MARLBOROUGH — Assabet Superintendent Ernest F. Houle and Principal Patrick O’Rourke are excited to announce that the Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School with a Skills Capital grant of $400,000 to support the Metal Fabrication/Welding and Plumbing Programs currently being taught to all students who choose to participate.
The Commonwealth awarded 66 different high schools, colleges, and educational institutions $13.5 million for the purchase and installation of equipment and related improvements to support vocational and technical training.
Assabet will use its $400,000 funding to purchase new equipment for both the Plumbing and Metal Fabrication programs, advancing the curriculum and ensuring alignment with the latest industry technologies.
In Metal Fabrication, this investment will include the Vectis Welding Collaborative Robot (Cobot), which will introduce students to advanced automated welding systems used in modern manufacturing and fabrication settings. This cutting-edge technology will expand hands-on learning opportunities, improve precision and efficiency in training, and prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
In the Plumbing program, the funding will include the purchase of various press-fitting tools, allowing students to train with the same high-efficiency equipment used by today’s plumbing professionals. Integrating this technology into the curriculum will modernize instruction, enhance safety and efficiency in training labs, and ensure that Assabet students graduate with skills in line with industry standards.
“We always want the best for our students,” said Principal O’Rourke. “Not only does this provide a chance for them to achieve their academic goals, but an opportunity for them to grow into their desired careers.”
The Metal Fabrication/Welding program prepares students who wish to pursue a career in fabrication and welding for the professional world by conducting performance qualification tests, operating small businesses, performing sheet metal duct work, and creative blacksmithing.
The Plumbing program prepares students for a career in plumbing and waterworks by learning about the installation and repair of water, waste, gas, and heating systems in both residential and commercial buildings.
Both Plumbing and Metal Fabrication are highly-sought after programs, each accepting only 20 students per year. Plumbing consistently attracts far more interest than available seats and students during the recent school years, with roughly 49 applicants in 2022-23, 38 in 2023-24, and 31 in 2024-25.
For Metal Fabrication in recent school years, there were 16 applicants 2022-23, 12 in 2023-24, and 12 in 2024-25.
“We at Assabet Valley Regional High School graciously thank Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll for this funding to strengthen our programs and further enhance our students’ education,” said Superintendent Houle.
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