Essex Tech and GLTS Educators to Participate in Forum on Career Technical Education

Event Open to the Public

DANVERS — Essex Tech Superintendent Heidi Riccio and Greater Lawrence Tech Superintendent John Lavoie would like to invite the community to attend a free presentation tomorrow on access to vocational and technical education.

WHEN:

Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE:

Essex Tech, 565 Maple St., Danvers

WHAT:

Sponsored by the Education Working Group of Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, the discussion will focus on how to prepare this generation of students for the jobs of the future, specifically in Essex County.

Given today’s ever changing labor market, and a need for skilled workers, especially in advanced manufacturing, employers are often struggling to find qualified workers in their fields.

Essex Tech and Greater Lawrence Tech are two of a handful of schools in Essex County that prepare students for a wide range of careers while preparing students for the immediate job market, higher-level/trade career training or college. Each year, the number of applicants far outweighs the number of spots available at regional schools in Essex County.

During the forum, educators, including Superintendent Riccio, Superintendent Lavoie, Bonnie Carr, Director of Workforce Development and Adult Education at Essex Tech, and Elizabeth Bennett, Director of Grants, Community and Workforce Development at GLTS will explore these and other issues and how vocational and technical schools are working to solve them.

“This is a great opportunity for members of the public to learn more about career technical education, career trends and how we as a state can provide all students with the opportunity for a 21st century education that meets the needs of today’s labor market,” Superintendent Riccio said. “We encourage anyone with an interest in the subject to attend and be a part of this conversation.”

Another panel made up of students, parents, and workers will then present their perspectives.

Panelists will also lead breakout sessions, where audience members will have the opportunity to participate and ask questions. To conclude the forum, leaders will provide a training session in public advocacy, followed by a tour of the Essex Tech facilities.

“We know that there is a significant need from employers in a number of industries who are looking for skilled workers,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “We also recognize that there is a growing desire from students throughout Essex County to obtain these skills prior to or in place of entering post-secondary education. We invite the public to be a part of the conversation as we work to address this situation both locally and at the state level.”

The forum is free of charge and open to the public. Free parking is available on site.

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