Lynn Vocation Technical Institute has been awarded a $200,000 state grant that will allow the school to provide adult education classes in automotive technology and welding.
Lynn Tech was one of 18 schools or districts to receive a Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grant, a state-funded workforce initiative that will allow for the training of more than 1,250 individuals in high-demand occupations.
The CTI grant program partners with vocational high schools to provide career training and technical skills to adults, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations.
“We are excited to receive this funding and provide this opportunity to our residents,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “Workforce development is a priority for our administration and this grant is geared to preparing adults for good-paying jobs that need to be filled.”
The funding will allow Lynn Tech to offer classes to 20 adult learners – 10 in automotive and 10 in welding. There will be 200 hours of training and instruction starting in late February, according to Principal Fred Gallo, who said the goal is to expand the program over time.
“We want to start small and the idea is to upscale one we get the first two cohorts done,” Gallo said.
The automotive technology and welding classes for students at Tech are filled to capacity, Gallo said, adding that welding is also offered as part of the After Dark program, in which Lynn English and Lynn Classical students attend welding classes after school.
“The CTI program increases access and opportunities by connecting untapped talent to incredible resources readily available at vocational technical schools across Massachusetts. The CTI program demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships in collaboration with our public schools, educators and training providers, and employers so jobseekers gain critical skills to compete in today’s workforce.”
MA. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones
The adults who complete the courses will earn certifications in their respective area of study as well as from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), which will be beneficial in finding future employment.
“The goal is to help people get high-wage jobs and having certifications is key to that,” Gallo said.
Since 2020, the state has awarded almost $17 million in CTI grants. The CTI program is administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public state agency under the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) that administers EOLWD grant funding and fosters partnerships between industry, education, and workforce organizations. Each CTI proposal was required to include a minimum of three Massachusetts-based employer partners that would potentially employ the target occupation and commit to interview and hire graduates.
Lynn Tech’s partner companies are J.R. Welding and Fabrication, Innovent Technologies and Pride Motor Group.
The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor Nicholson’s office.
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