As part of the launch of the Exploring Vocational and Career Technical Pathways program in 2018, design and visual teacher Chris Young works with Reading High School senior Ryder Thomas on a project in Photoshop. (Courtesy Photo)
Northeast Metro Tech is once again opening its doors to non-vocational high school students interested in learning more about technical education.
Through its “Exploring Vocational and Career Technical Pathways,” Northeast is offering a 12-week program for in-district students in grades nine through 12 not currently enrolled at the school to expand their knowledge in one of 13 tech programs.
This is the second year of the program, which is made possible through a $100,000 Cummings Foundation grant that will be used over four years.
“We take our role as our communities’ alternative high school option very seriously,” Principal Carla Scuzzarella said. “This grant provides us with the means to offer vocational and technical opportunities for students who are thinking about options for their future.”
Divided into three four-week programs, students in Northeast’s district who sign up for Exploring Vocational and Career Technical Pathways are welcomed to the school on Saturdays to experience a number of career pathways. The free courses are led by a Northeast instructor and participants get an abridged version of each shop’s curriculum.
Given the success of last year’s pilot program, Northeast is now offering courses in nearly all of its tech programs — automotive technology, business technology, drafting and design, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, design & visual communications, electrical, health assisting, heating, ventilation & air conditioning/refrigeration, metal fabrication, plumbing and robotics.
“Teachers saw the positive impact this program had on communities during our pilot program and wanted to become more involved,” Program Director Joe O’Brien Jr. said. “This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in one, two or three areas of technical study to learn more and gain valuable skills that can be applied in college or a career.”
Additionally, as part of a $106,320 Skills Capital Grant Northeast received earlier this month, the school will expand the drafting and design program for participants through updated equipment and advanced software.
The first of three sessions will begin on Feb. 2 and continue on Feb. 9, Feb. 16 and March 2. Session two will run from March 9-30 (Saturdays only) and session three begins on April 6 and meets on April 13, April 27 and May 4.
Students can attend all three sessions for free, and pick three different shops to explore or stick with one for 12 weeks. Transportation to Northeast is not provided.
To apply, students should fill out an application here and email it to O’Brien at jobrien@northeastmetrotech.com, or mail it to the school at:
Northeast Metro Tech
Attn: Joe O’Brien Jr.
100 Hemlock Road
Wakefield, MA 01880
Applicants should apply prior to the start of each session. Those who apply in the middle of a session will be placed in the following session. Anyone with questions should contact O’Brien at jobrien@northeastmetrotech.com or 781-246-0810.
