Putnam reports full Chapter 74 certification for all shops, expands employer co‑op placements

Putnam Vocational Technical Academy reported to the Springfield School Committee that all 23 of its vocational shops are now Chapter 74 certified and that students and staff have secured new equipment funding, employer partnerships and competitive honors.

The certification means Putnam’s shops meet Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Chapter 74 standards, Principal George Johnson and vocational staff said. “All 23 shops at Putnam are now Chapter 74 certified,” Tom Lamondia, the district’s Chapter 74 director, told the committee, adding that certification unlocks additional state funding and credentialing for students.

Why it matters: Chapter 74 certification establishes state standards for vocational instruction, teacher licensing and program hours; it affects funding, students’ ability to earn industry credentials and the school’s capacity to place graduates in apprenticeships and jobs.

Putnam leaders highlighted student outcomes and outside support. The school said a private donor from eastern Massachusetts awarded “twice to over $825,000” for shop equipment covering carpentry, construction, electrical, information technology and robotics. Lamondia cited SkillsUSA competition results and student recognitions: three students competed nationally in health assisting, and one former student served as a state SkillsUSA officer. The school also named a robotics student, Andy Lee, as one of seven vocational Presidential Scholar nominees in the state.

Co‑op and internships: Mr. Santos, Putnam’s co‑op coordinator, reported that about 102 students are in paid co‑op placements, 29 students are completing internships (some paid) and that 131 students overall are participating in work‑based learning so far this year. Santos listed employer partners who have hired Putnam students or taken placements this year: union locals (carpenters and laborers), Commodore Builders, Walsh Brothers, Naylor Nation Construction, CR Home Improvements, the Springfield Department of Public Works, Freedom Credit Union, Springfield Housing Authority and Penske (noting a placement at $23/hour for an auto tech student).

Committee members pressed for data and accountability details. The committee asked the administration to provide follow‑up data on attendance, graduation and post‑graduation outcomes for Putnam vocational cohorts and to circulate a program dashboard.

Ending: School leaders said they will continue to expand employer relationships, secure equipment grants, and return to the committee with requested data and follow‑up plans for student placement and teacher licensure support.