Agreement between Fall River Public Schools, New England Laborers Union aims to create high-wage, high-skill construction careers for students

Fall River Public Schools, B.M.C. Durfee High School, the Executive Office of Labor and Management, and the New England Laborers Union have announced a ground-breaking new agreement aimed at creating pathways to high-wage, high-skill construction careers for students enrolled in the Construction Craft Laborers Program at B.M.C. Durfee High School.

This agreement, which Fall River Public Schools says is the first of its kind in the state of Massachusetts, offers students enrolled in the Chapter 74-approved vocational-technical program access to hands-on training and a clear route to apprenticeships within the New England Laborers Union.

Under this agreement, upon meeting all program qualifications including over 650 hours of industry-aligned training, meeting Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards, a 90% attendance rate, successful completion of OSHA 30 safety training, and instructor recommendations students will receive a certification from the Massachusetts Department of Labor for the Laborers Union Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Additionally, student will have direct access to interview for apprenticeships with the New England Laborers Union. This partnership ensures graduates have the skills and readiness to advance rapidly in the union’s apprenticeship program.

This agreement aims to open up valuable opportunities for students in CCL to enter the construction industry with accelerated advancement options, a solid foundation in industry standards, and a direct path to stable, well-paying careers.

A signing ceremony is scheduled to take place late next week at the high school.