State Grant Will Support Essex Tech's Adult Education Program

DANVERS, MA — Essex Tech will use a $240,000 state grant as part of its training program for unemployed or underemployed members of its NightHawks Adult Education Program.

Superintendent Heidi Riccio said the school will use the Career Technical Institute grant to train 12 students in automotive services, HVAC, plumbing and construction labor.

Those who complete the training will earn industry certificates and credentials, as well as career placement assistance.

"At Essex Tech, our primary mission is to train our future workforce," Riccio said. "We carry out this mission through excellent technical programs during the day but also in our evening programs. We intend to do that.

"When a recession hits, some occupations may need to adjust, and the output is new opportunities. Essex Tech is ready to serve those displaced, unemployed, or underemployed workers and train them for high-paying careers on the North Shore."

The grants are intended to transform vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes, which remain open through the evening to expand enrollment of high school students and staff.

"The governor has made a commitment to keeping vocational schools open for three shifts," Riccio said.

The school will work with its local employer partners, including partners F.W. Webb Company, Cranney Home Services, National Mechanical Service, Tremblay Heating, Kelley Automotive Group, Mini of Peabody, Lyon Waugh Auto Group, Groom Construction, Menino Construction, Bilo Plumbing & Heating and Breen Sullivan Mechanical Services, on exploring industry employment trends and job placement for current openings.

"MassHire North Shore Workforce Board and Career Centers are so thankful and proud to work with Essex Tech on the CTI project," Mary Sarris, Executive Director of MassHire North Shore, said. "This training leads to jobs that are critical to our region's economy and provides strong career opportunities for local unemployed or underemployed residents.

"Essex Tech's training is the best in the state. Partnering with MassHire's career coaching and job placement services guarantees employment success for students and quality talent for our companies."

To register for the free CTI courses in auto, HVAC or construction go to the Essex Tech NightHawks Adult Education program site here.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)