For Immediate Release

Friday, March 22, 2019

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Essex Tech Receives State Chapter 74 License for Post Secondary Training in Advanced Manufacturing

Pilot Program Launched by Gov. Charlie Baker

DANVERS — Adults looking to obtain post-secondary training in Advanced Manufacturing can do so through Essex Tech, which recently became the first school in Massachusetts to receive formal approval for its Chapter 74 Post Secondary License in Advanced Manufacturing.

The license is part of a pilot program launched by Gov. Charlie Baker to help meet the market labor demand in Advanced Manufacturing.

Administered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Chapter 74 sets the standard for vocational technical education. Essex Tech received this license for its post secondary program in Advanced Manufacturing in January, signifying it has obtained what vocational leaders refer to as the “gold standard” in Career and Technical Education for this program.

“To hold a Chapter 74 License indicates that the state has determined that a program has everything necessary to properly train students. The Chapter 74 License is meaningful because it demonstrates that you have a high quality program,” said Bonnie Carr, Director of Workforce Development and Adult Education at Essex Tech. “We know that there is a shortage of skilled workers in Advanced Manufacturing, so we’re excited to be able to offer this program to help adults secure careers in this opportune field as well as create a pipeline for employers in the Advanced Manufacturing industry.”

Students who sign up for the course though Essex Tech’s NightHawks Adult Education Program have the opportunity to complete three 300-hour sessions of training for a total of 900 hours.

Over the course of the program, students will learn basic, essential and advanced skills, including manual and CNC machining, material sciences, computer aided design, lean manufacturing, quality control, robotics and automation and advanced CNC. Students may earn industry credentials, such as OSHA, NIMS and MACWIC.

The program also includes tours of advanced manufacturing companies, career readiness training and a career fair so that students will be well equipped with the skills needed to obtain jobs at local manufacturing companies. Harmonic Drive, Bomco, Prattville Machine, Innovent, Synventive, GE Aviation and Magellan Aerospace have also partnered with Essex Tech through various avenues, including offering student tours, sitting on the school’s Advanced Manufacturing Program Advisory Committee and attending career fairs.

There are currently 20 students from Beverly, Gloucester, Everett, Lynn, Marblehead, Newburyport, Peabody, Salem, Swampscott and Revere in the program, which began this winter. Participants dedicate 20 hours a week to the work, meeting in the evenings on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. They are expected to complete the first 300 hours in mid-May.

Essex Tech also partners with MassHire, Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, North Shore Community College and North Shore Community Action Program to help and advise students as they prepare for their future careers, future education and gain a clear understanding of industry expectations.

The second 300 hour session, Essential Skills Training, for those who have acquired basic skills, is scheduled to begin in June.

For more information visit essex-adulted.coursestorm.com.

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