Trade schools & apprenticeships

• Trade school degrees are typically 1-2 year programs with most schools offering flexible schedules (i.e., night classes), so many students can work full or part-time the entire time they are in school.

• More than 50 trade schools in Massachusetts offer career-focused education. Many programs take less than a year to complete.

• Professionals with vocational training often enjoy stimulating, in-demand work and good pay.

• To consider: The highly specialized training provided by trade schools may not be transferable to roles outside of specific niches.

• Hands-on work can be challenging and physically demanding.

• To keep up with the evolving demands of their trades, professionals should attend courses, workshops, industry events, and certification programs throughout their careers.

• Laborers Union - Local 473 - Berkshires

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Take some time to look through the courses and programs available at each organization.

• Hudson Valley Community College - Troy, NY

• Lincoln Technical Institute - East Windsor, CT

• McCann Technical School - North Adams, MA

• Smith Vocational School - Northampton, MA

• Springfield Technical Community College - Springfield, MA

• Carpenters Apprenticeship Training Program - Training Centers throughout New England

• Stockbridge School of Agriculture - Amherst, MA

• United Tractor Trailer School, Inc. - Holyoke, MA

• Operating Engineers - Training Center in Southwick, MA - Office in Pittsfield, MA

• Electrical Apprenticeship - Springfield, MA

• Lineman Training - Kingston, NY

Please reach out to your Guidance Counselor for more information on Trades / Apprenticeships

First resume? Even with no work experience, your resume is how you show you have what it takes to do the job and deserve an interview. In this video, we share first resume tips based on the latest resume writing best practices. We also discuss resume formatting tips, while providing resume examples to help you brainstorm ideas. If you stick around until the end of the video, we uncover a tactic that can help you impress recruiters. You don’t want to miss this!

Click the following link to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRTs4HsICI8

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Are you a High School or College student with no work experience? Don't stress, you are still marketable! College applications, first jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities want to know not only what you did but what skills you have gained from your experiences. Follow along this video to create the best resume for FREE! Here are tips and tricks to have a full page resume.

Click the following link to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU9pQFt7xms

Advanced Manufacturing is one of the greatest areas in need of employees and provides great pay and benefits!

MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board will be offering a FREE training opportunity in the skills you need to become employed, beginning later this month.  You will receive training in OSHA, Shop Math & Blueprint reading, programming in mill and lathe machining, CAD & CAM, and Solid Works and will leave with job offers!

If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Grady NOW so that we can set up a time to meet, as training starts soon! We can complete and submit the application together. 

Update: applications closed for the 2022-2023 school year.

Are you trying to finalize your work plans for the future? A great option to consider is working construction - there are MANY opportunities here in Berkshire County and all around the country!

The best way to ensure that you receive great pay and benefits is to join the Laborers' Union. Application dates at Local 473 in Pittsfield are scheduled for March, June, September and December. 

• You must be 18 and physically able to do the work
• You must submit to drug testing
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• You must have a drivers license
• You must have reliable transportation

See Ms. Grady for more details and to answer your questions. Here are some of the benefits of belonging to a union: