Salem Career Technical Initiative Receives Grant to Fund Sustainable Building, Automotive and Electrical Technology Training
CTI Round 10 Grant to fund 11 cohorts over two years; Automotive Technology, Sustainable Building Technology classes begin Sept. 8
VIEW: Commonwealth Corporation Press Release
HAVERHILL (Aug. 6, 2025) – The Salem Career Technical Initiative, the adult education and workforce development arm of Salem Public Schools, received the CTI Round 10 Grant of $1,489,998.04, announced Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones Tuesday at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Salem CTI’s share of the grant is part of a $24.2 million effort by the Healey-Driscoll administration to expand CTI training opportunities for more than 2,500 jobseekers.
The grant will fund two years of Salem CTI 12-week courses of the following in-demand tracks:
- Sustainable Building and Technology (four 12-week cohorts)
- Automotive Technology (four 12-week cohorts)
- Electrical Technology (three 12-week cohorts)
Salem’s CTI, which has provided training to 102 graduates since its launch in September 2023, begins Monday, Sept. 8 with two 12-week training cohorts in Sustainable Building and Technology and Automotive Technology.
These programs are open to eligible applicants at no cost.
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“We are beyond grateful to Governor (Maura) Healey, Lieutenant Governor (Kim) Driscoll, Secretary Jones and the Department of Workforce Development for these grants,” said Gabriel Yeager, Salem CTI Grants and Partnership Manager/CTE Instructor. “We would also like to thank Molly Jacobson, President & CEO of the Commonwealth Corporation, and the entire team of CommCorp for the oversight and support of these funds and programs.
“With this generous grant, our goal is to train 148 participants over the next two years in these high-skill, high-demand positions,” Mr. Yeager added.
Along with this fall’s tracks in Automotive Technology and Sustainable Building and Technology, Salem CTI is expected to offer cohorts in Electrical Technology over the winter and spring semesters as well as other career tracks still being finalized.
Winter coursework is scheduled to begin Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 and will meet Monday-Thursday (5-9 p.m.) for 12 weeks at SHS.
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.
Courses are 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.
Graduation ceremonies will be held shortly after coursework is complete.
To register:
- Complete the registration form
- Contact John St. Onge, STI Workforce Development Coordinator: (978) 854-3885 | jstonge@salemk12.org
- Visit: https://sites.google.com/salemk12.org/salemtech/home
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.
