Whittier to offer Advanced Manufacturing courses for adults as part of Baker-Polito Program
Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to announce that Whittier Tech will offer adult advanced manufacturing classes next year as part of a new program created by Gov. Charlie Baker's administration.
On Dec. 14th, 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 Whittier -- 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.
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.
Earlier this year, Whittier opened a new $495,000 machine technology shop that is equipped with 23 new machines and a 21st century layout to increase the capacity and quality of training and education. Future plans also include Whittier opening a post-secondary program designed to provide a pathway for graduating seniors and members of its 11 district cities and towns to attain the academic and technical skills needed for a career focus in Advanced Manufacturing.
"We're so excited to be one of the few vocational schools in the state to have a direct role in this program, where students can earn college credits for the work they complete on our Whittier campus," Superintendent Lynch said. "Not only that, but with our new machine technology shop, students will be learning the most up-to-date practices they need to excel in the industry."
Prior to the launch 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 school 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 Lawrence Technical High School in Andover
• 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