Access to hands-on training can open doors for individuals looking to develop new skills, explore career opportunities, or enter the skilled trades. At Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, funding through the Career Technical Initiative (CTI), administered by Commonwealth Corporation, provides individuals with the training and resources needed to take the next step in their careers.
Through the program, Whittier Tech offers intensive hands-on training, combining technical instruction with career development, field trips, and workplace preparation. The program serves unemployed and underemployed adults, career changers, and recent high school graduates seeking opportunities in the skilled trades.
We interviewed Cassandra Garzone, Director of Community Partnerships, and Amanda Crosby, Vocational - Technical Coordinator at Whittier Tech, to learn how CTI plays an important role in making vocational training more accessible to adults seeking new career pathways. “It definitely fills a void where people may not have a pathway,” said Crosby. “If somebody is a career changer or didn’t seek vocational training, they’re able to get that training and have the support of grant funding, so they’re not having to pay for that training out of pocket.”
One of the programs offered through CTI at Whittier Tech is carpentry, where participants develop foundational skills in woodworking, framing, safety training, and the use of industry tools, equipment, and professional skills “They also learn employability skills,” said Crosby. “They meet with a career coach who helps them with their resumes, and they’re taught time management, showing up for work, how to be professional, and how to dress professionally.”
Part of the programming prepares participants to transition from training to employment, including partnerships with local employers. “We have career coaches who help them with their resumes. They’ll practice interviews, help them job search, and set up a resume,” shared Garzone. “Our teachers believe in the program, and they have a lot of connections. Helping those students connect with employers and continuing to follow up, we’ve seen a lot of success.”
For CTI participant Ronald Arold Jean, the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) at Whittier Tech provided an opportunity to explore a new career path and develop practical skills in carpentry. Having previously worked in several fields, including broadcasting, Jean wanted to pursue a hands-on trade that could open doors to new professional opportunities.
“I wanted to learn a hands-on trade, develop practical skills, and create better opportunities for my future,” Jean shared. “I am also interested in construction and hope to continue growing in this field.” After learning about CTI through a friend, Jean enrolled in Whittier Tech’s Carpentry training program to gain practical experience and prepare for a career in the skilled trades. Through approximately 200 hours of hands-on training, he developed essential skills in woodworking, measuring, basic carpentry techniques, and the safe operation of power tools. “The hand-on training helped me build confidence and understand the basics of the trade,” Jean explained.
After completing the program in 2026, Jean began working at Walter Lane Cabinetmaker, where he is involved in cabinet preparation and finishing. His responsibilities include preparing cabinet components, sanding and finishing wood surfaces, and ensuring cabinets are ready for the next stage of production. He continues to strengthen his technical skills while learning from experienced coworkers.
Since completing CTI, Jean has been able to apply his training in a professional setting, building experience in the carpentry and cabinetry industry. Reflecting on his long-term career aspirations, Jean shared, “My goal is to become more experienced in carpentry and construction, continue developing my technical skills, and eventually work toward becoming a construction engineer. I know it will take continued education and hard work, and I am ready to keep learning.”
Jean’s journey demonstrates how CTI provides individuals with the technical foundation and practical experience to pursue new career opportunities. His transition from broadcasting to cabinetry highlights the role of workforce training in helping participants build confidence, enter skills trades, and work toward long-term professional goals.
Throughout his training, Jean demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and making the most of the opportunities available through CTI. “He had great Attendance, and he really took advantage of what was presented to him,” said Crosby. “He participated in the career development, participated in the field trips, and really took full advantage of the seven weeks that he had with us so that he could walk away with the best potential for a positive outcome.”
As Jean continues to build his career in carpentry and cabinetry, his experience reflects the broader impact CTI has on individuals seeking new career pathways. “I think there’s a large need for trades currently, and they’re not always accessible,” said Crosby. “CTI makes the trades a bit more accessible for everyone.”
Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch emphasized the importance of expanding access to vocational education while addressing the region’s workforce needs. “Not everyone has the opportunity to pursue vocational training in high school, but that shouldn’t limit their opportunities later in life,” says Lynch. “CTI provides individuals facing financial hardship or other barriers to employment with the skills and training to build meaningful careers. At the same time, it helps meet our region’s growing demand for skilled workers. Whittier Tech is proud to partner with the state on this important initiative that transforms lives, strengthens families, and supports our local economy.”
Through programs like CTI at Whittier Tech, Commonwealth Corporation continues to support workforce development opportunities that equip individuals with the skills, experience, and resources needed to pursue meaningful careers while strengthening the region’s workforce.
“Our goal is to use our facilities to train as many people as possible,” shared Crosby, “CTI has given us an opportunity to expand that and continue to offer that training.”