WORCESTER – Monday, August 11, 2025 – Eligible adults who are interested in a career in diesel technology can take a 15-week evening program for free through the Worcester Public Schools beginning September 2.
That’s thanks to a $399,996 allocation of the state’s Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grant to the WPS Night Life adult education program. The adult evening Diesel Technology program will be held at South High Community School.
MassHire North Central will recruit the adult students, conduct eligibility screenings, and provide job skill training. The program is free for those who meet the following eligibility requirements:
A Massachusetts resident
Authorized to work in the United States
Will be 18 years of age or older when training is complete
Is unemployed or “under employed,” which means earning less than $56,100 per year or less than $27 per hour in Worcester County.
“The Worcester Public Schools is grateful for the Commonwealth’s continuous support of our workforce development efforts,” said WPS Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “We are committed to hosting programs for students of all ages seeking long-term, sustainable employment in high-demand industries.”
“There is a strong interest in our workforce development programs and this support helps us meet those needs,” said Ruth Seward, Director of Night Life. “Not only are we helping adults reach their potential, we’re filling a critical need in our regional economy. I would also like to thank WPS Senior Grant Developer Ethan Brown for all his work applying for this grant.”
Since 2023, Governor Maura Healey’s Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $53 million in CTI Grants, projected to train more than 6,090 unemployed and underemployed individuals. To date, more than 4,400 total participants have received training, more than 3,150 participants have completed training, more than 3,100 have earned industry-recognized credentials, and more than 2,360 have secured employment.
What is Diesel Technology?
Night Life’s diesel technology program teaches students the skills to become an entry-level diesel technician, commonly working on diesel engine-powered vehicles such as tractor trailer trucks, buses, heavy farm equipment, trains, and marine vessels.
The course will combine classroom and hands-on learning under the supervision of experienced instructors. Topics include safety, suspension, brakes, steering systems, exhaust and emissions, and many others.
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