Danvers, MA – May 29, 2024— Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School (ENSATS) is proud to announce the significant growth of its NightHawks Adult Education Program, which will graduate nearly 200 students this year. This achievement underscores the program’s commitment to providing career-oriented individuals with meaningful employment opportunities within their fields of interest.
As a pioneering institution in adult education, ENSATS has most recently launched a pilot program within the New Arrivals migrant educational community in collaboration with MassHire North Shore. This initiative aims to create a robust pipeline of employment opportunities while addressing critical workforce needs. This program focused on the culinary and food services industries.
Mary Sarris, Executive Director of MASSHIRE – North Shore Workforce Board, states, “We are deeply appreciative of the dedication of the NightHawks Adult Education Program at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School in creating impactful educational models, like this 200-hour culinary program, for members of our New Arrivals community. Students participating in this program have obtained an Authorization of Employment from USCIS. MassHire North Shore is proud to support this initiative through our business engagements and company tours, resume writing, career readiness workshops, and academic support, contributing to the success of adult learners in the North Shore.”
Through this pilot program, members of the New Arrivals community received hands-on training from ENSATS Culinary Chefs and student teaching assistants. They earned ServSafe credentials for Food Handler and Allergens within the culinary commercial kitchen and bake lab. Partners in this pilot included the MassHire North Shore Career Center, Centerboard in Lynn, MIR Associates Multilingual Interpreter Resources, and multiple guest chefs. MGH-Salem and Beverly Hospital organized specialized tours of their kitchens, acquainting students with commercial kitchen facilities used by both hospitals and ENSATS. The tours aimed to showcase kitchen equipment and explore potential job opportunities within kitchen stations.
“ENSATS has always been at the forefront of adult education, offering career-oriented individuals opportunities to gain meaningful employment within their fields of interest,” said Dr. Heidi Riccio, Superintendent of Essex North Shore. “Our partnerships with MassHire North Shore, MGH Salem, and Beverly Hospital exemplify our dedication to enhancing employment pipelines and supporting our local community members.”
Since 2019, the NightHawks Adult Education Program has provided students with the skills and credentials required to meet the needs of our regional workforce. Current programs include Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Technology, BioLab Technician, Carpentry, Construction Craft Labor, Culinary, Electrical, Electro-Mechanical Assembly, Healthcare, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding. The success of this initiative is a testament to the program’s comprehensive curriculum and the dedication of its educators.
These initiatives are making a significant impact by providing students with hands-on training and direct pathways to employment.
Program Highlights:
- Pilot Program Success: Collaboration with MassHire North Shore to create a pipeline of employment opportunities in regional workforce sectors.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Ensuring students receive the skills, knowledge, and industry credentials needed for meaningful employment.
- Community Impact: Supporting local workforce needs and providing career opportunities for underserved and New Arrival communities.
These programs are funded through the State of Massachusetts Career and Technical (CTI) Institute Initiative, the General Electric Foundation, the Advanced Manufacturing, Training and Expansion Program, and the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium.
