Carpentry student Mikayla Montanez, 22, of Lawrence, accepted a position at Twomey & Legare Contracting. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch wishes to share the success of Whittier Tech's Summer Career Technical Initiative (CTI).

As part of the program, Whittier Tech offered free career training programs for Massachusetts residents who identify as unemployed or underemployed, thanks to a Career Technical Initiative Grant administered by the Baker-Polito Administration. Training was offered in the Welding, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical and Auto Body pathways.

The purpose of the program is to provide access to training programs so that participants can find meaningful employment directly after program completion.

"There are so many opportunities in the trades, and our core mission is to connect adult learners to these opportunities through our CTI program," Superintendent Lynch said. "Seeing so many students succeed is a proud moment for Whittier, and a testament to their hard work and the dedication of their instructors."

Thirty-one students ages 18 to 57 completed 200 hours of training from June 27 to Aug. 11. Students learned key skills, tools, and concepts necessary to excel in their given trade. All students earned a program completion certificate, OSHA 10, and/or Hot Works or Servsafe certifications, depending on the trade.

Students also participated in weekly career development and employment workshops, led by the MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center. Students built resumes, engaged in job searches, practiced interviewing, and more.

“The CTI program is such a great resource for the community. I really enjoyed teaching my passion to students who were looking to get into the welding field," Welding Instructor Chris Gerber said. "I was very grateful to have industry partners that were willing to come to the school, talk about their companies and interview students that were interested, with some even giving job offers before they left.”

Additionally, 13 of the 31 students attended a Job Fair Event at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Aug. 2. All attendees received at least one formal job offer. Many left with two offers.

Welding student David Burmudez, 18, of Lawrence, who accepted a position at Tremcar, Inc., said: "I came in knowing nothing about welding and now I know a solid bit about the field and I know I always need to continue learning. There are people out there like me that just graduated who want to start a career but don't know where to get started, so I think these programs are really important."

Whittier and MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center continue to work with all participating students to connect them with relevant job opportunities. A total of 60% of students are now working full-time in the trades.

Carpentry student Mikayla Montanez, 22, of Lawrence, who accepted a position at Twomey & Legare Contracting, said: "The trades and vocations are preached to high school students, but not to adults. I think adults need to know that trades are still an
option. This program is great and I love it."

A program completion ceremony was held on Aug. 11. Students celebrated their achievements with family and friends. The CTI Culinary group baked cupcakes and cookies for the event, while Carpentry, Welding, Auto Body, and Electrical CTI groups worked together to make an end table, which was raffled off for one lucky CTI student recipient.

"Watching the CTI students start on day one and evolve into passionate professionals craving to learn more about the trade each day is incredible - that is what these programs are all about," said Director of Community Partnerships Tia Gerber.

Whittier Tech wishes to thank CTI Culinary Instructors Kris Crovetti, Tijitse Boringa, William Yameen and Krisztina Perron; Auto Body Instructor Paul DeBenedictis; Carpentry Instructor Mark Whittier; Welding Instructor Chris Gerber; and Electrical Instructor Mark Torossian.

Whittier Tech plans to hold a Marine CTI and Computer Numerical Controls Advanced Manufacturing CTI in Fall 2022, as well as a complete program in summer 2023. Interested students should reach out to adulted@whittiertech.org to begin the registration process. To be eligible for the program, students must be Massachusetts residents, 18 years or older, and identify as unemployed or underemployed.

Welding student David Burmudez, 18, of Lawrence, accepted a position at TREMCAR INC. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

From left: Instructor Kris Crovetti, Culinary Students Anne Lowe, Dinga Gwanyalla, Pauline Everson, Yudy Feliz and Instructor William Yameen. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)