Salem Technical Initiative Graduates 31 Students in Spring Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology Tracks
STI celebrates first-ever Electrical Technology cohort
SALEM (May 4, 2026) – The Salem Technical Initiative, an adult education program at Salem High School, celebrated its sixth graduating class Thursday night in a ceremony at the SHS M. Ruth Norton Auditorium.
The STI conferred Electrical Technology and Automotive Technology entry-level certifications to 31 students – 20 in Electrical and 11 in Automotive – each of whom completed the 16-week, 5-9 p.m., four-night weekly program at no cost.
With Thursday’s graduation, the Salem Technical Initiative alumni base has grown to 154 graduates in Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology and Building and Property Maintenance since launching in September 2023.
The coursework is made possible by Round 10 funding of the Commonwealth Corporation’s Career Technical Initiative on behalf of the Governor Maura Healey-Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll Administration.
In the automotive cohort, John Weitz received the Perfect Attendance Award while Hunter Cauchi was presented the Leadership Award from instructor Mike Pettipas. In the electrical cohort, Jesus Figueroa received the Leadership Award and Jean Lanes was the recipient of the Exceptional Skills Award, presented by first-year instructor Eric Vega.
Electrical Technology graduates – the first ever class at the STI – received certification in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 standards; Hot Works fire safety; Red Cross First Aid; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use. They also received $600 worth of the necessary tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) to launch their careers.
The Electrical Technology curriculum provides its students entry level opportunities for roles such as apprenticeships, electrical assistant, solar electrical assistant, fire and security alarm technology and maintenance technology.
2025 Automotive Technology graduates earned entry level Toyota Technician certification as well as certification in OSHA 10; Hot Works fire safety; Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED, as well as $600 worth of the necessary tools, boots and personal protective equipment to begin working immediately.
Both tracks included mock interview training as well as instruction on resume and cover letter writing through STI’s partnership with MassHire.
The STI program aligns with the District Strategic Plan’s four core priorities: elevating learning, empowering educators, prioritizing belonging and strengthening the foundation of the district.
The Salem CTI Fall Class of 2025 included:
Electrical Technology
- Ridouan Anazmi (Malden, Mass.)
- Anna Cinelli (Gloucester, Mass.)
- Marcos Contreras (Lynn, Mass.)
- David DeFelice (Salem, Mass.)
- Mousshine El Hor (Malden, Mass.)
- Moncef Elmachraa (Revere, Mass.)
- Rena Ennadi (Malden, Mass.)
- Yassine Ezzahraoui (East Boston, Mass.)
- Jesus Figueroa (Revere, Mass.)
- Jonangel Franco (Salem, Mass.)
- Jean Lanes (Peabody, Mass.)
- Ayach Mallak (Boston, Mass.)
- Elaimromi Mohammed (Saugus, Mass.)
- Jeyren Perez (Salem, Mass.)
- Carlos Rizo, Jr. (Revere, Mass.)
- Allen Rodriguez (Lynn, Mass.)
- Ayoub Smin (Revere, Mass.)
- Emerson Velasquez (Lynn, Mass.)
- Pablo Zaripov (Salem, Mass.)
- Anouar Zen (Malden, Mass.)
Automotive Technology
- Jeisanef Acevedo (Lynn, Mass.)
- Mustafa Alizada (Lynn, Mass.)
- Hunter Cauchi (Salem, Mass.)
- Luis Cordero (Lynn, Mass.)
- Leonardo Huerta (Peabody, Mass.)
- Thierno Ibrahima (Peabody, Mass.)
- Sergio Juarez (Lynn, Mass.)
- Tyler Lovett (Lynn, Mass.)
- Kianna Sholds (Manchester By the Sea, Mass.)
- Joshua Wagner (Manchester By the Sea, Mass.)
- John Weitz (Salem, Mass.)
About Salem Career Technical Initiative
Salem Technical High School is committed to bridging the skills gap in the workforce. As a grant-funded initiative, our focus is on two key areas of local demand: automotive technology and building/property maintenance with a specialization in green insulation technology. Our mission is to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed in these critical sectors. Through our targeted programs, we aim to address the growing need for skilled automotive technicians and experts in sustainable building practices. Our approach combines practical, hands-on learning with theoretical knowledge, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of their chosen fields. By fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment, we are dedicated to helping each student achieve their full potential.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
