McCann, Taconic Awarded Career Technical Initiative Grant

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $15.5 million in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grants to 24 organizations to train 1,636 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the skilled trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors across Massachusetts. 

The administration also awarded a planning grant to one organization to support the design and development of a future CTI training program.

"Massachusetts employers need skilled workers, and people across our state are looking for good jobs that can support their families," said Governor Maura Healey. "The Career Technical Initiative brings those needs together by giving people hands-on training for in-demand careers and helping our businesses find the talent they need to grow."

In Berkshire  County:

• Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District (McCann Technical School): $626,694.36: Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 70 participants for Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Welding. They will partner with Adams Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Atlantis Corporation East, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Car Company, Inc., Hi-Tech Mold & Tool, Inc., Jack Miller Contractors, Johnson Ford, Lenco Armored Vehicles, Moresi & Associates, Sinicon Plastics, Inc., T&M Auto Sales, Inc., TOG Manufacturing. 

• Pittsfield Public Schools (Taconic High School), Pittsfield: $606,815.50: Pittsfield Public Schools will provide training to 60 participants for CNC Machine Operator, Welding, Auto Body Repair, Groundskeeping/Equipment Operator. They will partner with Oliver Auto Body, Haddad Auto Group, Lenco Armored Vehicles, Tanglewood, Berkshire Hills Country Club, Ryan Landscaping, Berkshire Fabrication Solutions, Hi-Tech Mold & Tool, Northeast Fabricators & Mechanical Services, LLC, OW Landergren, Pittsfield Plastics & Engineering, Spectrum Plastics. 

"We are deeply grateful for this significant investment in Pittsfield. By expanding our Career Technical Institute programs alongside our industry and community partners, Pittsfield Public Schools is proud to champion Governor Healey's vision for statewide workforce development," said Latifah Phillips, Superintendent, Pittsfield Public Schools "This funding directly fuels the aspirations of adult learners in our community, transforming lives through hands-on education while expanding the pipeline of skilled talent for local industries." 

The CTI program partners with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), administers the CTI program. In partnership with the Executive Office of Education (EOE), CTI transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run three shifts a day for skill-building programs in the trades, construction, and manufacturing career pathways.

Berkshires Remember First Responders, Military Personnel Lost at 9/11 and Aftermath

By Jack Guerino & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Friday, September 11, 2026

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre speaks at Friday's memorial. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The county's two cities held memorials on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. 

Great Barrington was scheduled to hold a dedication of piece of steel from the World Trade Center at 6 p.m.

North Adams held its ceremony in the fire station's side garden starting at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

 

The small square of grass was packed with police officers, firefighters, wire and alarm personnel, dispatchers, and Northern Berkshire EMS employees, and city employees, officials and community members. 

 

After the ceremonial tolling of the bell, an honor guard presented the colors.

 

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said it felt odd welcoming people to a very solemn event.

 

"What happened 25 years ago put a mark on emergency services. It put additional pressure on police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers," Macksey said. "While we remember those who lost their lives during 9/11, and those who ran to help as many as they could during 9/11, we have to pause and appreciate those who continue to serve despite that awful threat that occurred 25 years ago."

 

She said it was a direct attack on the United States and all of its people.

 

"It was a question of our freedoms and our ability to be safe in our communities," the mayor said. "I can say today that here in North Adams, it could happen to us, but I know with the professionalism of our Fire Department, Police Department, EMS, and our dispatch team, we are a better community; we are a safer community than we were 25 years ago."