Taconic High School Adding Plumbing Program

I spoke with the principal at Taconic High School, Dr. Matt Bishop, last week and he told me they're adding a plumbing program. That will bring them to 16 career programs.

The money comes from a Massachusetts Career Technical Education Capital Grant. Four million dollars. That is a real investment in Pittsfield kids.

You already know the problem. You cannot find a plumber around here. Not easily. Not when you need one. The school is trying to change that by training students right here in town.

Why plumbing and not HVAC?

They did not pick plumbing at random. The vocational schools in the region talk to each other. McCann up north just added HVAC. So Taconic looked at Pittsfield and the rest of Berkshire County and chose plumbing. They want the schools to fill different gaps, not all chase the same one.

If you have driven by Taconic you have seen the new garage and the greenhouse. Those are part of the mix. They also have electrical, metal fabrication, business and entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, auto collision and repair, auto body, and carpentry. Fifteen programs now. Plumbing makes sixteen.

The new program is still being planned. They will put out more details soon on how students apply, what the classes look like, and what kind of work it can lead to.

Taconic is looking for 2 plumbing instructors

One more thing the principal said. If you are a plumber thinking about slowing down, or you have ever thought about teaching, give the school a call. They need people who know the trade.

Taconic High School is home to 805 students this year and it's in its first year being fully vocational!