TURNERS FALLS — Superintendent Richard Martin and Director of Career and Technical Education Matt West are pleased to announce that the Franklin County Technical School will be offering night school opportunities this fall in multiple areas of study.
Through the school’s Career Technical Institute, FCTS is partnering with the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center to offer two grant funded programs starting Sept. 19. Participants in these programs are not required to pay tuition, fees or materials, but need to fall within designated criteria set by the Commonwealth Corporation and the Massachusetts Governor’s office.
FCTS will be hosting an open house for these programs on July 28 at 6 p.m.
“The programs being offered at FCTS will be a great opportunity for the Franklin County region,” Director West said. “In collaboration with MassHire and Commonwealth Corporation, FCTS will be able to provide high-quality trade education and experience for its participants. Eligible participants will greatly benefit both personally and professionally through these programs.”
Courses will be taught by professional educators from Franklin County Technical School, and students will receive job or apprenticeship placement upon completion.
FCTS will be offering programs in the following areas:
Welding: FCTS is offering an industry training session with credentials and career placement assistance through a 230-hour welding program. Students will certify to an American Welding Society SENSE Level 1 entry-level welder. The program will include an OSHA 10-hour construction certification.
Classroom exams include GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SMAW, Thermal Cutting, Print Reading and testing and inspection. In the shop students will learn GTAW Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum.
Auto Technology: The automotive technology program will provide students with entry level industry training and hands-on experience. Students will work with automobiles with complex systems, combining computer technology and conventional mechanical systems.
OBDII, electronic braking systems, electric vehicle and automated support systems for drivers will be studied. Certifications include OSHA-10, Hotworks and Basic SP2 certifications as well as the option to acquire entry level Subaru Certifications. Students will also receive 10-15 hours of Career Readiness training.
FCTS will be offering two additional programs beginning in the spring of 2023. They will include:
Culinary Arts: A culinary arts program that will consist of 230 hours over 12 weeks, where participants will receive certifications in either servsafe manager or food handlers.
Carpentry: The CTI house carpentry program will be based upon a 230-hour, 12-week, industry-standard curriculum that will present real-world knowledge and skills useful for multiple career pathways.
The Career Technical Initiative (CTI) is a federally funded program to retrain the workforce to meet existing labor needs. The grant is administered through the Commonwealth Corporation and MassHire to fund training opportunities for unemployed and underemployed adult workers in construction/trades and manufacturing at high schools with aligned Chapter 74 programs.
“MassHire Franklin-Hampshire is excited for this grant-funded partnership with Franklin County Tech,” said Ann Tweedy, Career Services Counselor for the MassHire Franklin Center Career Center. “We look forward to assisting in offering outstanding training in sustainable vocations and industries to job seekers.”
For more information on the MassHire, including the process to becoming a participant, click here.
Electrical: In addition to the offerings through the MassHire partnership, FCTS has also been approved by the Electrical Board of Massachusetts to teach the adult Journeyman and Masters electrical programs. The program will include 600 hours of classroom instruction for electrical apprentices pursuing a career towards obtaining their journeyman’s electrical license, and 150 hours of classroom instruction for Journeyman electricians pursuing a career towards obtaining their Masters Electrical License.
For more information on the Franklin County Technical School’s Career Technical Institute, click here.
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