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The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $24.2 million in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants today to 23 organizations to train 2,490 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors across Massachusetts.
The CTI grant 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. The administration also awarded a planning grant to an organization to prepare and design future training.
Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $53 million in CTI Grants, projected to train over 6,090 unemployed and underemployed individuals. Today’s announcement launches the tenth cohort of CTI grants. Among nine awarded cohorts, to date, over 4,400 total participants have received training, over 3,150 participants have completed training, over 3100 have earned industry-recognized credentials, and over 2,360 have secured employment. These outcomes include grants that are active now, and outcomes will continue to rise as more participants enroll in and complete training and find jobs.
“The CTI program opens doors for adult learners by providing the hands-on training they need to step into high-demand careers in construction, the trades and manufacturing,” said Governor Healey. “With some of the best public Career Technical Education schools in the country and strong employer partnerships, Massachusetts is positioned to prepare our residents for rewarding, lifelong careers.”
“These awards are a key part of our agenda to build a job-ready workforce for today and the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “By tapping into our world-class education system and investing in targeted job training, we’re growing the talent pipeline that employers across Massachusetts depend on to compete and thrive.”
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) oversees the CTI program, which is administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency of EOLWD that recently spent heavily to rebrand itself. In partnership with the Executive Office of Education, 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 $24.2 million awarded today focuses on job training for adult learners participating in the evening hours, or third shift.
“By leveraging available resources at career and technical education schools across Massachusetts, we are opening more opportunities to help train and prepare untapped talent for current workforce demands,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This program is a great example of the collaborative efforts needed to build our workforce. We appreciate the partnership with career and technical education schools, MassHire Regional Workforce Boards and career centers, businesses, and labor for paving the way for more jobseekers to gain meaningful skills and employment in Massachusetts.”
Secretary Jones made the announcement today at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill. The school received $931,000 to provide training to 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions. 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions.
“With this investment in career technical education, we are creating more pathways for adult learners to gain the skills and experience needed to enter high-demand industries like the trades, construction, and manufacturing,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I’m grateful to our schools and employer partners whose collaboration is helping to expand access to career-connected learning and grow our state’s workforce.”
The Tri-County Cut
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, which serves several communities, including Franklin and Medway, received $883,955.
The School will provide training to 150 participants for HVAC, Culinary, Auto Service, Carpentry, and Welding positions. They will partner with American Tool, Woodstock Building Associates LLC, Tri-County Food Services, Mystic Scenic Studios, Consigli Construction Co Inc., Clevco Mechanical, Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery, Vin Gadoury Construction Inc., Michael J Connolly & Sons Inc., James’ Breakfast and More Inc., Suburban Service Corp., Shawnlee Construction, Professional Electric, ESI, Rodenhiser Home Services, Town of Franklin, and J White’s Automotive.
