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Career and Technical Education

Keeping up with the changing needs of industry and evolving local economies is a challenge that our career and technical (CTE) schools are constantly trying to meet. Designing spaces to accommodate the various CTE programs offered in the public schools offers LPA|A the opportunity to draw upon the wide range of experience the firm has acquired through our diverse portfolio of work.

One of the firm’s early defining projects was the New England Carpenters Training Center completed more than 30 years ago. The biggest project for the firm at that time, it was a major success that would lead to increasing expertise in vocational and technical educational facilities.

Monty Tech Students Build Veterinary Clinic

LPA|A was the architect for Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School’s new veterinary clinic, which has enabled new program offerings for the school. In addition to the opportunity to expand programs in the veterinary field, the project provided a learning opportunity for students across eight different trades programs, with the construction of the facility serving as a class project during the two years it was being built.

Worcester Technical High School's Links to Local Industry

The Worcester Technical High School was designed to support a new paradigm integrating academic and technical training, and was recognized nationally as a model for contemporary technical high schools. More than ten years later, LPA|A is once again helping the school expand its reach and further strengthen its connection to industry in Central Massachusetts. Visioning sessions have explored ways to offer continuing education opportunities for trade programs and to better integrate services to the broader Worcester community.

South High Offers Unique Vocational Programs

The design of the South High Community School includes spaces for Chapter 74 Vocational/Technical programs in Culinary, Early Education, and Diesel Technology, but additionally the school offers nonprofit business training through their student-run 501(c)3 Andy’s Attic. The nonprofit helps students and families directly by providing donated clothing and other necessities, but also provides real world experience for students, with curriculum specifically developed to support students in operating Andy’s Attic.

In Service to the Community

LPA|A made five staff members available to give a series of virtual sessions as part of the Innovative Pathways Program at the Worcester Public Schools. Associate principals Mike Oldakowski, Christina Bazelmans, and Peter Caruso, as well as associate Henry Glennon and architect Natalie Gabrielle all agreed to participate in the program sharing their knowledge and experience about all aspects of the design process from programming through construction management. The career exploration and development program brings in local volunteers in industry to share their expertise and knowledge with students.