BVT receives $150K Skills Capital grant

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School was recently awarded a $150,000 Skills Capital grant from the Baker-Polito Administration. The grant will allow the school to purchase new industry-grade equipment to advance its goals of increasing diversity among the student population and enhancing training for entry-level positions in health care and dental care.

BVT is one of 70 educational institutions to receive a portion of $22 million in Skills Capital grants to update equipment and enhance vocational training. The Baker-Polito Administration has awarded these grants as part of their multi-year effort to address skills gaps in growing industries.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced $22 million in Skills Capital grants awarded to 70 educational institutions and an additional $10 million awarded to 23 vocational schools to expand programs for young people and adults as part of the Career Technical Initiative (CTI). This round of CTI grants will help train more than 1,600 people for new careers in construction, manufacturing, and other trades with growing workforce demands.

The Skills Capital grant program was launched in 2015 with the goal of replacing outdated equipment and technology, mainly at vocational-technical high schools and community colleges. Since then, the program has evolved into a crucial component of local workforce training efforts by expanding the number of young people and adults trained and experienced with the newest technologies used by local employers.

“Since our administration launched these critically important programs, high schools, colleges, and other educational institutions throughout the Commonwealth have created and expanded numerous training programs with Skills Capital Grants and developed new training opportunities for young people and adults with the Career Technical Initiative,” said Baker. “We are very proud of the lasting impact these grants will have on the Massachusetts workforce and the future of the Commonwealth as they prepare the next generation of innovative leaders in cutting-edge industries.”

The school will implement new equipment to support hands-on learning activities within the Health Services and Dental Assisting shops. These vocational classrooms resemble clinical facilities where students develop advanced skills using equipment that directly resembles what employers are utilizing. Instructors are excited to prepare students with the direct care skills needed for future employment opportunities in Health Services and Dental Assisting fields that address pressing employment gaps in our region.

“The Skills Capital grants align with our efforts to continue providing students with exciting and rewarding career exploration opportunities and advanced skill development,” said Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick. “As well as our commitment to finding additional funding, to invest in the most up-to-date equipment to give our students an advantage when they continue in their chosen field or area of study.”