Shawsheen Adult Education Announces New Partnerships to Address Workforce Needs in Emergency Medical Services and Municipal Water Treatment

BILLERICA — Shawsheen Adult Education has announced two new strategic partnerships aimed at addressing workforce shortages in emergency medical services and municipal water treatment. These collaborations address the growing demand for skilled professionals in both fields by providing accessible, quality education to adult learners seeking certification and career advancement.

Shawsheen’s partnership with Metrowest EMS educators will deliver a comprehensive 160-hour Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) curriculum. This course exceeds national and state standards for the EMT curriculum, allowing students to take both the national and Massachusetts certification exams. The course will be offered in a hybrid format, combining self-paced online courses with hands-on, in-person training, beginning Wednesday, October 2. According to ONET Online, the demand for EMTs and paramedics in Massachusetts is expected to grow 14% annually through 2030, underscoring the importance of this program.

Shawsheen’s new partnership with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission is a response to local municipal managers who have highlighted the challenges of recruiting qualified municipal water treatment workers. Further research, supported by MassHire Metro North labor market data, identified approximately 150 job openings in the Greater Boston area, highlighting the need for professionals in this field.

To meet this demand, Shawsheen is partnering with NEIWPCC to offer an “Introduction to Municipal Water Treatment” course as part of its fall 2024 program. Additionally, a free seminar titled “From Flush to Freshwater: Working in the Wastewater World” will be held on November 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. This seminar will highlight career opportunities and pathways in the wastewater sector.

“The role of Shawsheen’s Adult Education program is to provide enrichment, certification and licensing programs to citizens in our community,” said Director of Communications and Community Partnerships Allison Cammarata. “We want to provide programs that align with local workforce needs and economic trends while maintaining high educational standards. Our goal is to create career pathways that benefit both our students and the regional economy.”

Shawsheen’s Adult Education program for fall 2024 offers a variety of new courses in addition to its established programs. Courses are open to the community, with staggered start dates through December.

For more information or to register for classes, including the free “Flush to Fresh” seminar, visit ShawsheenTech.asapconnected.com. Inquiries can be directed to [email protected].