Students from Holyoke High School’s Dean Tech Campus took part in the Massachusetts Pre-Apprenticeship and Vocational School Training Program from September 9-13, gaining hands-on experience in the highway construction industry to help prepare them for careers after graduation.
Over the course of four days, students from Dean’s carpentry, electrical, auto collision, and diesel technology programs engaged in training in both classroom and shop settings, which helped them develop valuable knowledge in key areas of the construction trades. They learned critical skills such as concrete mixing and surveying techniques, while also earning CPR certification. The program culminated in a field trip to the New England Laborers' Training Academy, where students toured the facility and received hands-on instruction in scaffolding construction. Throughout the program, strict standards were upheld, with an emphasis on punctuality and readiness to work, reflecting the expectations of real-world job sites.
The program was supervised by Carpentry Instructor Scot Goulding who accompanied the students to the New England Laborers' Training Academy. Mr. Goulding is past president of North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Union Local 336 and has a long-standing relationship with the Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
“This program offers our students invaluable real-world experience,” Mr. Goulding said. “They leave with tangible skills and certifications that will give them a head start as they enter the workforce."
Joel McAuliffe, director of Career and Technical Education at Dean Tech, emphasized the importance of providing diverse opportunities for students. “We’re committed to doing whatever we can to give our students more opportunities by exposing them to as many career pathways as possible. Programs like this don’t just equip students with technical skills; they also teach them the discipline and work ethic that employers demand. It’s about giving them every chance to succeed.”
This partnership between Dean Technical High School and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation allows students to take the first step toward promising career paths while still in high school, creating direct pathways to apprenticeships and long-term employment in the trades.