Mayor Domenic J. Sarno is happy to share some good news from our Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy and the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA).
Fidel Juarez, a senior at our Putnam Vocational Technical Academy has passed his CDL Class B exam and is now licensed to drive vehicles such as dump trucks and snow plows. Fidel, an Automotive Technology student, completed the Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the end of his junior year. This year he has a Co-Op at the Springfield Department of Public Works. The CDL training is 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.
Mayor Sarno states, “First off, congratulations to Fidel Juarez! Working with our business community, Springfield Public Schools and City Departments, we’re connecting school education directly to workforce development with hands-on aspects in all fields.”
“This is a wonderful example of the rich opportunities Putnam provides for students to get a head start on college and career,” said Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick. “We’re extremely proud of Fidel Juarez and the other students like him who enthusiastically take advantage of the partnerships Putnam has formed with employers, agencies and organizations. We are grateful to Mayor Domenic Sarno for his continued commitment to Springfield youth.”
