Twenty high school students from across the region spent their April vacation week gaining hands-on experience in the skilled trades as part of the “Tools of the Trade” workforce program. (Photo Courtesy Town of Norwood)
Twenty area high school students traded spring break for hard hats this week, spending their vacation in paid, hands-on training at union facilities through the “Tools of the Trade” workforce program.
The weeklong initiative, coordinated by the Metro South/West Workforce Board, introduced students from Bellingham, Framingham, Hopkinton, Marlborough, Norwood and Sudbury to career pathways in several trades.
Students learned about a wide range of skilled trades while practicing basic techniques used in fields such as carpentry, plumbing and construction labor. Students also received safety equipment including boots, hard hats, goggles and vests.
The “Tools for the Trades” program is one initiative under the Metro South/West Workforce Board’s overarching youth program called “Youth Connections.”
Students trained at the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Facility in Millbury, the New England Laborers Training Center in Hopkinton, and the Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 4 Training Center in West Boylston.
Partnering organizations included the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America, and Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 4.
“The trades offer rewarding careers that are essential to our communities and our regional economy,” said Workforce Board Executive Director Greg Bunn. “Programs like this give students the chance to see first-hand what these careers look like while gaining practical experience and earning pay during their school vacation week.”
The experience is designed to help students understand apprenticeship and training pathways available after high school graduation.
“This program allows students to step inside our training facilities and experience the work that skilled tradespeople do every day,” said Louise Meyer, CEO Representative on the Workforce Board. “It’s a valuable opportunity to introduce young people to career options they may not have previously considered.”
The Metro South/West Workforce Board represents 43 cities and towns and works with employers, labor partners and education providers to connect residents with career opportunities across the region.
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