Editorial: New Lowell Center Boosts Trade Workforce Development

Expanding Opportunities for Skilled Workers and Supporting Local Agriculture

Massachusetts continues to invest in programs that support both the skilled trades and the agricultural sector, ensuring long-term economic growth and stability for residents. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to creating opportunities for workers, fostering innovation, and preserving vital industries.

One such initiative involves the expansion of apprentice-oversight policies aimed at increasing the number of skilled workers in the construction trades. This effort has been supported by various organizations, including MassDevelopment, a quasi-state agency dedicated to creating economic opportunities across the state. Recognizing the need for more trained professionals in the trades, MassDevelopment has provided crucial financial support to help achieve this goal.

In a recent move, MassDevelopment issued an $11.325 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of The Finishing Trades Institute of New England Trust (FTINE), a nonprofit organization affiliated with District Council 35 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. This funding will enable FTINE to purchase a 128,000-square-foot building located at 120 Stedman Street in Lowell. The facility will serve as a new training center for apprentices and journeymen in the construction finishing trades, including commercial painters, industrial coating applicators, drywall finishers, glaziers, and more.

The relocation of FTINE’s operations from Boston’s Roslindale neighborhood to Lowell is expected to enhance the quality of training programs offered. The new location will allow the organization to expand its services while maintaining a second training school in Brentwood, New Hampshire. This move is anticipated to provide a more modern and effective learning environment for students, helping to attract new participants and strengthen the union workforce.

The tax-exempt bond, purchased by Salem Five Bank, played a key role in reducing the cost of capital for FTINE. This financial assistance highlights the collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to support workforce development. According to Lowell City Manager Tom Golden, the new facility will be instrumental in providing advanced training and apprenticeships to young people entering the construction industry. “This is just what Lowell needs to continue supporting the workforce in this area,” he said.

MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal also praised the initiative, stating that the purchase of the new facility would help FTINE expand its apprenticeship programs and offer family-sustaining careers to more workers in the region. Eric Redding, director of the Finishing Trades Institute of New England, emphasized that the new space will facilitate the growth of their programs, which are designed to develop master craftsmen and prepare graduates for long-term, sustainable careers.

FTINE’s training programs are recognized for their high standards, with certifications from both the U.S. Department of Labor and the Massachusetts Division of Labor Standards’ Department of Apprentice Training. Founded in 1966, the organization serves workers across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and parts of Rhode Island. It receives support from employer associations such as the Painters and Finishing Employers Association of New England, which are contractually committed to hiring FTINE graduates.

Supporting Local Agriculture Through State Assistance

While the focus on skilled trades is critical, Massachusetts also recognizes the importance of sustaining its agricultural sector. Farming in the state faces numerous challenges, including rising costs and market volatility. To address these issues, the Healey-Driscoll administration recently awarded over $1 million in grants to 16 farms across Massachusetts, including two in the local area.

These funds are part of the Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program and the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Improvement Program (AIP), both administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The grants aim to improve farm operations and support the state’s agricultural economy. For example, Ogonowski Farm in Dracut will use its $150,000 award to construct an equipment storage barn, while Drew Farm in Westford received $90,000 to build a new barn for a retail store, equipment storage, and product storage.

State Representative James Arciero of Westford highlighted the importance of these grants, noting that they provide critical support for local farmers. “These critical funds will build a greatly needed barn for a retail store, equipment and product storage,” he said. The MEGA Program, launched in 2010, has awarded over $1 million in grants to 117 diverse farms, averaging around $9,137 per farm. It also provides business planning and technical assistance to help beginning farmers grow their operations.

Similarly, the AIP has awarded $9.375 million in total grants to 126 APR farms since its inception in 2009. These grants, along with technical assistance, have helped preserve 17,512 acres of permanently protected farmland. Programs like these play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in Massachusetts, offering resources that help farmers thrive and contribute to the local economy.