Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
Shawsheen Tech will use a $1 million grant to extensively remodel its metal fabrication and joining technologies shop space, enhancing its alignment with current curriculum needs and increasing student interest. The grant was part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $17 million Skills Capital Lab Modernization initiative.
David
Shawsheen Valley Technical School Receives $1 Million Grant for Welding Shop Modernization
Skylar Mills-Baptiste, a junior in the Metal Fabrication program at Shawsheen Tech, fabricates ductwork using a corner notcher.
Billerica, MA – Shawsheen Valley Technical School has been awarded a $1 million grant as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $17 million Skills Capital Lab Modernization initiative. Shawsheen is one of 18 Chapter 74 vocational-technical schools to receive funding aimed at enhancing career and technical education facilities with ultramodern equipment.
On October 22, 2024, Superintendent Tony McIntosh represented Shawsheen at Upper Cape Regional Vocational School, where he formally accepted the award. Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler praised the schools’ dedication to advancing vocational education throughout the Commonwealth, highlighting the impact of modernized facilities in preparing students for future-ready careers.
"This funding will allow Shawsheen to greatly improve our welding program, providing students with modern equipment to build skills that match industry needs," said Superintendent McIntosh, emphasizing the transformative potential of the grant for the school and its students.
Shawsheen Tech will use the $1 million grant to extensively remodel its metal fabrication and joining technologies shop space, enhancing its alignment with current curriculum needs and increasing student interest. Building on equipment upgrades funded by a prior grant, the project will include vital infrastructure improvements such as new flooring, upgraded lighting, and an improved ventilation system. A designated area for Grade 9 students will be created to support early skill development, and additional welding stations will be installed to accommodate more students in hands-on training sessions. This grant will also enable Shawsheen Tech to offer electric arc welding from day one, allowing all students to begin training with this high-demand skill immediately.
"We are excited about the possibilities this grant opens for our welding program,” said Lead Welding Instructor Alex Guarino. “With these upgrades, we can offer students training on equipment that matches the standards they’ll encounter in the field. It’s a huge step toward preparing them for real-world demands and ensuring they have the skills employers are seeking.”
The upcoming shop improvements will also feature upgraded electrical systems and a fresh coat of paint, enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetics of the space. This new award builds on Shawsheen’s previous $360,000 Skills Capital grant, which funded critical upgrades, including a Standard Industrial 8-foot power shear, a Marvel Vertical Band Saw, an Everett 16” Dry Mitering Abrasive Saw, twenty-nine Miller Welding packages, and Siegmund Imperial Welding Fixture Tables.
The Skills Capital Lab Modernization Grants support the purchase of equipment to upgrade and expand career technical education programs aligned with regional economic and workforce priorities. Priority was given to applicants increasing the number of students in an existing program, launching new programs to meet industry demands, or expanding access to facilities and equipment in partnership with external organizations outside standard hours.
About Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District
Established in 1965, Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District (SVRVTSD) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, placing students at the center of its mission. Proudly serving the communities of Billerica, Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, Shawsheen caters to the diverse needs of over 1,300 students in grades 9-12.
Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, Shawsheen seamlessly integrates academics with a dynamic range of over 20 vocational-technical career pathways. Located in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shawsheen’s expansive 100-acre campus hosts an exceptional school building adorned with high-end and industry relevant equipment, athletic fields, twenty-four varsity sports, and a plethora of extra-curricular clubs and activities.
With a passionate faculty and staff, Shawsheen remains committed to its mission: "to provide a positive learning experience in a safe educational environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world."
Beyond its traditional academic offerings, Shawsheen Valley Technical School extends its educational reach through Adult Education, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Community-focused Events, and Summer Programs. The district continually strives to expand its rich and diverse programming, embracing the belief that education is a lifelong, continuous process with numerous paths leading to a successful and fulfilling life.
Contact: Allison Cammarata, 508-317-8087 with any questions.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira