Senator Gobi Supports Ware’s Career Development

Senator Gobi Supports Ware’s Career Development Education in the Manufacturing Fields
Posted on 04/22/2021
Senator Gobi Supports Ware’s Career Development Education in the Manufacturing Fields

Ware, MA Senator Anne M. Gobi recently met with Ware School Superintendent Dr. Marlene DiLeo and representatives from the Ware Manufacturing Partnership Council to discuss the importance of Career Development Education and Work-Based Learning opportunities for students in the manufacturing career fields. 

Senator Gobi stated, “Manufacturing jobs have a positive economic impact in western Massachusetts. These jobs pay very well, have great benefits, and offer career advancement. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement, enabling young people to cost-effectively get training in a wide range of subjects. There are thousands of manufacturing companies in Massachusetts, many of them located in this area and looking for new hires. The manufacturing industry is an excellent career choice for students finishing high school and this program gives students the skills that manufacturers are looking for."

Dr. DiLeo stated, “We have been working purposefully to bring education in the manufacturing fields to Ware Public Schools, and recently, we were awarded an Innovation Pathways designation in manufacturing from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We will serve 130 students when fully enrolled, and classes will include Advanced CAD, 3D printing, and engineering and computer skills. She added, “We will provide our young people with the critical skills and education necessary for them to be successful.”  

With Senator Gobi’s support, the next steps for the partnership are to: Promote programs to students and parents so they can gain a better understanding of the options available in manufacturing fields, provide internship opportunities with local manufacturers, and enable students to graduate with a Pre-Apprenticeship, OSHA-10, and MACWIC Level 1 Certifications. The partnership also wants local manufacturing companies to understand this is a career pipeline for them and the opportunity to hire qualified individuals.

About the Ware Manufacturing Partnership Council
The Ware Manufacturing Partnership Council was established in 2018 to provide students with the information and education necessary to begin a rewarding career in the manufacturing fields. The council is a collaborative effort between Ware Public Schools, local manufacturers, ModVic, Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board, River East School-to-Career, Inc., Collaborative for Education Services, MASS MEP, and Holyoke Community College to make students aware of local manufacturing jobs and career growth opportunities, familiarize students with the breadth and depth of manufacturing in the region and incorporate the skills and training critical to manufacturers into the curriculum.