McCann, Taconic Awarded Career Technical Initiative Grant
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $15.5 million in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grants to 24 organizations to train 1,636 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the skilled trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors across Massachusetts.
The administration also awarded a planning grant to one organization to support the design and development of a future CTI training program.
"Massachusetts employers need skilled workers, and people across our state are looking for good jobs that can support their families," said Governor Maura Healey. "The Career Technical Initiative brings those needs together by giving people hands-on training for in-demand careers and helping our businesses find the talent they need to grow."
In Berkshire County:
- Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District (McCann Technical School): $626,694.36: Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 70 participants for Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Welding. They will partner with Adams Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Atlantis Corporation East, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Car Company, Inc., Hi-Tech Mold & Tool, Inc., Jack Miller Contractors, Johnson Ford, Lenco Armored Vehicles, Moresi & Associates, Sinicon Plastics, Inc., T&M Auto Sales, Inc., TOG Manufacturing.
- Pittsfield Public Schools (Taconic High School), Pittsfield: $606,815.50: Pittsfield Public Schools will provide training to 60 participants for CNC Machine Operator, Welding, Auto Body Repair, Groundskeeping/Equipment Operator. They will partner with Oliver Auto Body, Haddad Auto Group, Lenco Armored Vehicles, Tanglewood, Berkshire Hills Country Club, Ryan Landscaping, Berkshire Fabrication Solutions, Hi-Tech Mold & Tool, Northeast Fabricators & Mechanical Services, LLC, OW Landergren, Pittsfield Plastics & Engineering, Spectrum Plastics.
"We are deeply grateful for this significant investment in Pittsfield. By expanding our Career Technical Institute programs alongside our industry and community partners, Pittsfield Public Schools is proud to champion Governor Healey's vision for statewide workforce development," said Latifah Phillips, Superintendent, Pittsfield Public Schools "This funding directly fuels the aspirations of adult learners in our community, transforming lives through hands-on education while expanding the pipeline of skilled talent for local industries."
The CTI program partners with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), administers the CTI program. In partnership with the Executive Office of Education (EOE), CTI transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run three shifts a day for skill-building programs in the trades, construction, and manufacturing career pathways.
The Administration's investment in CTI now totals $68.4 million since January 2023, bringing total investment in the program to $81.8 million since its launch in 2020. Across completed programs, 85 percent of individuals completed their training, and 84 percent of program completers went on to secure employment post-training. ?To date, CTI has served over 6,500 participants across the state and has engaged nearly 800 employers to inform curricula in partnership with CTE schools and provide participants with mentorship and career opportunities.
Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School in New Bedford.
