ANDOVER — Greater Lawrence Technical School has hired Tia Gerber as its new workforce development program coordinator.
According to Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS), before taking on her new role, Gerber worked for nine years as director of community partnership at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School. In her new position at GLTS, she will work to identify opportunities within three workforce development programs to expand training for students and community members.
“I am thrilled to have begun my new role at GLTS, and I want to highlight the incredible team we have here. They truly pride themselves on this type of work, and it has been a pleasure getting to learn from them and work alongside them as I have entered this role,” Gerber said. “My focus for the Workforce Development Program is to continue highlighting our wonderful programs that strive to expand the education of our students and community.”
GLTS offers workforce education through its After Dark, adult technical training, and apprenticeship programs. Together, they serve high school students, students from neighboring communities who lack direct access to vocational education, and adult learners.
According to GLTS, between October 2026 and August 2027, more than 450 students will be trained through its After Dark, apprenticeship, and adult technical training programs.
The After Dark Program provides afternoon vocational courses five days a week, allowing participating high school students to earn technical certifications while also earning their high school diplomas. According to the GLTS, the After Dark Program is one way GLTS is attempting to address the lack of access to vocational education throughout the Commonwealth. The After Dark Program’s offerings include: advanced manufacturing, automotive services technology, health assisting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration, information technology, welding and metal fabrication.
The Adult Technical Training Program is open to Massachusetts residents ages 18 and older who are unemployed or underemployed and interested in working full time in their chosen field after program completion. GLTS offers three adult technical training sessions each year. The Adult Technical Training Program has 14 course offerings, including introductory training in construction, welding, advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, electrical work, HVAC, plumbing and auto collision. Other options include facilities maintenance training, advanced manufacturing for multilingual learners, and basic solar installation and electrical training.
The Apprenticeship Program provides evening electrical and plumbing courses for participants working toward trade licenses. According to GLTS, the classroom instruction, combined with required hands-on experience, helps apprentices meet the requirements to take Massachusetts journeyman licensing examinations.
Those interested in enrolling in future programs can visit the GLTS workforce development website or email eveningedinfo@glts.net.
