Salem Career Technical Initiative Receives Grants to Fund Carpentry, Automotive and Electrical Technology Training This Fall
CTI Round 10 and 11 grants to fund Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Carpentry certification; Classes begin Sept. 7
View Commonwealth Corporation Press Release
SALEM (Aug. 13, 2026) – The Salem Career Technical Initiative, the adult education and workforce development arm of Salem Public Schools, received a CTI Round 11 grant of $250,000 to fund 12 weeks of carpentry coursework, the Governor Maura Healey-Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll administration announced Monday.
Salem CTI’s share of the grant is part of a $15.5 million effort by the Healey-Driscoll administration to expand CTI training opportunities for more than 1,600 jobseekers for in-demand careers.
Salem CTI is also providing 12 weeks of coursework in both Automotive Technology and Electrical Technology this fall after receiving Round 10 funding last year, for which it is still accepting applications.
All three tracks are free and open to recent graduates, unemployed/under-employed, and those seeking a career change toward any of the career tracks. Students will learn from professionals in each track.
Registration is open for all three tracks, the classes for which will run from Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Dec. 17 at Salem High School – running Monday through Thursday after Labor Day week – from 5-9 p.m.
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Salem’s Carpentry track will provide training and entry level certification to the first 24 students who register. STI Carpentry students will learn from local companies C. LeBlanc Contracting, Inc., Groom Construction Co., Inc., and A&J General Contractor Inc.
Salem’s successful CTI has provided training to 170 graduates since its launch in September 2023.
“We are grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Secretary Lauren Jones and the Department of Workforce Development for these grants,” said Gabriel Yeager, Salem CTI Grants and Partnership Manager/CTE Instructor. “We are equally grateful to Molly Jacobson, President and CEO of the Commonwealth Corporation, and the entire team of CommCorp for the oversight and support of these funds and programs.
“With these generous grants, we are well on our way to training nearly 200 participants over the next two years in these high-skill, high-demand positions,” Mr. Yeager added.
Salem CTI students receive certification in OSHA standards, First Aid/CPR and AED; Hotworks and other industry-related certifications.
Additionally, students receive career development guidance including instruction with resumes, cover letters and interview preparation. Upon completion of the coursework, students are eligible to receive job placement opportunities through Salem CTI’s partnership with the MassHire North Shore Career Center.
Graduation ceremonies will be held shortly after coursework is complete.
To register:
- Complete the registration form, or
- Contact Sheila Davila, STI Director of Workforce Development: 978-745-9300 ext. 65405 | sdavila@salemk12.org, or
- Visit: https://sites.google.com/salemk12.org/salemtech/home
Along with this fall’s tracks in Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology and Carpentry, Salem CTI is expected to offer cohorts in other tracks over the winter and spring semesters, which are still being finalized.
About the Salem Career Technical Institute
Salem Technical Institute is the adult education and workforce development division of Salem Public Schools. Funded through state-level workforce initiatives including past rounds of the Career Technical Initiative (CTI), STI offers no-cost training opportunities to eligible adults in high-demand fields such as Automotive Technology, Building & Property Maintenance, Electrical Technology, and HVAC/Heat Pump Installation. Hosted at Salem High School and supported by strong employer partnerships, STI provides over 200 hours of hands-on, skills-based training that prepares participants for industry-recognized credentials and immediate employment opportunities.
