Lt. Gov. Highlights Importance of Vocational/Technical Schools

Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray stopped in Wakefield Thursday as part of his ongoing effort to highlight the importance of vocational/technical education for the state's economy. Thursday's visit marked Murray's 57th visit to a vocational-technical school in Massachusetts, out of 60 in total statewide.

"They come with skills, they work as a team, and they know how to get stuff done," said Murray of vocational school graduates. The Lieutenant Governor is also chair of Governor Deval Patrick's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) advisory council.

Superintendent Theodore Nickole and Principal David DiBarre joined the Lieutenant Governor, State Rep. Paul Brodeur and others for a tour of the school and its various areas and classrooms - including the woodshop area that was damaged in a fire in January.

Murray noted that vocational schools need to stay on top of equipment and material needs to offer programs relevant to the economy and to changing technology - and this tends to be expensive. 

"I think too often the voke/tech programs get overlooked and don't get properly funded," said the Lieutenant Governor, pointing out that employers choose to grow where they can find the right workers.

Brodeur said that the old perception of a vocational school as being some sort of alternative education no longer applies - and that it's irresponsible not to tell students that this is a good option.

Murray also cited a state pilot program that aims to provide $5 million over five years for life sciences equipment and supplies for the schools that also uses matching funds to an extent. Looking ahad, a capital program to help fund the vocational schools is another prospect. The Patrick Administration announced the program last fall - Click here for more.