Friends of Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education, Great News!!!14 of the 16 schools with new C74 programs are MAVA member schools.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Career Technical Education to Support 900 More Students This School Year
Administration designates 18 new career tech programs at 16 high schools, including 2nd aviation maintenance program in the state
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they it has approved 18 new career technical education (CTE) programs in 16 high schools. Together, these new programs will support 900 more students a year access career-connected learning. These approvals include an aviation maintenance program at Greater Lawrence Regional Technical High School, the second such program in the state, at a time when the number of people employed in air transportation in Massachusetts has been increasing significantly and steadily.
As part of the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market. These programs use innovative, applied learning opportunities aligned with industry needs and provide students with high quality learning experiences that allow them to chart their career path. Signature components of CTE programs include at least 900 hours of immersive learning time, co-operative education in partnership with local employers, and opportunities to earn high-value, industry recognized credentials.
“We’ve heard from students across Massachusetts that they want what they learn in the classroom to connect to what they will see in their future careers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By expanding career technical education, we’re answering that call — giving more students the chance to gain hands-on skills, earn credentials and graduate ready for the opportunities ahead. As a result, our businesses and economy will benefit from having highly skilled talent to fill open roles in in-demand industries.”
“Career technical education programs give students a head start on their careers and create powerful pipelines for our local employers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These new programs will open doors for hundreds more students each year to explore industries like aviation, biotechnology, and construction, while gaining hands-on experience and earning industry-recognized credentials. It’s a win for our students, our schools, and our communities."
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has completed a market analysis to modernize CTE programs and update the CTE instructional frameworks to align with current in-demand industries. These updated resources will help students learn the necessary skills and gain relevant industry credentials aligned to the needs of Massachusetts employers, including those in animal science, construction, biotechnology, robotics and automation, and marine service technology.
The CTE frameworks guide instruction and support program design to help students graduate with the skills and learning experiences that best prepare them for their field. These instructional frameworks are available on the MA Career-Connected Learning Hub.
“Career technical education offers students the opportunity to learn in settings that mirror the industries they aspire to join. Expanding career technical education means more young people will have access to career connected learning, industry partnerships, and the tools to confidently take their next step after high school — whether that’s into the workforce, higher education, or both. This is a critical part of our vision for reimagining high school in Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.
“We know there is huge demand for CTE opportunities, and these new programs will help address that while also meeting the needs of local employers,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Offerings like these help set students up for success and show them a clear path to future jobs and training.”
“Career and Technical Education programs provide exposure and experience for students to apply hands-on learning and career exploration across a range of industries and regions statewide,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The Healey-Driscoll administration’s commitment to expand access to CTE programs breaks down barriers in the classroom to reach more students and ultimately connect students trained in technical fields and with employable skills that can be applied for careers in Massachusetts.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been expanding access to career-connected education in a variety of ways through their Reimagining High School initiative. Including today’s new designations, the administration has approved 49 CTE programs, supporting 2,334 additional students. Further, in June, Governor Healey signed a supplemental budget that included $100 million for CTE capital grants that will add more than 3,000 seats over three years. Also, Governor Healey’s BRIGHT Act includes $100 million for Skills Capital grants that help high schools, colleges and educational institutions upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs, and increase the capacity of workforce training programs. These efforts build on expansions the administration has made to Early College programs, Innovation Career Pathways, work-based learning opportunities and My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP).
“The launching of these new career and technical education programs marks an important milestone for education in Massachusetts. With 18 new programs being introduced across 16 schools, more students will have access to the skills, training, and confidence required to thrive in today’s workforce,” said Greater Lawrence Technical School Superintendent-Director John Lavoie. “This expansion further strengthens the partnership between education and industry, creating new opportunities for students to pursue meaningful careers while addressing the Commonwealth’s critical need for skilled professionals. At Greater Lawrence, we are especially proud to offer one of these new programs—Aviation—which has been formally approved by both the FAA and DESE.”
The newly approved career technical education programs and the schools that will offer them are:
- Bay Path School, South Worcester Regional Technical School District: Diesel Technology
- Brockton High School: Health Assisting
- Doherty Memorial High School, Worcester Public Schools: Programming and Web Development, Construction Craft Laborer
- Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers, Boston Public Schools: Medical Assisting
- Gloucester High School: Medical Assisting
- Greater Lawrence Regional Technical High School: Aviation Maintenance
- Greater Lowell Regional Technical High School: Veterinary Science
- Haverhill High School: Health Assisting
- Leicester High School: Culinary Arts, Electricity
- Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative: Public Safety
- Lynn Technical Institute: Biotechnology
- Methuen High School: Multimedia and Broadcast Production
- New Bedford High School: Early Education and Care
- Taunton High School: Early Education and Care
- Taconic High School, Pittsfield Public Schools: Environmental Science and Technology
- Westfield Technical Academy, Westfield Public Schools: Multimedia and Broadcast Production
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Aggricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira