Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville High School’s Center for Career, and Technical Education (CTE) are proud to announce the Advanced Manufacturing Training Program (AMTP), an expansion upon the CTE’s successful youth programming. Funded with a grant by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Housing Economic Development, The AMTP will target Somerville residents aged 18-24 and focus on preparing them for high paying careers in the manufacturing industry.

According to the Metro North Regional Employment Board, a public-private initiative serving 20 communities north of Boston, advanced manufacturing is becoming more and more important to the economy of Massachusetts. Many employers are reporting needs for skilled CNC machinists and machine operators, with 20% of companies expecting to grow in the next decade. These are high paying jobs, with wages averaging around $75,000. With more than a fifth of manufacturing employees in the State over the age 55, preparing a new generation of workers for these jobs has the potential of paying off for decades, not only for growing companies who are able to retain a skilled workforce, but for Somerville families who are able to make middle class wages.

Somerville has been strengthening its workforce development initiatives in recent years with successes such as continued support of Somerville Community Corporation’s First Source job training and placement program as well as the Somerville’s selection in the first round of the Federal Reserve of Boston’s Working Cities Challenge to support job placement for low-income youth. Many community partners have supported this work and will continue to play a large role in supporting this new program. Major partners include the Somerville Community Corporation, the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, The Welcome Project, Bent Electrical, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, and the Metro North Regional Employment Board.

“Equipping our residents with the skills needed to enter this highly technical career path is very important to the prosperity of Somerville in the long term,” says Mayor Curtatone. “While many jobs in advanced manufacturing don’t require a four year engineering degree, they still require a high level of training. This program finds a way to address that education gap.”

“This program is a perfect example of how strong partnerships can have a great impact in a community,” said Superintendent of Schools, Mary Skipper. “Utilizing existing resources and expertise in our high school CTE program, AMTP will allow us to help young adults develop specific marketable skills to meet a growing demand in the manufacturing industry. It’s a win-win situation that can have a lasting impact on our community.”

The AMTP will offer both a full-time, 500 hour course and part-time, 150 hour course, both running from mid-January through June at Somerville High School and will be piloted with 25 students. The full-time program will operate during the day, with adults training alongside High School students, and will offer MACWIC and OSHA certifications. The part-time program will operate in the evening and will offer a certificate in manufacturing fundamentals. Both technical programs will be supplemented by additional soft skill courses.

Applications are now open. Priority will be given to Somerville residents. Orientation for the full-time program will take place on Wednesday, January 13^th, at 6pm, at Somerville High School.

For more information on the program and curriculum please contact Leo DeSimone at ldesimone@k12.somerville.ma.us or (617) 625-6600 x6136

To apply for either the full-time or part-time program please contact Laura Denison, First Source Jobs Program Manager at the SCC:ldenison@somervillecdc.org  (617)776-5931 x237.