Old Colony educator to participate in regional program

ROCHESTER — Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School educator Jeanne Downey was selected to participate in the third annual building advancement externship hosted by the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts. 

The week-long externship provides “comprehensive exposure to the multi-faceted regional commercial construction industry to Massachusetts-based high school and trade school leaders,” according to a press release.

Participants will tour active job sites, visit the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Facility and will receive “an overview of field training and safety programs” as well as “detialed instruction regarding project management and industry innovations.”

“Our annual Building Advancement Externship is one of the most rewarding events on the [ Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts] calendar,” said Marion Jones, director of workforce development and industry
inclusion for the organization. “Every year, we look forward to promoting the many fulfilling career opportunities in the modern construction industry to the caring guidance professionals who will help our young people build their futures.”

Each participant will get a stipend of $3,000 to $4,000 provided by the Massachusetts Construction Advancement Program. In addition, participating vocational educators, guidance counselors, and administrators are eligible to receive 40 professional development points towards continuing education requirements.

Other educators who have been selected this year are: Molly Brewster from Brighton High School, Crystal Cartwright from Amherst Pelham Regional High School, Maki Faria from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Roger Forget from Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Brooke Johnson from Blackstone Valley Technical High School, Justin Kratz from McCann Technical School, Brian O’Connell from Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, LaTrelle Pinkney-Chase from Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, Nathan Polk from YouthBuild Boston, Kayla Schutte from Somerville High School, Bruce Secor from Northeast Metro Tech, and Madeline Smola from Quaboag Regional School District.