Boston, MA WinnResidential, one of the state’s largest managers of affordable housing communities, is celebrating the 5th anniversary of its Facilities Maintenance Apprenticeship Program with the recent graduation of eight Mass. residents who will now embark on new careers in a field with plenty of well-paid job openings.
Throughout the program’s five-year history, WinnCompanies has partnered with the city of Boston, YouthBuild Boston and Wentworth Institute of Technology to support this unique training employment opportunity. Today, in partnership with The Peterson School, this enhanced program combines on-the-job training with expert instruction over the course of 12 months and places graduates in full-time positions with WinnResidential.
“This is a fantastic training and employment opportunity in a field with a chronic shortage of skilled workers locally and nationally,” said WinnCompanies CEO Gilbert Winn. “The apprenticeship program is a chance for men and women to pursue a well-paid, satisfying career that plays an important role in the quality of life for so many people.”
Now accepting applications for a new class that will begin this September, the apprenticeship program was first launched in 2018 in response to a lack of skilled property and building maintenance workers in Boston. The labor shortage has become an ongoing challenge for multifamily property operators in markets nationwide who need technicians to respond to the needs of residents and prevent mechanical problems before they arise.
The 2023 apprentice class that graduated on June 16 during a ceremony at New Academy Estates in Roxbury, MA, included eight graduates from various professional backgrounds and skill levels.
The Facilities Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship is a paid 12-month program that trains participants in all aspects of facilities maintenance, including basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical skills; cleaning and preventative maintenance; pest management; landscaping; customer service, and occupational health and safety.
“Maintenance techs keep our apartment communities running smoothly,” said WinnResidential president Patrick Appleby. “This program delivers a strong professional foundation and understanding of the trades, safety, customer service, and professional communication skills that will position graduates to advance in facilities management with progressive wage increases.”
Apprentices receive full benefits and are eligible for continuous wage increases. Additionally, more than 75% of all apprentices have been promoted to higher level positions, many in advance of graduating from the program.
Coursework features 2,000 hours of on-the-job training with WinnResidential maintenance team members and 150 hours of technical instruction in the trades and property management from The Peterson School faculty and WinnResidential staff.
Graduates earn nationally recognized credentials, as well as industry-specific certifications including CPR and Safety Certification, OSHA 10, and Certified Maintenance Apprentice Technician (CAMT).
