New England Laborers’ Vocational Construction Program
With Medford’s expertise in child centered education and The
Laborers’ expertise in adult education, the curriculum of this new
vocational program seeks to introduce children in grades 9-12 to the
opportunities that await them in the construction industry. The
school’s mission is to afford these children the opportunity to gain
hours in an approved apprenticeship program. Making the transition
from school to work is often a difficult road for many high school
graduates. This school seeks to offer guidance and mentorship to
every student to assist them as they and their parents plan for
The school also seeks to impart the importance of lifelong learning
in children. In this rapidly changing world and in the construction
industry especially, training and education are essential in all
phases of a career to keep up with new technology, materials, and
techniques. Bringing opportunity to a new generation is nothing new
for The Laborers’ International Union of North America and their
partners. Through this unique partnership high school students will
find that “the sky is the limit” to the opportunities that await
them in the growing construction and environmental industries.
What is the NEL/Vocational Construction
The New England Laborers’ and the Medford Public Schools have
partnered to develop a unique Vocational School that will focus on
the construction industry. The idea for this school is based on
offering students a new choice in high school vocational education.
Why is the Medford School Department
partnering with NEL?
By partnering, the School District is able to offer a value added
educational opportunity to the children it currently serves. In
addition, by partnering with NEL, the Medford Vocational School is
able to bring international industry experience, innovation and the
additional resources necessary to expand and improve opportunities
for a currently underserved population. With a partner the school
district can take advantage of the links to the industry it might
not otherwise have had.
Who should choose to attend the NEL/Vocational
The school is for children who need a challenge, who may not attend
college directly after high school; who may not have chosen a career
direction; who may not be motivated by a traditional learning style.
The smaller the class sizes and applied learning techniques may be
just the thing for certain children.