FITCHBURG — On June 12, the Career Technical Initiative program at Monty Tech Nites graduated 53 adult students who completed 200 hours of training in the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry trades. Funded by the Commonwealth Corp. in partnership with the MassHire North Central Career Center, CTI provides job seekers with short-term training in high-demand fields to combat the skills gap created when seasoned workers in the trades retire at a higher rate than younger workers enter the field.

Ranging in age from their late teens to their 50s, this class included entry-level workers trying to enter the trades and older workers seeking career change. Training included specific trade skills, job readiness skills, resume and cover letter writing, as well as first aid, CPR, OSHA, and other industry credentials required for each field.

Among the 200 guests in attendance at the graduation were key staff from the MassHire North Central Career Center, Sam Squalia, mayor of Fitchburg; members of the Monty Tech School Committee; and family and friends of the graduates. Faculty member Emily Turner delivered the commencement address, acknowledging the graduates’ hard work, perseverance, and commitment to their training. Graduates were presented Certificates of Completion by Trish Woodliff, Monty Tech Nites Director; Autumn Kelly, CTI Program Manager; and their instructors, Shane Brogan (carpentry), Benjamin Suppa (electrical), Rob Keyes and Bill Kemp (plumbing), and Jerry McKee and Ethan Looman (HVAC).

In addition, graduates Logan Kirwan (carpentry), Ryley Saisa (plumbing), Daniel Lynch (HVAC), and Alyssa Washburn (electrical) were presented with the Dillon Deshaies Memorial Award for their passion for their trades, positivity, and encouragement of their fellow students.

Electrical student assistant Cameron Saladini received a special scholarship award to support his participation in the Monty Tech Nites Journeyman’s Electrical program in the fall. Electrical instructor John Bussiere thanked Cameron for his two years of service as a student assistant and his exceptional work in supporting the CTI Electrical program.

After the ceremony, students, staff, and guests enjoyed a celebration dinner served by CTI culinary graduates from December 2023. Graduates also received tool kits specific to their trade and safety jackets to ensure a smooth transition into their new careers.

Kelly said: “We are doing our part to address the ongoing need for workers in manufacturing and construction trades by increasing training capacity for local residents. Our team has trained 197 adults with the funding support from Commonwealth Corp. over the past two years.”

In the coming school year, Monty Tech Nites’ CTI program will offer additional training in carpentry, HVAC, and plumbing. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions during August at the Monty Tech campus.

“We value employer participation in the CTI program, especially through input on the type of workforce needs that training providers can design curriculum that provides jobseekers with industry-based credentials within a specific field,” said Woodliff.

Employers can also participate by interviewing graduates, offering internship opportunities, job shadowing, and more. To learn more, visit https://www.montytechnites.com/nocosttraining or call the Monty Tech Nites office at 978-345-9200, ext. 5220.