Shawsheen Adult Education Announces Two New Partnerships to Address Workforce Needs in EMS and Municipal Water Treatment

Below is a press release from the Shawsheen Tech:

BILLERICA, MA — Shawsheen Adult Education is excited to announce two new strategic partnerships designed to address workforce shortages in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Municipal Water Treatment. These collaborations respond to the growing demand for skilled professionals in both fields, providing accessible, high-quality education for adult learners pursuing certification and career advancement.

The partnership between Shawsheen and Metrowest EMS Educators will deliver a 160-hour comprehensive Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. This course exceeds both National and State Curriculum standards for EMTs, equipping students to take the national and Massachusetts certification exams. The course will be offered in a hybrid format, combining self-paced online coursework with in-person, hands-on training, starting on Wednesday, October 2. According to ONET Online, the demand for EMTs and paramedics in Massachusetts is expected to grow 14% annually through 2030, emphasizing the importance of this program.

Shawsheen’s new partnership with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) comes in response to local town managers highlighting the challenges of filling skilled municipal water treatment positions. Further research, confirmed by labor market data from MassHire Metro North, identified approximately 150 unfilled jobs in the Greater Boston area, underscoring the need for professionals in this field.

To address this demand, Shawsheen is partnering with NEIWPCC to introduce an “Introduction to Municipal Water Treatment” course as part of its Fall 2024 program. Additionally, a free seminar titled Flush to Fresh: Working in the World of Wastewater will be held on November 13, from 6:00-8:00 PM. This seminar will highlight career opportunities and pathways in the wastewater industry.

“The role of Shawsheen’s adult education program is to provide enrichment, certificate, and licensure programs to the citizens in our community,” said Allison Cammarata, Director of Communications and Community Partnerships. “We aim to offer programs that align with local workforce needs and economic trends while maintaining high educational standards. Our goal is to create career pathways that benefit both our students and the regional economy.”

Shawsheen’s Fall 2024 Adult Education program offers a variety of new courses alongside its established programs. Classes are open to the community, with rolling start dates now through December.

For more information or to register for courses, including the free Flush to Fresh seminar, visit ShawsheenTech.asapconnected.com. Inquiries can be directed to adulted@shawsheentech.org.

About Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District

Established in 1965, Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District (SVRVTSD) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, placing students at the center of its mission. Proudly serving the communities of Billerica, Bedford, Burlington, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, Shawsheen caters to the diverse needs of over 1,300 students in grades 9-12.

Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education, Shawsheen seamlessly integrates academics with a dynamic range of over 20 vocational-technical career pathways. Located in Billerica, Massachusetts, Shawsheen’s expansive 100-acre campus hosts an exceptional school building adorned with high-end and industry relevant equipment, athletic fields, twenty-four varsity sports, and a plethora of extra-curricular clubs and activities.

With a passionate faculty and staff, Shawsheen remains committed to its mission: “to provide a positive learning experience in a safe educational environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential, emphasizes the value of a strong work ethic, and prepares them for adult life in a competitive world.”

Beyond its traditional academic offerings, Shawsheen Valley Technical School extends its educational reach through Adult Education, Afterschool Enrichment Programs, Community-focused Events, and Summer Programs. The district continually strives to expand its rich and diverse programming, embracing the belief that education is a lifelong, continuous process with numerous paths leading to a successful and fulfilling life.