For Immediate Release, Contact Kate O’Malley komalley@masshire-northshorewb.com
Gloucester, MA – March 10, 2024 – For the third summer, Gloucester is proud to announce the return of a technical career advancement initiative aimed at empowering its residents with manufacturing skills. With Foundational preparation provided by North Shore Community College, Gloucester High School will then host the adult vocational classes in their machine shop. This comprehensive 300-hour vocational training program in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and manual machining, is poised to equip individuals with essential skills needed in the manufacturing industry, including a NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) CNC Milling Certification.
The initiative, spearheaded by MASSHIRE North Shore Workforce Board and Career Center, underscores a commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within the Cape Ann community. In addition to providing the math and technical machining skills, the career center will execute soft skill workshops on-site @ GHS, and coordinate tours at local machine shops, to further educate individuals in the manufacturing industry. Prior to the conclusion of the training program, MASSHIRE Career Center will engage local companies on-site so that students can speak face-to-face with hiring companies, enhancing their efforts in obtaining employment.
Mayor Gregory P. Verga of Gloucester expressed enthusiasm for this unique program, emphasizing its significance in both, job creation and community development. “This program represents a unique opportunity for Gloucester residents to access high-quality training right in our own backyard. It’s essential for our city’s growth that we not only attract talent but also nurture it within our community.”
Kate O’Malley, Program Manager for North Shore’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program(AMTEP), highlighted the promising prospects awaiting participants in the manufacturing industry. “We are very fortunate to have a private grant funded by the GE Foundation, and executed by the Essex County Community Foundation, aimed at filling the skills gap in the manufacturing pipeline, while generously serving the north shore residents with life-changing opportunities. This free training program opens doors to fulfilling careers with sustainable incomes, at one of our 400 manufacturing companies on the north shore, or even further into the 2000 total manufacturing companies in the neighboring northeast region. Graduates from this program potentially start anywhere from $21-25 per hour, based on their grasp of the machining curriculum, and have the potential to increase that salary quickly, if they commit to the exponential amount of learning and growth ahead of them in the industry.”
Classes will start virtually from the college on May 22, 4-7 pm three nights per week, then move to the shop @ GHS five days per week from June 24-August 16. Times in the shop are 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 – Noon on Fridays.
Mary Sarris, Executive Director of MassHire North Shore Workforce Board, thanked the hard work and leadership provided by Superintendent Bill Lummis and the Gloucester High leadership, embracing this opportunity and to provide quality training in high-demand occupations to adults in the Cape Ann area.
Gloucester residents interested in joining the program are encouraged to attend an informational session via Zoom. The first session will be held on March 21 at 4:00 PM, followed by weekly sessions until the end of May.
For more information and to register for the informational sessions, please visit
About MASSHIRE – North Shore Career Center
MASSHIRE creates and sustains powerful connections between businesses and job seekers through the North Shore network of employment professionals. Our MASSHIRE Career Center connects job seekers and businesses for employment opportunities, and our MassHire North Shore Workforce Board engages businesses in building long-term talent solutions across our area in the Commonwealth.