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.

Graduates of the 2023 Pre-Apprenticeship Program

First Year Apprentices with the New England Laborers’ Union

Left to right – Jordan Alison (Durfee), Haylee Duarte (Medford) Jomal Pimental (Durfee), Isaiah Ayala (Durfee)

Sean Borges was our student in the fall of 2021 as a Junior. He graduated from Diman Regional Vocational Technical school in 2023, applied to the New England Laborers Union and was accepted. We recently met up with him at his current job site where he is an apprentice, working for K R Rezendes. He and his coworkers are currently building a new Diman Vocational School! Congratulations Sean, keep up the good work

On a recent visit to the New England Laborer's Training Academy we were introduced to Eric Melo. Eric was a Building and Property Maintenance student from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School that graduated in 2020. After graduating he worked in warehouses for a few years and didn't feel like he was going anywhere. He remembered his class with us and the opportunities Mr. Lemon told him were available and he applied and is now an apprentice with NELTA. He is currently working for a company installing highway signs.

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.

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". Update: Caeleb was accepted into the Iron Workers Union and is loving it! Congratulations!!!

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

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."

Anthony Santillan was a 2020 Horticulture Graduate of Keefe Tech. & a junior when he graduated our Pre-Apprenticeship program, MAPAVSTP. We ran into Anthony at NELTA recently and he is now a 1st year Apprentice with LIUNA local 609. He is currently training at NELTA, then going to work with a railroad affiliated company located in Natick, MA. Prior to being accepted to the apprenticeship program Anthony worked as a landscaper. Photo: Our own Instructor Tom Lemon (left) offering Congratulations to Anthony (right).

Gianni Federico is a 2022 Construction Craft Laborer Program graduate of Medford Vocational Technical High School. He successfully completed the Massachusetts Pre-Apprenticeship and Vocational School Training Program in October of 2021. We recently bumped into Gianni at the New England Laborers' Training Academy as he was accepted and is now an Apprentice! Congratulations Gianni, you are well on your way! Photo: Our own Instructor Tom Lemon (left) offering Congratulations to Gianni (right).

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!

Derick Rolon went straight from the Construction Craft Laborer shop at R.L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy to the New England Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program. Derick has a bright future with the laborers helping to build and maintain our infrastructure.

Jaden Wolmart, a 2023 graduate of R.L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield is now an apprentice with the New England Laborers’ Union. Jaden stood out among his classmates when working on a concrete project at Forest Park in the summer of 2022. The instructors recommended him to the Apprenticeship Coordinator who along with school officials guided him through the application process. Jaden was in the Sheet Metal shop at Putnam where he learned to problem solve, measure, cut and install. All skills necessary for a career as a laborer

Haylee Duarte is a senior at Medford Vocational-Technical High School. She is in the Construction Craft Laborers Program (CCL). She hopes to get into the construction field and is currently doing a co-op with the City of Medford DPW. As she says about her co-op, she is “helping the city one pothole at a time.” In addition to her construction interest, Haylee is also a USSF Certified Grade 8 Soccer Referee, a high school varsity soccer player, and on several high school boards/councils. Update: 8/23 Haylee is now a first year apprentice with the New England Laborers’ Union!

Elijah Perez graduated from Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School's Electrical program in 2022. He was part of the Massachusetts Pre-Apprenticeship and Vocational School Training Program in October 2021. After graduation, Elijah applied and was accepted into the Laborers Union. Congratulations Elijah!

Update: Our very own Mr. Lemon was greeted by Elijah on a recent visit to NELTA. He is continuing to do well with his apprenticeship with the Laborers. Keep up the great work!

Jameson Lavallee is doing his internship with the Conway Highway Department. He will be a senior at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School fall of 2023 in the forestry program. Highway Superintendent Ron Sweet says, “I wish I had three of him.” Ron says he appreciates Jameson’s willingness to jump right in and try things, and to ask questions when he is uncertain. He appreciates Jameson’s work ethic. Jameson is looking forward to getting his CDL as soon as he turns 18. The picture shows Highway Superintendent Ron Sweet, Jameson, and his co-worker Nick. Nick and Jameson were in the midst of trying to locate a culvert that was buried by the flooding in July of 2023.

Photo: Ron Sweet, Highway Superintendent, Jameson, and co-worker Nick. Jameson and Nick were digging for the end of a culvert buried by recent flooding.

Ben Field is a 2023 forestry major graduate of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. He is doing his internship for the Shutesbury Highway Department where his uncle worked for several years. Ben loves what he is doing and is excited about getting his CDL. There will be an opening this fall in Shutesbury and he is working hard to get everything in place to increase his chances of getting the position. He's begun the process of signing up for CDL school. His boss says if he follows through and gets his licenses, his chances of a permanent job with Shutesbury are very good. Ben is shown working on rebuilding the headwall of a culvert that washed out in recent floods.

Update 2024: Ben Field has been hired as a full-time equipment operator/truck driver/laborer for the Shutesbury Highway Dept. and he recently passed his CDL Exam. Congratulations!!!

Deven Dubie is a Senior at Greenfield High School. He is currently doing a co-op with the Bernardston DPW. He finds that he really likes the variety of the job and working outdoors. He is looking forward to getting his CDL when he turns 18 next June. Having done an internship, he believes he would like to get into this type of work as a career.

Josiah Lawlor is a Senior at Greenfield High School. He is currently doing a co-op with the Bernardston DPW along with his classmate, Deven Dubie. Josiah says he is enjoying the co-op job a lot, but he’s still uncertain what he wants to do when he graduates. Photo at left : Josiah Lawlor, Bernardston DPW Highway Superintendent Brian Miner and classmate Deven Dubie.

Cam King graduated from South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School in 2023. Cam did his co-op with the Hanson DPW during the summer following graduation. He is now working construction for Coastal Home and Service in Marshfield and plans to attend Parker Driving School this fall to prepare for the CDL B exam. Cam is looking forward to continuing to build his career.

Jaden Melnik is an automotive technology major at Franklin County Technical High School. He is currently doing a co-op with the Town of Deerfield Highway Department. Kevin Scarborough, the DPW Superintendent, says “Jaden is working out extremely well.” Chuck, their head mechanic, and Jaden had just finished replacing a hydraulic system with digital controls, and done diagnostics on an overheating piece of equipment. Kevin said, “He is picking up fast. Thank you for sending him our way.” Jaden says he is enjoying the work a lot. And he is eager to start CDL school in September when he turns 18. He hopes to graduate high school 2024 with both his CDL and his hoisting licenses in hand. He will be very employable.

Nolan Skrocki began his career at Norwich Construction while a student at Smith Vocational and Agricultural School in Northampton. He learned that as a graduate of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program he was eligible to apply for a scholarship to attend a CDL training school. Nolan took a week off from his paid co-op at Norwich Construction to attend the program and graduated as an Outstanding participant. After graduating from Smith, he continued to work at Norwich and with the support of the business owner and the UMass Transportation Center he obtained his CDL B license becoming an even more valuable employee of the company.

Jacob Walls proudly displays his CBL Class B License! Jacob is a 2022 graduate of Leominster CTE and is currently working in the trades. Jacob remembered that as a graduate of the Pre-Apprenticeship Program he may be eligible for a scholarship to attend driving school. He applied, was accepted, completed the training and is now a licensed CDL B driver. Congratulations!

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.

Madison Macri is following in the footsteps of other Building and Property Maintenance students at Diman Regional Vocational Technical School with her co-op at the Fall River Water Treatment Facility. Madison intends to continue at the plant after graduation in 2024, earn her treatment licenses and have a career in the water treatment industry.

Jarod Rousseau is a 2023 graduate of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School where he majored in animal science. Jarod grew up on a farm and wanted to learn more about managing animals, but he has decided he wants to work construction. His dream is to be able to join the Operator’s Union. To increase his chances of getting in, he is currently doing an internship with the Chester Highway Department and is preparing to get his CDL and his hoisting licenses. Chester has a position for him as soon as he gets his CDL. He is hoping that getting his licenses and gaining some experience will ultimately help him land his dream job in the Operator’s Union.

Rose will graduate from the horticulture program at Westfield Tech in 2024. She is currently doing an internship with West Springfield Department of Public Works. She has been helping maintain parks, ball fields, and school properties. She has been learning how to use the paint-machine for marking soccer fields. Rose is still uncertain exactly what she wants to do after graduation but says the internship has been a great experience.

Koda will be a 2024 graduate of Westfield Tech in Horticulture. She is currently interning with the West Springfield Department of Public Works. Koda hopes to someday own her own landscaping company. She is very interested in landscape design, but also wants to get her CDL and her hoisting licenses so that she can do anything that needs to be done in her company. She will be a woman owned company and will be in a good position to bid on state contracts for roadside landscaping, etc.

Photo: Koda Jacque on left, Hailey Shay on right

Hailey Shay is doing a summer internship with the City of West Springfield Department of Public Works. Her supervisor says she has a great work ethic, is willing to try anything, and quickly became a master with a zero-turn mower. Hailey will graduate from Westfield Tech in the spring of 2024 with a major in horticulture. She is looking forward to working in the landscaping industry and may want to own her own company someday either by herself or with her friend Koda Jacque. 2024 UPDATE: Hailey is now employed Full-Time by the West Springfield DPW! Congratulations Hailey!

Jacob Ettress moved from his co-op at the Fall River Water Treatment Facility to a full-time position at the Fall River Water Department. He is part of the department that maintains the underground distribution system which supplies drinking water to 100,000 customers through 230 miles of pipes. Jacob intends to pursue CDL B and Hoisting Licenses through the OJT/SS Program. He is a graduate of Diman Regional Vocational Technical School.

UPDATE from Jacob: " I just passed my Class A CDL exam yesterday, next up on the bucket list is the operating licenses. I cannot thank you guys enough for the opportunities you have given me."

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.

UPDATE FROM DAURYS: "I officially have both my CDL class B and my 2A Hoisting license. I also got the full time position here in Hopkinton." Congratulations DAURYS!!!

Violet Geoffrion is a rising senior at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton. She is majoring in Forestry and Horticulture and wants to be a forester after graduation. She is doing an internship with the City of Chicopee Forestry Department and loves it. Her supervisor, Tree Warden and City Forester Chris Scott, says Violet has been very well trained in forestry at Smith Voc. Her co-workers were impressed when she took down a large tree at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Cameron Lorge is a rising senior at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School majoring in Agricultural Mechanics. He had a very successful co-op with the City of Chicopee Department of Public Works working in a variety of different divisions. Cameron was most recently assigned to the maintenance garage where he had the opportunity to work on equipment such as dump trucks, police cars, loaders, sweepers, trash trucks, golf carts and a bobcat to name a few. They offered him a job for the summer which he is excited about and would welcome him back permanently after graduation if he chooses. Cameron plans to get his CDL B as soon as he is 18.

Hunter Menard graduated Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in 2022 and participated in our program in October of 2021. He is now working for Plainfield Public Works and photos to the left recently show him doing cleanup after roads flooded. Hunter enjoys the diversity in tasks that are given to him each day and the equipment and vehicles he gets to work with. His supervisor reports that Hunter is doing a great job and has a great sense of humor which keeps them all laughing. He is currently working to get his CDL and it looks like he will have a full time position once that is in his hands. Go Hunter!

Update 2024: Hunter has since gotten his CDL & Hoisting Licenses and recieved a pay raise at the Plainfield DPW where he works full time. His supervisors say Hunter is doing awesome and does anything they ask. They would take 3 more Hunter's in a heartbeat if they had openings. Hunter also recently joined the Plainfield Fire Department (in addition to working for the highway department).

Colby Crandall, a recent graduate of Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School has turned his co-op at G.B Sons Construction into full time employment and loving it! Colby was a Welding and Fabrication student at Bristol Plymouth and has a strong mechanical background. We see a bright future for Colby in the heavy construction industry. Update: Colby is still at G.B sons and loving what he does. His favorite part about his job is not doing the same thing every day. Because the company also owns a trailer park there is always something new to learn and do, from fixing meter boxes, taking out old homes, constructing new concrete pads and re-grading the yard, Colby stays busy. Mowing and learning new machines is also a highlight. Keep up the great work Colby! Update: Colby passed his CDL license! Congratulations!!

Chris Vecchio, a Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School senior, is doing a co-op with the Town of Montague DPW. He enjoys his job and likes the people he works with. He says he is learning a lot about heavy duty diesels. As soon as he turns 18, he plans to start working toward his CDL B.

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.

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. "

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

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 Sudbury Public Works Department​.

Melanie Chaves is a Senior at Medford Vocational High School and she just completed a City of Medford co-op. About her co-op, she says, “I enjoyed every minute of it. If I’m being honest I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the computer work of the management side but I loved seeing the behind the scenes and how a municipality’s systems run.” Melanie learned to use their resident order software, SeeClickFix. She enjoyed putting in orders from residents for repairs such as sidewalk or road repairs. Melanie also met with their GIS Coordinator and learned how the data she was collecting will be placed on maps and be able to help the city identify high need streets (streets with the most repair requests). Melanie has been accepted into Wentworth and is aiming for a Master’s Degree in their Construction Management Program.

Thom Hustins, a senior at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School completed the Massachusetts Pre-Apprenticeship Program in the spring of 2023 and earned his Flagger Certification during his co-op at the Easton DPW. Among other skills, Thom learned to change oil in a truck and helped cut down and clean up trees. Thom complemented the DPW staff for their willingness to train him with skills that he will utilize in the future.

Austin Norris graduated from Smith Vocational's Agricultural Mechanics program in 2020. He was a part of the first Pre-Apprenticeship class held at Smith Voc. Austin now works for the Westhampton Highway Department in addition to helping his Dad run Runnymede Farm. He and his Dad are both members of the Ag Mechanics Department's public Advisory Board at Smith Vocational.

Matt Sciuto, a 2020 graduate of Nashoba Valley Regional Technical School is a first-year apprentice with the New England Laborers’ Union. Matt worked for a landscaping company for a few years and remembered the experiences with Mr. Lemon and the Pre-Apprenticeship Program and applied. He took his letter of recommendation from the program director to his interview with the Apprenticeship Coordinator and the rest is history! Matt is a member of Local 22 and is sharing his story here with a group from Keefe Tech.

Dane Radwich, a Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Junior, has been doing a co-op with the Goshen Highway Department. His first week on the job, Goshen received 30” of snow and Dane helped plow. He agreed with his co-workers and supervisor that plowing 30” of heavy, wet snow is a difficult job. Dane got a lot of points from his supervisor and co-workers for coming in because Dane wasn't scheduled to work. He was on academic week, but it was a snow day. So Dane showed up for work because he knew the highway department could use his help He’s now helping his team repair the damage to lawns and roadsides from the winter plowing. His superintendent said he is very pleased with Dane’s work and his work ethic. Dane’s co-workers, Dan Williams and Christopher Rooney are both 2020 graduates of Smith Vocational. And Todd Dewkett, the Highway Superintendent, began working at the Peru Highway Department in 1991 under Dane’s grandfather who was the highway superintendent at the time. Dane plans to get his CDL A and his hoisting licenses as soon as he turns 18.

Photo: Dane cleaning up at the Goshen Fire Department Group Photo: Dan Williams, Todd Dewkett, Dane Radwich, and Christopher Rooney

UPDATE 2024: Dane has successfully passed his CDL exam and is on a roll! Keep up the great work!

Update 2025: We heard that Dane may be working for Verizon now alongside his Father and Uncle.

Paul (PJ) Healey is a senior at Norton High School. PJ completed the first Pre-Apprenticeship Program held at a traditional high school as a junior and reach out to us during his senior year – This is Paul from Norton High School. I just wanted to check in with you. I am halfway through my senior year and looking to graduate. I know one of the benefits of being ranked in the Pre- Apprenticeship program last year was that I could get my CDL licenses. I just have a few questions about this topic, Is there a class I could take in the spring? Then I also wanted to know if there was any type of contract that goes along with the program paying for this process? The first step in applying for the CDL Scholarship is to successfully complete a paid internship at a Department of Public Works or similar employer. The Pre-Apprenticeship Program worked with the school administrators and the Raynham DPW to craft a school and work schedule for PJ. The Highway Superintendent let us know “he likes the job, and the crew likes him”. We received positive feedback from the schools as well. “He came to see me yesterday and was telling me all about it - he is loving it! Thank you so much again for helping him with this! I am going to reach out to them again and see when I can visit him on site.” PJ’s next step is to prepare for the CDL Class B and Hoisting Exams. Seems like a win-win for all.

Vladislav “Vlad” Kolosov attended the Pre-Apprenticeship and Vocational School Program in the Spring of 2022 from Westfield Vocational Technical High School. One of his good friends, who also attended that program, did a co-op and summer internship through the program with the City of Southwick DPW. His friend’s experience was good and Vlad decided he needed to “jumpstart his career” too. Vlad is also inspired by his mom who became a long distance truck driver a year ago. He did his co-op with the Southwick DPW and loved his job there.

After graduation, Vlad got a job as a field technician for Heliovaas, a solar company with large projects across the country. He is currently testing soil and evaluating locations for future installations. About his job, he says “It’s amazing. I’m making some good money and I get to travel around the country and I’m having a blast.” He plans to get his hoisting licenses so he can operate equipment for his company.

Agricultural Mechanics student, Natilie Kicza, a 2022 graduate of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, is well into her training in the Operator’s Union. Natilie had a chance to run a paving roller while still in high school and was hooked on operating big equipment. She applied to the Operator’s Union after high school and was accepted. You can tell from the photos that she’s enjoying what she’s doing.

Update for Natilie Kicza, a 2022 graduate of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. She is doing well with her training in the Operating Engineers Union. This is Natalie in a recent photo training on an excavator.

Tyshauwn Aponte, was an outstanding participant in our program during our fall session 2022, his senior year at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School. He also attended the first Career Fair at the Mass Highway Equipment Expo in 2022. Tyshauwn then completed a co-op at the Palmer Department of Public Works were he put the skills he learned in the Horticulture Shop to good use. In addition to participating in a Chainsaw safety Class, Ty has been involved with patching potholes, tree and brush trimming, litter picking, participating in salt/sand operations, and learning the ins and outs of a DPW. His supervisor said “I plan to try to keep him here as long as possible. Thanks!”

Tyshauwn was able to get his drivers license in August of 2023 and earn his CDL-B in October. He is now a full time employee of Palmer Public Works Department! Congratulations!!

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.

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.

UPDATE: We ran into Fidel at the 2023 Career & Co-op Fair inside the N.E. Public Works Expo. He is now a Foreman for the Springfield DPW and purchased his own house last year at the age of 21. Go Fidel!!!

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.

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. Peter did a co-op with All States Materials Group and went to work for them after graduation

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

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 a full time heavy-equipment operator for the Town of South Hadley 2024. 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.

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. Update: James recently took and passed both the 2A and 1C hoisters exams and is applying to the Electrical Union!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!