MAVA Colleagues,
We are excited to share this piece from The Bedford Citizen as the expanded Masonry Shop at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School is dedicated.
MAVA was represented at the ceremony by our Executive Director, Steve Sharek.
"This expansion was a long time coming," said MAVA Executive Director Steven C. Sharek. "I applaud Superintendent McIntosh, the Shawsheen School Committee and the Masonry program’s teachers, students, and Advisory Committee members for making it happen."
Congratulation to all involved in the expansion project. What a wonderful learning environment for the Chapter 74 students in the program today and those in the future!
Continued best wishes!!
David
Shawsheen Valley Technical High School Dedicates Expanded Masonry Shop
February 5, 2026
Tenth-graders work in the newly expanded masonry area at Shawsheen Valley
Technical High School.
Submitted by Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
On Jan. 29, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School hosted a dedication ceremony celebrating the expansion of its masonry shop, a project that doubles the size of the instructional space.
Completed in the summer of 2025, the renovation allows the school to run two masonry student groups simultaneously, increasing access to one of Shawsheen Tech’s highest-demand career and technical programs. The expansion supports the school’s mission to prepare students for in-demand careers while responding directly to regional workforce needs.
The project was funded through a combination of private donations and the district’s capital budget. Students and staff began using the modernized masonry shop when classes resumed for the 2025–2026 school year.
The dedication ceremony brought together school committee members, members of the Masonry Program Advisory Committee, representatives from the New England Trades Association
(NETTA), industry partners, school staff and administrators, students, and alumni.
Shawsheen Tech Superintendent Tony McIntosh speaks during the ceremony.
“This expansion is a tremendous investment in our students and in the future of the skilled trades,” said Shawsheen Tech Superintendent Tony McIntosh. “Masonry is a high-demand field, and this new space allows us to serve more students with better equipment while continuing to be responsible stewards of our capital funds. We are incredibly grateful to the donors and partners who helped make this project possible.”
Corey Raboin, chair of the Masonry Program Advisory Committee, emphasized the importance of the expansion from an industry perspective.
“What Shawsheen Tech is doing here aligns directly with what employers need,” he said. “This facility validates the strength of the program and ensures students are learning in an environment that reflects today’s job sites and professional standards.”
NETTA representative and current Vice President Jake Amoroso noted the project’s long-term impact on workforce development.
“As the industry evolves at a rapid pace and the demand for skilled tradespeople grows to replace a retiring workforce, it is vital that our CTE programs evolve as well,” Amoroso said. “This shop expansion demonstrates Shawsheen’s commitment to workforce development by ensuring the next generation of students are prepared to enter into their trade and to build a lasting career.”
Sophomores Trinity Smalls and Michael Tiberi of Billerica work on a project.
Mia Morales, a 10th-grade masonry student, said the additional space and updated equipment will improve both safety and learning opportunities.
“Having more room and better tools means we can focus on mastering our skills and really preparing for the workforce,” she said.
Shawsheen Tech’s masonry program prepares students for careers in commercial and residential construction, apprenticeships, and postsecondary training.
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira