FRAMINGHAM, MA -- Keefe Regional Technical School's Continuing Education program, has received a grant in the amount of $520,000 for the enhancement of its existing Journeyman Plumbing Code and Theory Program, and the creation of an HVAC, Oil and Gas Burner Technology Certification Program for adults.

The expansion of these two programs is made possible through funding by the Career Technical Initiative (CTI), which is funded through an appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 State budget and funds appropriated through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.

The grant is administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Workforce Skills Cabinet. In partnership with the MassHire Metro South/West Career Center, Keefe at Night will administer the programs from the admissions application process to apprenticeship placement, and employment.

The primary objective of the CTI funding and the expansion of these two programs is to address the needs of both job seekers and employers by providing training opportunities for adults in high-demand and high-growth industries. This training will help individuals who are either unemployed or under-employed in establishing career pathways.

The grant funds awarded to Keefe at Night will provide opportunities to 20 eligible adult learners to enroll in an enhanced 200-hour Massachusetts Journeyman Plumbing Tier 1 course, and 40 eligible learners to participate in a newly-created 200-hour HVAC, Oil and Gas Burner Technology Certification Program at no cost to participants. In addition to classroom lectures, these Keefe at Night programs will include OSHA certification, hands-on practice, and essential career development and employability skills training.

Keefe at Night continuously strives to introduce new programs, particularly in the trades. The creation and expansion of these two programs aligns with the school's mission to be a leading workforce training and development resource in MetroWest and beyond.

For information on the admissions application process please contact Soraya Winters at 508-416-2170 or at CTlprograms@jpkeefehs.org

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