Another example of Chapter 74 High Quality Vocational Technical Schools providing technical training to adults to assist the persistent demand for skilled workers in business & industry across the Commonwealth.
Franklin County Tech Awarded Over $1 Million to Provide Adult Education Programming
October 6, 2023 Camryn Langille Client News, School News
Students look at an engine in a previous Career Technical Initiative Automotive Technology course at Franklin County Technical School.
TURNERS FALLS – Superintendent Richard Martin is pleased to announce that Franklin County Technical School has been awarded a state Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grant to provide adult education.
The $1,184,000 grant, courtesy of the Healey-Driscoll administration, will be used to equip unemployed or underemployed Massachusetts residents with essential skills for jobs in the Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Welding/Metal Fabrication, Horticulture, and Electrical fields. The CTI program aims to help individuals find meaningful and fulfilling careers while simultaneously helping to further the economic development of the state.
FCTS is holding CTI classes that began on Monday, Sept. 18. Another round of classes, which are funded by the grant, will be held in February. Courses are taught by professional educators from FCTS, and students will receive job or apprenticeship placement upon completion.
According to census.gov (as of July 1, 2022), approximately 10.7 percent of Franklin County residents and 11.7 percent of Hampshire Country residents live below the poverty line. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Economic Research (DER) shows that the Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, and Horticultural industries all show a long-term increase in employment in the Franklin/Hampshire Workforce Development Area (WDA). CTI adult education classes will help community members develop and grow the skills they would need to begin working in these industries.
The Career Technical Initiative grant addresses the persistent demand in construction, trades, and manufacturing sectors by creating or expanding technical education programs at vocational high schools across the state in partnership with MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards.
More information MassHire and the process of becoming a participant can be found here.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded in this latest round of CTI funding,” said Superintendent Martin. “We believe that by providing high-quality vocational training and education, individuals can unlock their potential, enhance their earning potential, and pave the way for personal growth and success. This funding will go a long way in helping us do that.”
More information on Franklin Country Technical School’s CTI program can be found here.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira