Assabet Valley and Marlborough schools awarded Workforce Skills Capital Grants

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Region – Marlborough Public Schools and Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School were two of 32 institutions recently awarded Workforce Skills Capital Grants by the Baker-Polito Administration. More than 32 high schools, community colleges and educational institutions received $9.5 million to purchase equipment, modernize operations, and boost enrollment capacity in career training programs.

Marlborough Public Schools received $343,376 for its Advanced Pathways Program that provides students with the opportunity to learn and apply transferable skills while in high school in the growing industry sectors of advanced manufacturing, electronics, robotics, and information technology. The program will purchase 3D printers, a computer-integrated manufacturing cell system, a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill, a CNC lathe, a sensor training system and electrical drive training system.

Assabet Valley received $499,388 to modernize lathe training offered to all students who enroll in the Advanced Manufacturing day or evening program. The equipment will give students the opportunity to learn CNC lathe concepts.

“These Skills Capital Grants will help boost our economy and equip students with new skills, knowledge and experience with state-of-the-art equipment across the commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to continuing our work with these 32 institutions and previous awardees to enhance their programs and develop a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of the commonwealth.”

“In order to maintain our skilled workforce, we want to ensure our high schools, colleges, and other educational programs have the ability to train students on the latest equipment that meets current industry standards so when they are ready to enter the workforce, they have the knowledge and best possible training to get a job,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with industry, as well as align curriculum and credentials with businesses’ demand, in order to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state. Economic development legislation proposed by the Administration and passed by the Legislature last year authorizes $45 million in program funding over the next three years.

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito created the Workforce Skills Cabinet in 2015, bringing together the secretariats of education, labor and workforce development, and housing and economic development to align education, economic development and workforce policies, and to strategize how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in each region of the state.

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