The LARE Institute at American Training graduated its 2020 class on Friday, July 17. The ceremony, hosted as a drive-thru due to COVID-19 safety restrictions, celebrated a graduating class of 130 individuals ranging in age from 18 to 81 from throughout the Merrimack Valley. The graduation ceremony ended a tumultuous year for LARE and its graduates, who had to shift to online learning practically overnight as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to finish their licensing and certificate programs. Despite having to overcome these challenges, 90 of the 130 graduates have already been placed in jobs in sectors including healthcare, electronics, manufacturing, and IT.
The annual LARE Institute Graduation Celebration is an opportunity to recognize students for their academic accomplishments and hard work. LARE graduates have succeeded and will leave with a certificate even after overcoming some of life’s most overwhelming challenges. Students in the program range from young adults graduating from high school looking for opportunity in an affordable next step, to those who have been working and are suddenly faced with having to change careers unexpectedly and learn a new trade or skill, to individuals who have never finished high school and are looking to earn their HiSET to start on a path to a brighter future.
“LARE students have maintained motivation despite personal struggles and their stories are proof that with the right support system and a solid work ethic, you can accomplish anything,” said Tiffany Mottola, Director of the LARE Institute. “We are very proud of our students, and were glad to be able to celebrate them at our drive-thru graduation.”
“As unemployment rates climb in Massachusetts, LARE provides its students with important skills to acquire good jobs in industries facing a massive shortage of workers with the necessary expertise,” said Tom Connors, President/CEO of American Training. “Understanding and addressing the critical need our workforce has to train for the most valuable work in the economy ahead is an essential component of any plan to restart the economy. For those who cannot return to their previous job or want to pursue a better opportunity, we should empower them with the education and training to pursue the good jobs that become available as some industries surge and others collapse, which is exactly what The LARE Institute is doing.”
