Fall River’s Durfee High Career and Technical Programs announces significant expansion, offering more students real-world skills

FALL RIVER — The Career and Technical Education program at B.M.C. Durfee High School is experiencing significant growth, expanding career pathways, offering industry-recognized credentials, and equipping students for their professional futures, according to Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley and Principal Dr. Jessica Stephens.

In the 2024-25 school year, Durfee launched Massachusetts’ first Department of Labor-certified construction pre-apprenticeship program for high school students, graduated its initial cohort from the Durfee After Dark cosmetology program, and grew the CTE Co-Op Program from 7 to 40 students since its 2023-24 debut. With 10 career pathways and 27 dedicated teachers, the CTE program served nearly 1,000 students, including 138 seniors who earned certifications for direct entry into trades, college, or both. These seniors, each completing at least 900 hours of training, were honored at the fourth annual CTE Cords and Awards Ceremony on May 29.

CTE Director Cindy Sylvia highlighted the program’s flexibility, noting it mirrors a regional vocational school’s rigor while allowing students to switch pathways or exit without leaving Durfee. The 10 pathways include criminal justice (newly added), construction craft laborer, cosmetology, culinary arts, engineering, environmental science, health assisting, marketing, design and visual communications, and early education and care. Freshmen explore each pathway for seven days before ranking preferences.

Sylvia emphasized the program’s depth, with students gaining over 900 hours of training, providing a competitive edge. All CTE students earn at least one credential, such as OSHA 10 for workplace safety, while many, like health assisting students (Certified Nurse Aide) and early education students (EEC teaching license), secure industry-specific certifications.

Dr. Stephens praised the program’s role in preparing students for high-demand careers, crediting Sylvia and the faculty. Dr. Curley commended the hands-on education, noting it empowers students for immediate workforce entry or further education.

Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The construction craft laborer pathway, partnered with the New England Laborers Union, offers a unique pipeline to union apprenticeships, a distinction no other vocational school holds. Limited to 15 students per class, the curriculum covers masonry, concrete, scaffolding, welding, and trenching. Using augmented and virtual reality, students train on heavy equipment like skid steers and excavators, purchased via a $500,000 Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant. After training, students 18 and older can test for a heavy equipment operation license and earn certifications like OSHA 30, potentially boosting wages by $15-$20 per hour.

Durfee After Dark Program
The After Dark Program, running 3-5 p.m. four days a week, supports students unable to attend daytime CTE classes. This year, four cosmetology students graduated after three years, completing 1,000 hours for state licensure. The program adds 15 cosmetology seats, adhering to state regulations, and extends CTE access to students at the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy.

CTE Co-Op Program
The Co-Op Program, launched in 2023-24, expanded to 40 students in 2024-25, logging 8,500 hours and earning over $130,000. Co-Op Coordinator Melissa St. Pierre places students in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality, including a chef at a five-star Newport restaurant.

Public Access Programs
Student-run businesses, including Granite Grille (restaurant), Elevations Salon, Summit School Store, and The Early Learning Center (daycare), provide real-world experience. Operating during school hours, these ventures serve the public at affordable rates, with Granite Grille gaining popularity as a full-service lunch spot.

SkillsUSA and DECA
CTE students excel in SkillsUSA and DECA competitions. In May, 43 students attended the SkillsUSA State Conference, dominating cosmetology with 10 placements, including four firsts. Three will compete at nationals in Atlanta (June 23-27). In April, 18 DECA students participated in the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, gaining valuable exposure.

Sylvia, CTE director since 2021, said the program has soared since the new school opened in 2022. “Durfee CTE is growing, glowing, and going places,” she said, emphasizing its role in building career- and college-ready students through skill development and industry connections.