Boston – The Workforce Opportunity Resource Center( WORC2 or WORC Lab), a Roxbury-based construction focused training center, announced it has expanded its workforce training program through a new partnership with the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology( FC Tech).

The initiative will offer eligible students access to obtain an associate degree in construction management( AS-CM) or engineering technology with a concentration in building energy management( AS-ET). The program will fund all tuition, training, and tools cost for eligible students that commit to the two-year degree program, after all financial aid and program eligibility requirements have been met.

WORC2 was designed to engage local community-based businesses and workers in the construction industry, particularly those underrepresented in the market. WORC2 offers participating students“ one-stop shopping” resources and technical support to promote worker development, business capacity building, and growth in the local construction community.

By partnering with FC Tech, the program will gain an education partner that can provide a road map to earn a degree with direct relevance to the construction field. Working with WORC ², NEI, a founding partner, has made a commitment to connecting its project teams with students to provide industry experience via facilitation of training programs. Students may be eligible to start in the spring 2026 or fall 2026 term. Funding for the program is being provided by the City of Boston via a NOAA grant for climate-ready workforce development.

“ There is a two-pronged challenge in the construction industry today: a deep need for well-trained trades staff, and obstacles to training and mentorship for lower income communities,” said André Barbour, diversity and inclusion director at NEI.“ Through this exciting partnership between WORC ² and FC Tech, we will be able to provide access to advanced educational opportunities for program participants that will transform their futures and create new pathways to meaningful careers.”

Boston – Nickerson announced it has been named the agency of record for North Bennet Street School( NBSS).

Founded in 1881 in Boston’ s North End, North Bennet Street School trains students for careers in traditional trades that use hand skills to preserve craft traditions and promote a greater appreciation of craftsmanship. The school serves a close-knit community of students annually across nine career training programs, including Bookbinding, Carpentry, Cabinet & Furniture Making, Jewelry Making & Repair, Locksmithing & Security Technology, Piano Technology, Preservation Carpentry, and Violin Making & Repair, along with community education classes.

“ We are honored to partner with North Bennet Street School and highlight their vital mission of training the next generation in the art of traditional trades,” said Shannon Mulaire, director of PR & media relations at Nickerson.“ NBSS plays a critical role in preserving time-honored traditions while preparing students for rewarding, life-long careers. We look forward to amplifying their story and the incredible impact their graduates

Woodworking career training program Photo courtesy of North Bennet Street School

have on communities around the world.”

“ Nickerson brings the experience, creativity, and strategic insight we are looking for in a communications partner,” said Dr. Sarah B. Cunningham, president at North Bennet Street School.“ We are confident this collaboration will help us reach more prospective students, strengthen our relationships with industry partners, and continue our legacy of excellence in craft education.”

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