Success Stories

Devin Martin and Rafael Rivera, 2020 graduates of R. L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy were recently accepted into the Apprenticeship Program by the New England Laborers' Union and became members of Laborers' Local 999, Springfield. Upon completion of their four week General Construction training program at the New England Laborers' Training Academy in Pomfret, Connecticut, they began their highway construction career with Palmer Paving Corporation. Devin and Rafael are graduates of the Construction Craft Laborer Program at Putnam and completed both the Pre-Apprenticeship and Advanced Pre-Apprenticeship Programs as well. Rafael had a co-op at the Wilbraham Department of Public Works and received his CDL - B truck drivers license during his senior year. He is currently taking an on line course to prepare for the Hoisting License exam. Devin was taking classes for his CDL B at New England Tractor Trailer Training School, but the training was interrupted by the COVID crisis. The CDL - B and Hoisting training are part of the On the Job Training/Supportive Services Program administered by the UMass Transportation Center. The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is offered by the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund. Both programs are funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Left to Right - Devin Martin, Ray Johnson (New England Laborers' Union), first year apprentice, Rafael Rivera.

Helping to rebuild the infrastructure is Joey Freitas, a 2021 graduate of Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School. Joey was in the carpentry shop at Pathfinder when he participated in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. He applied to the Laborers’ Union and was accepted by Local 999 and began his career at the training academy in Pomfret, Connecticut with four weeks of General Construction Training. The classroom and hands on training included concrete placing and finishing, OSHA 30 Hour Certification, hazardous materials and demolition. Joey is working for C & A Construction and has a bright future ahead of him.

R. L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy senior Rafael Rivera passed his CDL Class B exam and is now licensed to drive vehicles such as dump trucks and snow plows! Rafael, a Construction Craft Laborer student, completed the Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the end of his junior year. He then secured a co-op at the Wilbraham Department of Public Works. The CDL training and the co-op are part of the On the Job Training/Supportive Services Program administered by the UMass Transportation Center. The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is offered by the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund. Both programs are funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Rafael is now working in the Laborers Union.

Camron Wilkerson, a 2022 graduate of R.L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy is now working for Feeney Brothers Utility Services as a Construction Laborer. Camron was an outstanding participant in the 2021 summer program where an area was constructed to park utility trailers. Camron intends to obtain his CDL through the OJT/SS program.

Cameron Gregor, a senior at South Shore Regional Vocational Technical School turned his junior co-op at the Abington Department of Public Works into a summer position and now a senior co-op. Cam is putting the knowledge he gained at South Shore to good use.

Daurys completed the week-long Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program at J.P. Keefe during the 2021/22 school year. Because his major was Childcare, he was not allowed to do a co-op during the school year. But after attending the Pre-Apprenticeship training program, Daurys knew he wanted to work outdoors with his hands rather than working in an office as a social worker. So the Pre-Apprenticeship Program staff arranged for an Internship with the City of Hopkinton Department of Public Works for the summer after he graduated.

Daurys loves the work he’s doing and is grateful for the opportunity to try out a Public Works job. Hopkinton DPW Director John Westerling hopes to keep Daurys on because, “he has great initiative, he is eager to learn new skills and how to use new equipment, he is a hard worker and does great work.” In addition, John says Daurys is “professional, polite, personable, and he gets along with the Team”. Congratulations, Daurys! You’re making the most of your opportunity.

Brandon Oleksak, a rising senior in the Horticulture Program at Westfield Tech turned his co-op into summer employment!

When asked by our employment counselor how everything was going he had this response - "Hi Cindy, I just wanted to let you know I finished my first week with the DPW and absolutely loved it, thank you so much for setting me up with this opportunity!" Brandon may be another Pre-Apprenticeship Program participant to graduate with a high school diploma, a hoisting license and a CDL B! The future certainly looks bright for this young man.

Peter Soto graduated from Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. He studied Agricultural Mechanics and was an Outstanding participant in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. During the Pre-Apprenticeship program, A representative of All States Materials Group spoke during the careers section. Shortly before school ended, Peter began a co-op with All States Materials Group and he continues to work for them.

Colin Gagne studied carpentry at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School. After completing the Pre-Apprenticeship Program he began a co-op with the East Brookfield Highway Department and will continue to work for them this summer. It looks like Colin is well on his way to achieving his career goal of working for a Department of Public Works

Julio is working for the Town of Ashland DPW. He likes what he is doing and looks forward to working for a DPW after he graduates from high school. He said, "If I didn’t take the opportunity to attend the labors training camp I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to say thank you for all the help you guys have given me. "

Domenic Altieri from Westfield Technical Academy is currently doing his co-op at the Southwick DPW. He enjoys working outdoors and using his body. He says he’s found a career. His mentor, previous co-op Tim Nacewicz, now a full-time employee at Southwick convinced Domenic that when he goes for his CDL, he should pay the difference and get his CDL A. He plans to do that. Update: Domenic is now full time at South Hadley DPW! Congratulations!

According to the Hardwick Highway Department, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School senior Grant Pelletier-Biggs is a big help to the team. In this photo Grant is changing the hydraulic line on a plow in preparation for a big Nor’easter. He has also been doing vehicle maintenance on other plow trucks, plowing and sanding roads and cutting and chipping brush. All those lessons in the Agricultural Mechanics program are being put to good use. Grant recently started a full time, permanent position with the Town of Hardwick.

Caeleb Dacosta, a Building and Property Maintenance student at Diman Regional Vocational Technical School in Fall River is helping the Westport DPW build an emergency road at the Westport High School as part of his co-op with the Westport DPW. Caeleb said – “My Co-op job is a great learning experience. What I did during the first two weeks is learning to put asphalt on roads, some landscaping, making a emergency access road to Westport high school, measuring water meters and surveying. All I have to say is I love my Co-op and I love helping my own town and the communities.” Caeleb’s supervisor stated – “He’s a great kid,” And the co-op program is a great asset to this community and to those kids like Caeleb who utilize it.” Caeleb was featured on the website EverythingWestport.com. Update From Caeleb: "My CDL training is great and I’m learning a lot about driving and the rules of using a truck. Right now I’m on the road portion of the class driving the actual trucks. Instead of the painters union I decided to go for the ironworkers which I saw an advertisement for. I already put an application for Local 37 which is in East Providence. I would like to say thanks again for putting me in Amarals driving school".

Scott Larock, a senior at Putnam Vocational School Technical High School in Springfield is spending his shop weeks at the Springfield DPW working on trucks and heavy equipment. His supervisor speaks highly of Scott and believes he has a future in fleet maintenance.

James Moffett, a 2021 graduate of Westfield Technical Academy is interning as a mechanic at the West Springfield DPW. While at Westfield he was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, earned ASE, SP/2 and Roadway Flagger Certifications and completed the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. From his supervisor - "At the DPW James completes oil changes, tune ups and brake jobs. He is learning to use scan tools to fix electrical issues and problematic codes. James is repairing hydraulic issues and completing small diesel repair work. He is also doing small engine repair, working on lawn mowers and tractors." Update: James is currently working for LBI truck and bus repair out of his home town of Russell. They plan to help him get his CDL and his Passengers Endorsement once he reaches the age of 21, they also plan on having him get his State Inspections License.

Thomas Brown is well on his way to a career in the highway construction and maintenance industry. The 2021 graduate of Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School interned at the East Bridgewater DPW and then moved to a summer position with MassDOT District 5 Maintenance in Middleboro. He also kept his second ship job at a local manufacturing facility. Thomas’ goal is to work for MassDOT full time and is taking the steps to earn his CDL B and Hoisting Licenses.

Left to Right – Marcello Maffeo, Essex Tech, Jordan Furtado and Luis Estrella, Durfee High School and Anthony Schurko and Deion DaGraca, Medford High School were all accepted to the New England Laborers Union

Luis Estrella and Jordan Furtado, 2021 graduates of Durfee High School in Hazardous Waste Clean Up PPE

Jake Schofield from Bay Path at his summer job with the Auburn DPW. Jake set a goal of working for the DPW during his junior year and was able to achieve it after graduation. Who knows what lies ahead for Jake – maybe a CDL license, maybe a Hoisting license, maybe other certifications. I’m sure Jake will achieve whatever goal he sets.

Josh Natale, a 2021 graduate of the Building and Property Maintenance Program at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School is working this summer at the Southbridge DPW. Josh was an outstanding participant in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program who polished and submitted his resume when representatives of the DPW discussed employment opportunities with their organization.

Luis Estrella at his internship at the Watuppa Reservation in Fall River. He is part of a group that maintains the 8,500 acres of watershed lands around North Watuppa Pond, Fall River Water Department’s main source of drinking water. Luis is a 2021 graduate of the Construction Craft Laborer Program at Durfee High School in Fall River where he was an Outstanding Student in the program. Update: Luis has been accepted into the Laborers' Union!

Kevin Caban is helping the Wilbraham DPW get ready for winter by trimming trees in order for plows to have clearance. Kevin is a 2021 graduate of the Construction Craft Laborer program at R. L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield and hopes to one day to have his own construction company. Update: Kevin has been accepted into the Laborers' Union!

Tim Nacewicz, a recent graduate of Westfield Vocational Technical High School completed the Pre-Apprenticeship Program during his junior year and now has an internship at the Southwick DPW. He is taking the skills he acquired in the Horticulture Technology program and putting them to good use. Tim was an outstanding participant of the group that renovated the concrete entrance to the school in 2019 and has a bright future ahead of him. He also recently passed the CDL A Exam! Update: Tim was hired full-time at the Southwick DPW on December 20, 2021.

Samantha Dehey-Darling 4th year carpenter apprentice Carpenter’s local 336 I applied for the Carpenter’s union right after high school. My first job was building MGM Springfield, that was in 2017. The last 4 years have been a wild ride. I’ve done a concrete water tank, framing and drywall, finish work, and everything in between. Having a career in the trades hasn’t always been easy (especially being a woman). Working in construction is a lot of hard work. It’s late nights and early mornings, it’s working 7 days a week sometimes to finish a job on time. Working construction has given me so much. I’m financially stable and I have a sense of belonging and purpose. I have made life long friends on jobs and accumulated more brothers and sisters than I can count. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.

Samantha Dehey-Darling

Ian Casado, a senior in the Building and Property Maintenance program at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River at his co-op with the Fall River Water Treatment Facility. Ian participated in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program as a Junior and was an Outstanding Student. As of July 1, 2021 he was hired as a Full-Time employee with the Fall River Water Treatment Facility!

Jereniel Oliveras, a junior in Keefe Technical School secured a co-op at the Wellesly DPW after being recognized as an Outstanding Student in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. His drive to work hard and learn new things has helped him immensely. He recently shortened the body of a spray truck and welded it back together as well as built custom wing nuts from old chain links for a roadside mower.

Jereniel Oliveras

Tyler Cormier, a senior in the Horticulture/ Forestry Program at Smith Vocational and Agricultural School in Northampton secured a co-op at the Becket DPW after being recognized as an Outstanding Student in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Tyler’s goal is to be an equipment operator either in private industry or with a Department of Public Works. He is well on his way having won the statewide Skills USA competition as a junior. Update: Tyler was recently hired by MassDOT! Congratulations Tylyer!

Zachary Jacobs, a senior at the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School received a co-op at the Norton DPW. This photo shows him building signs.

Kooper St. Onge, a student at Westfield Vocational Technical High School had a co-op with the Southwick DPW.

Mitchell Drum, from Smith Vocational and Agricultural School in Northhampton received a co-op with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Aidan Shephard, a 2020 graduate of the J.P. Keefe Regional Technical School started working at the Town of Berlin Department of Public Works as a co-op student during his junior year. The Metal Fabrication student was ranked as "Outstanding Student" by the instructors during the week long Pre-Apprenticeship Program making him eligible for the placement. Aidan was such an asset to the department they kept him on during the summer. He resumed the co-op in the fall of 2019 and continued to work during his senior year. It was during this time Aidan started studying and practicing for the CDL - B license exam. He passed the written and road test on the first try, which is very unusual. With this license he can drive trucks such as snow plows and dump trucks. Aidan was recently awarded a scholarship by the UMass Transportation Center for an on line course to studying for the Hoisting License Exam. A hoisting license will allow him to operate heavy equipment such as backhoes and loaders. Aidan clearly has a bright future ahead of him. Update: Aidan is currently working full time with the Ashland Public Works Department​.

Cameron Hiltbrand, a senior at Westfield Vocational Technical High School received a co-op with the West Springfield DPW.

As a 2019 graduate from B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, Ethan Carreiro knew exactly which career path to choose upon graduation. The 18 year-old decided to enter into the Laborers' Apprenticeship Program. He says "I am so proud to be a part of this Union and to be working out in the field right after graduation. This has been a life-changing opportunity for me and was definitely the right choice for me."

Austin Garrett, a 2017 graduate of Westfield Vocational Technical Academy is employed by the Town of Westfield Department of Public Works. He received a scholarship to attend New England Tractor Trailer Training School for his CDL B through OJT/SS program and prepared for the Hoisting License exam by attending a UMTC workshop. Austin was part of the team that demolished the broken blue stone area in front of Westfield Vocational Technical Academy and replaced it with concrete.

Shaun Piso was most appreciative of the opportunity to receive his CDL B license through the OJT/SS Program. Astro Crane co-owner, Marty Wright encouraged him to take advantage of the program as it makes him a more versatile and valuable employee. Shaun’s next step was to apply for a hoisting license to operate the cranes, once he is more familiar with the million dollar pieces of equipment. The 2018 graduate of Minuteman Career and Technical High School has a long and prosperous career ahead of him in the heavy equipment industry.

Patrick McNeil, a senior at Smith Vocational and Agricultural School received a co-op with UMass Facilities Department.

Fidel Escarela completed the Pre-Apprenticeship and Vocational School Training Program as a stand out student. After applying, he was offered a co-op with the Springfield Department of Public Works in the fall of 2019. As a graduate of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program he was also eligible to apply and awarded a scholarship to attend New England Tractor Trailer Training School where he attended classes on weekends and received his CDL license and can now drive vehicles such as dump trucks and snow plows. Fidel was recognized as an Outstanding Co-op Student and is set to start full time at the Springfield DPW this year.

Attached is a short video clip of Stephanie DiNinno from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School working at her internship with the Wellesley Department of Public Works. Update: Stephanie has successfully passed her road test and now has a CDL-A. Congratulations!