Above: Assabet students looking to “Do. More.” in the high school program and adults seeking to learn Advanced Manufacturing skills in the evening are getting a boost through a state grant.
The “Baker – Polito Administration” released news on $9.5 Million in grants awarded to support equipment and programs for vocational skills training in the state. Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School was one of 32 institutions that got a slice of that pie. The grant will benefit both the high school and “After Dark” students.
An award of $499,388 will fund modernizing AVRTHS’ lathe training offered to the Advanced Manufacturing programs, day and evening:
The equipment will give students the opportunity to learn Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Lathe concepts.
Assabet was among the 10 schools with largest awards this year, $490K – $500K.
According to the release, the Skills Capital Grants benefit students, area businesses, and the state economy:
(click to enlarge)
The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with industry, as well as align curriculum and credentials with businesses’ demand, in order to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state. Economic Development legislation proposed by the Administration and passed by the Legislature last year authorizes $45 million in program funding over the next three years.
“While Massachusetts has the most highly educated workforce of any state in the nation – with 50 percent of our workforce holding a bachelor’s degree or higher – there is a skills shortage that needs to be addressed to support future business growth and economic success,” Education Secretary James Peyser said. “With these Skills Capital Grants, we are ensuring our education and workforce investments meet current and future industry growth in the Commonwealth by requiring schools that receive grants partner with local businesses.”
“Meeting the demands of today’s employers takes a highly skilled workforce and these grants will bring us one step further to closing the skills gap,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash. “Training the next generation of workers using modern, state-of-the-art equipment prepares them for the future and ensures the Commonwealth will remain competitive.”
For the administration’s full release, click here.
