For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 18, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

GLTS to Provide Adult Education Courses on Advanced Manufacturing as Part of Gov. Baker’s New Program

ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to announce that as part of a new program through Gov. Charlie Baker’s office, adults looking to take advanced manufacturing courses will soon be able to do so for credit at Greater Lawrence Tech.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, Gov. Charlie Baker announced the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program, which will allow Massachusetts residents who wish to take courses in advanced manufacturing to do so on a flexible timetable and with the possibility of receiving financial aid from federal Pell grants, state MASSGrants and other scholarships.

Gov. Baker’s administration also partnered with 10 vocational technical schools — including Greater Lawrence Tech — as well as community colleges to develop a certificate that will give those taking advanced manufacturing courses the opportunity to obtain college credits that can be applied toward an associate’s degree.

“We understand that as an adult, finding the time to advance your education while working a full-time job is difficult, which is why we’re thrilled to be able to participate in this unique program with Gov. Baker,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “We hope that residents in our district take advantage of this opportunity to gain a valuable skill set in advanced manufacturing.”

The program, which is set to launch in 2018, will work as follows: students will earn a certificate in advanced manufacturing once they complete three different modules, each consisting of 300 hours of class time. The program is designed to be flexible so adult learners, who are most likely working full-time jobs and raising families, can complete the course at their own pace. Gov. Baker set the goal of providing students with an affordable path to continue their education, while also helping to meet the growing workforce needs of the manufacturing industry in Massachusetts.

Prior to the start of Gov. Baker’s advanced manufacturing program in 2018, a planning team made up of vocational school, public and private higher education officials and workforce and industry partners, will work on curriculum, align credential agreements, and develop internships and hiring opportunities.

“The program provides another opportunity for students to pursue an affordable education in advanced manufacturing to learn a skill set and find a good paying job in this growing industry,” Gov. Baker said. “This unique program leverages state and federal resources and offers much needed flexibility to give people better career options and a path toward a college degree.”

The remaining nine high schools that have partnered with Gov. Baker’s administration are:
• Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Marlborough
• Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School in Taunton
• Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River
• Essex Agricultural and Technical High School in Danvers
• Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School in New Bedford
• Minuteman Regional Technical Vocational High School in Lexington
• Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford
• Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton
• Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill

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