graduates trained in specific trade skills, obtained industry credentials if needed, learned job readiness and resume/cover-letter writing, and covered OSHA and first aid topics.
Among the 200 guests in attendance were key staff from the MassHire North Central Career Center, the Honorable Sam Squalia Mayor of Fitchburg, members of the Monty Tech School Committee, and family and friends of the graduates.
Faculty member Emily Turner delivered the commencement address, acknowledging the graduates’ hard work, perseverance, and commitment to their training.
Graduates were presented Certificates of Completion by Trish Woodliff, Monty Tech Nites Director, Autumn Kelly, CTI Program Manager, and their instructors. Shane Brogan (Carpentry), Benjamin Suppa (Electrical), Rob Keyes and Bill Kemp (Plumbing), and Jerry McKee and Ethan Looman (HVAC). In addition, graduates Logan Kirwan (Carpentry), Ryley Saisa (Plumbing), Daniel Lynch (HVAC), and Alyssa Washburn (Electrical) were presented with the Dillon Deshaies Memorial Award for their passion for their trades, positivity, encouragement of their fellow students.
Electrical Student Assistant, Cameron Saladini received a special scholarship award to support his participation in the Monty Tech Nites Journeyman’s Electrical program in the fall.
Electrical Instructor John Bussiere thanked Cameron for his two years of service as a Student Assistant and his exceptional work in supporting the CTI Electrical program.
After the ceremony, students, staff, and guests enjoyed a celebration dinner served by CTI culinary graduates from December 2023. Graduates also received tool kits specific to their trade and safety jackets to ensure a smooth transition into their new careers.
In the coming school year, the Monty Tech Nite’s CTI program will offer additional training in Carpentry, HVAC, and Plumbing. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend Information Sessions during July and August at the Monty Tech campus. “We value employer participation in the CTI program, especially through input on the type of workforce needs that training providers can design curriculum that provides jobseekers with industry-based credentials within a specific field”, says Trish Woodliff, the Director of Adult Education & Workforce Development. Employers can also participate by interviewing graduates, offering internship opportunities, job shadowing, and more.
To learn more, visit https://www.montytechnites.com/nocosttraining or call the Monty Tech Nites office at 978-345-9200, ext. 5220.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira