LYNN  — Early next year, adult learners will be offered some educational options at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute. 

Last week, Lynn Tech was awarded a $200,000 state Career Technical Initiative grant to offer classes in automotive technology and welding for adults.

Adults who complete the courses will earn certifications in their respective area of study as well as from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“The goal is to help people get high-wage jobs and having certifications is key to that,” Principal Fred Gallo said.

The funding will allow Lynn Tech to offer classes to 20 adult learners — 10 in automotive technology and 10 in welding. 

There will be 200 hours of training and instruction starting in late February, Gallo said, adding that the goal is to expand the program over time.

“We want to start small and the idea is to upscale once we get the first two cohorts done,” Gallo said.

The school’s current automotive technology and welding classes have proven popular with high-school students.

Gallo said that the current classes are filled to capacity and that welding is also offered as part of the After Dark program, in which Lynn English and Lynn Classical students attend welding classes after school.

Lynn Tech’s partner companies are J.R. Welding and Fabrication, Innovent Technologies, and Pride Motor Group. 

Mayor Jared Nicholson said that this grant will help with workforce development in the city.

“We are excited to receive this funding and provide this opportunity to our residents,” Nicholson said. “Workforce development is a priority for our administration and this grant is geared to preparing adults for good-paying jobs that need to be filled.” 

Lynn Tech was one of 18 schools to receive a CTI grant.

The CTI grant program partners with vocational high schools to provide career training and technical skills to adults, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations.

The CTI program is administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public state agency under the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.