Responding to growing interest from students north of Boston for college-level technical and trade programs, and increasing demand from industry for skilled employees, Franklin Cummings Tech announced the launch of its new campus location in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Housed in the Gould Construction Institute’s (GCI) Billerica location on Executive Park Drive, the program provides cutting-edge, hands-on learning as part of the Franklin Cummings Tech Practical Electricity certificate program. Students are learning the latest skills in practical electricity and how to start and run their own business. The inaugural class of students comes from Lowell, Tewksbury, Dracut, Billerica, Burlington, and other surrounding towns.
“We are excited to expand the reach of our certificate programs in high-demand disciplines that lead to economic mobility to people north of Boston while helping to train and build the region’s workforce with our excellent technical and trade education,” said Marvin Loiseau, EdD, chief academic officer and dean of Academic and Student Affairs at Franklin Cummings Tech.
Along with GCI, Franklin Cummings Tech is working with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Massachusetts, playing a key regional role in helping Franklin Cummings Tech students connect with business owners, contractors, and journeymen searching for career-ready graduates. ABC Massachusetts and Gould Construction are leading partners in Building Mass Careers, a nonprofit organization advancing pre-apprenticeship educational opportunities.
“The demand for skilled workers in fields like practical electricity has grown tremendously over the past decade. We are excited to partner with Franklin Cummings Tech to create pathways that connect education, apprenticeship, and employment while building the next generation of skilled and entrepreneurial talent for our member contractors,” said Steve Sullivan, executive director of Building Mass Careers. “This partnership provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits, complete their required apprenticeship classroom training, and begin building rewarding, lifelong careers in the electrical industry.”
Applications for the program were oversubscribed by 5%, resulting in a waitlist for entry of the inaugural class. Franklin Cummings Tech plans to expand the Billerica campus curriculum to meet the needs of other high-demand technical and trade industries, such as adding an HVAC program. Recruitment for the next Practical Electricity cohort has begun for the 2027 fall semester.
“The successful launch of our Practical Electricity program in Billerica marks an exciting milestone for Franklin Cummings Tech,” said Gray Wilder, Senior Director of Billerica Campus Operations at Franklin Cummings Tech. “Our inaugural cohort demonstrates both the need and enthusiasm for accessible, hands-on technical education in the Merrimack Valley. We are proud of this promising start and look forward to building upon it as we continue to grow our presence in the region.”