The Massachusetts Pre-Apprenticeship and Vocational School Training Program, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), provides high school and vocational students with hands-on exposure to careers in highway construction and the skilled trades.
The program is led by Tommy Lemon, an instructor with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) through the New England Laborers’ Training Academy.
Hands-On Training: Students participate in hands-on training and demonstrations in:
- Highway construction
- Concrete work
- Grading
- Pipelaying, Land surveying
- Construction traffic management
- Workplace safety
30 Hours of Credit: A major benefit of the program is that students can earn up to 30 hours of credit toward a LiUNA-registered apprenticeship while still in high school, giving them a head start toward a potential career in the trades.
Equipment Provided: Students also receive industry safety equipment, including hard hats, high-visibility safety vests, safety glasses, and work gloves, and participate in First Aid, CPR, and AED certification training.
As part of the experience, students visit the New England Laborers’ Training Academy, where they tour the training facilities and dormitories and learn more about registered apprenticeship training. Students also receive exposure to heavy construction equipment, including opportunities to operate front-end loaders.
The program gives students an opportunity to experience the construction industry firsthand while learning about registered apprenticeships, union career pathways, industry expectations, safety, and the skills needed to enter the workforce after graduation.