Workers coming through Massachusetts’ vocational schools will have experience with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to dedicated funds from the Commonwealth’s Capital Plan grant program. Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray recently announced that $1 million from the 2012 Capital Plan has been set aside to help vocational schools purchase updated laboratory and shop equipment. The Patrick-Murray Administration has committed to working with the legislature to authorize the bonds needed to continue the funding annually through fiscal year 2017.

The pledge marks an ongoing effort by the administration to expand vocational technical education in Massachusetts. More than 44,000 students are currently training in 60 vocational schools throughout the commonwealth. On average, vocational schools demonstrate higher graduation rates than mainstream high schools, Murray noted.

“With the continually changing technology, it is imperative that equipment be upgraded to meet the training needs of business and industry in high demand occupations,” said David Ferreira, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators. “With the additional funding, graduates of the state’s vocational technical schools will be prepared to enter the labor market trained with state-of-the-art technical skills and be capable of growing the Massachusetts economy.”

“This funding will further our goals [of] creating a strong workforce, particularly for middle-skill employers,” said Greg Bialecki, secretary of Housing and Economic Development.