The Career Technical Initiative (CTI) at Nashoba Valley Technical High School is transforming the landscape of workforce development in Middlesex County by equipping individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in high-demand fields such as Automotive Technology, Plumbing, and Electrical Technology. Through a combination of hands-on training and strategic industry partnerships, Nashoba ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce, contributing to the local economy and addressing critical labor shortages in Massachusetts.

Felicia*, a mother and former bartender, found a new direction in her career by participating in the CTI Electrical Program at Nashoba. After years in the hospitality industry, she was searching for stability and better opportunities. “I did some college, and I was stuck in the restaurant industry. There was no growth, and the hours were inconsistent. I heard about the program through MassHire, and I knew this was my chance to turn things around,” Felicia reflects.

Upon enrolling in the CTI Electrical Program, Felicia faced a steep learning curve but was determined to succeed. "I knew that an office job wasn’t going to work for me, so I took electrical on a whim. It opened my eyes to career possibilities I hadn’t considered before,” she shares.

The program, which combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, provided Felicia with an invaluable foundation in electrical circuits, wiring systems, and safety protocols. It also helped her develop a network of industry connections, which led to her securing a full-time position at Granite City Electric in Billerica just after completing the 200-hour, 10-week program through CTI.

Bob Baker, the lead instructor of the electrical program at Nashoba and a master electrician, notes that Felicia’s dedication and resilience were evident from the start. “She never gave up, even when the material was challenging. By the end of the program, she was one of the top students, and she was the first to be employed,” he recalls. Bob, who is passionate about the program’s mission, emphasizes that graduates are equipped with the tools and credentials to enter the workforce with confidence. “We aim to give our students not just technical skills but the industry knowledge that makes them stand out to employers,” he says.

The CTI Electrical Program at Nashoba, which began offering training in 2023, has gained significant momentum, drawn increased interest, and even created a waitlist for future classes. This surge in demand reflects the growing recognition of the program’s value in addressing labor shortages in skilled trades, particularly in the electrical field, where women represent just 2% of the workforce. Jobee B. O’Sullivan, Director of Post-Secondary & Community Education at Nashoba Tech, underscores the broader significance of the program: “CTI is helping people shift careers, particularly in the post-COVID landscape. It’s a lifeline for those looking for economic mobility and professional reinvention,” she says.

Felicia’s success story is a testament to the life-changing potential of CTI programs, which empower individuals to leave behind dead-end jobs and transition into fulfilling good-paying careers. “It’s been a great fit, a perfect segue from my previous experience in the restaurant industry. I love my new job—it offers stable hours, great pay, and benefits,” she explains. She now enjoys a healthy work-life balance that allows her to spend time with her child while building a career with long-term growth opportunities. “I never knew this was possible, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have found something that fits my life as a mother,” she says.

The program’s impact extends beyond the individual, contributing to local economies by producing a skilled workforce that stays in the community, works locally, and supports local businesses. The CTI program is not just about teaching technical skills; it’s about creating a cycle of opportunity and support within the community, Bob explains. “We’re training people for careers that can’t be outsourced—especially in electrical work, which requires local expertise and licensure,” he said.

For Felicia, the program has opened doors to a fulfilling career that she had never imagined. “I really want to emphasize how important programs like these are. I had no idea that a career in electrical was even an option for me. Now I have a stable job, and I’m in a great environment that supports my growth,” she concludes.

*Last name omitted at the participant’s request.