NightHaws Adult Education Program
Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School’s Adult Education program is designed to support lifelong learning. We provide opportunities for individuals to strengthen workforce and career skills, fulfill continuing education requirements, and explore personal interests through community enrichment courses. Whether you are advancing your career or pursuing a new passion, our programs make learning accessible and engaging.
Tuition-Free Training
The NightHawks Program at Essex Tech offers several tuition-free training programs, made possible through the support of the Commonwealth Corporation and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, in partnership with the Mass Hire North Shore Career Center.
Advanced Manufacturing/Machining
The Advanced Manufacturing Program equips students with the highly technical skills necessary for the in-demand field of Manufacturing. The course starts with the basics of manual machining and progresses to advanced multi-axis CNC setup and operation.
Students will be trained on the latest technology, learning the layout process, the setup, and procedures necessary to operate equipment such as CNC lathes, CNC milling and turning machines, and G-Coding.
Students will also learn Blueprint Reading, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Industry Math, Metrology, Inspection, and ProtoTRAK for beginners.
Additionally, our students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials, including NIMS and OSHA.
Welding
TURN UP THE HEAT!!! Are you ready for a career in Welding and Metal Fabrication? Our NightHawks Adult Education Program, in collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center, is offering an industry training session with credentials and career placement assistance.
This course will include the basics of oxy-acetylene cutting, along with stick welding, most commonly done in industrial and commercial settings. Additionally, this course will include MIG and TIG welding. There is a primary focus is on safety. Other topics include identification of alloys, advantages and drawbacks of each welding type, and a general understanding of the welding arc. Students will be able to interpret and critique their own welds, making necessary adjustments to their machine or technique. The course will cover joints and positions and students will be working with mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
Students will learn basic terminology and techniques, including cutting steel with a torch and making bead welds with the most common types of stick welding. Welding gloves and welding shield will be provided. Cotton shirt and long pants and workboots are required for every class. Certifications include OSHA-10 for Construction, HotWorks
Apply now for this opportunity to begin a career path to this exciting, lucrative, high-demand field! Training and program costs are free as this program is grant funded for workforce development by the State of Massachusetts. Collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center is a required part of this program. All training, materials and certifications are FREE!
This class is for serious participants who want a job in the Welding field. Attendance, employer engagement, job placement and career readiness work is required.
Automotive Technology
Are you ready to start a career in the automotive industry?
The NightHawks Adult Education Program, in collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center, is offering this Automotive Technician industry training session with credentials and career placement assistance.
Our NightHawks CTI Automotive Technician program provides students with industry training and hands-on experience working with automobiles that are complex systems combining computer technology and integrated systems, electronic braking systems and automated support systems for drivers. Certifications include OSHA-10 and Basic SP Certifications.
Apply now to chart your path for a career in this exciting, lucrative, high-demand field!
Training and program costs are free as this program is grant funded for workforce development by the State of Massachusetts. Collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center is a required part of this program. All of the training, materials, and certifications are free.
This class is for serious participants only, who want a job in the Automotive field. Attendance, employer engagement, job placement and career readiness work is required.
Construction Craft Laborer
The NightHawks Construction Craft Laborers Training Program provides students with industry training and hands-on experience to prepare them for careers in the construction and building trades. The construction industry remains a major growth industry and a source of job opportunities for individuals entering the workforce. Students enrolled in the Construction Craft Laborer program will earn certifications in Advanced Lead Awareness, OSHA 30 and HotWorks. This training will prepare and create a pathway for future employment in the industry, as well as the opportunity to connect with the Local 22 Laborers Union.
Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Have you dreamed of having a career in the field of Culinary Arts ?
The NightHawks Adult Education Program, in collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center, is offering this Culinary Arts industry training session with credentials and career placement assistance.
Our NightHawks CTI – Culinary Training program provides students with basic culinary training including fundamentals such as knife skills, classic cooking methods and preparation, vocabulary, and basic recipe measurement skills. With hands-on learning in our state of the art culinary kitchen, students will have experience with basic culinary skills. You will learn equipment use, safety, and food sanitation. These skills translate into essential workplace proficiency. Certifications include OSHA-10 and ServSafe® for Food Handling.
This class is for serious participants who intend to get job in the Culinary and Hospitality field. Attendance is mandatory and employer engagement, job placement and career readiness work is required.
Apply now for this opportunity to begin a career path to this exciting, high-demand field! Training and program costs are free as this program is grant funded for workforce development by the State of Massachusetts. Collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center is a required part of this program. All training, materials and certifications are FREE!
Electro-Mechanical Assembly
Are you ready to begin a career in the Electro-Mechanical Assembly field? Our NightHawks Adult Education Program, in collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center, is offering an industry training session with credentials included and career placement.
Students will learn how to use assembly hand tools, print reading, measuring, torquing, micrometers, oscilloscopes, wire harnesses and termination types, crimping, pins, lugs, extractors, and connectors. Basic electrical theory and lab: conductance of current/electrons flow in an electric circuit, continuity, temperature measurements, decibels, and electrostatics. Students will also learn basic soldering and wiring skills.
Opportunity to earn a IPC/WHMA-A-620, Revision D – Cable and Wire Harness Certification and OSHA-10 is included!!
Apply now for this opportunity to begin a career path to this exciting, lucrative, high-demand field! Training and program costs are free as this program is grant funded for workforce development by the State of Massachusetts. Collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center is a required part of this program. All training, materials and certifications are FREE!
This class is for serious participants who want a job in the Electro-Mechanical Assembly field. Attendance, employer engagement, job placement and career readiness work is required.
HVAC/Heat Pump
Are you ready for a career in the HVAC field?
The NightHawks Adult Education Program, in collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center, is offering an industry training session with credentials and career placement assistance.
This HVAC Training program provides students with basic industry training and hands-on experience: troubleshooting issues, installing, and repairing a broad range of heating and cooling systems, including, window and central air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and various heating systems. Students learn different heating systems such as gas, oil, and electrical. Students receive a basic foundation on cooling systems, and air conditioning system installation and maintenance. Certifications include OSHA-10 for Construction, HotWorks and EPA608.
Apply now for this opportunity to begin a career path to this exciting, lucrative, high-demand field! Training and program costs are free as this program is grant funded for workforce development by the State of Massachusetts. Collaboration with the MassHire North Shore Career Center is a required part of this program. All training, materials and certifications are FREE!
This class is for serious participants who want a job in the HVAC field. Attendance, employer engagement, job placement and career readiness work is required.
US Labor Statistics explanation, median pay, and video
**Offered in Partnership with North Shore Community College
Eligibility:
- Massachusetts Resident
- Be over the age of 18
- Not currently attending high school
- Valid Driver’s License
- Make less than $56,100 per year
- Be willing to go to work immediately upon graduation in the field in which they were trained
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Valid state ID (driver’s license strongly recommended)
Continuing Education
The NightHawks Program at Essex Tech offers a wide variety of Continuing Education opportunities for those seeking a professional licence or requiring hours towards the renewal of professional licensure.
Students have the opportunity to complete the required number of hours for apprenticeship, journeymen, master, and continuing education in Massachusetts.
2025-2026 Course Offerings
- Plumbing
- Electrical
Registration for the 2025-2026 school year has closed. Check back in Summer 2026 for the 2026-2027 course offerings.
Community Course Offerings
Community enrichment courses give adult learners the chance to enhance existing skills, develop new ones, or explore personal interests. Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Current Offerings
Holiday Wreath Decorating Class
Join NightHawks for a hands-on Holiday Wreath Decorating Class at Essex Tech’s farm stand. Step into the season by crafting a unique wreath alongside neighbors and friends. The class provides all the materials you’ll need, guided by a local expert. Together, we’ll celebrate our community’s creativity and spirit. Secure your spot today.
Holiday Centerpiece Class
This is a unique opportunity to create your very own stunning Thanksgiving Centerpiece! Start the Holiday Season off with this fun and creative pop-up class! We are fortunate to have Stephanie Collins from Stephanotis Flower Shop as a special guest instructor! This class will take place in our beautiful Farm Stand and will be held right in time for Thanksgiving. Join us on Saturday, November 22nd from 2-4 pm! All materials are included. Light refreshments will be available.
Meet the Workforce Devolopment Team
Contact information
The best way to contact the Workforce Development team is via email to adulted@essextech.net or by phone at (978) 304-4664.
Ms. Jennifer Packard
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Sarelle Creesy
Workforce Development Training Program Manager
Ms. Lisa Berube
Assistant Director of Workforce Development
Ms. Jill Sawyer
Executive Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education
Additional Information & Policies
Course Offerings Timeline
- Fall Session- September-December (registration opens mid-July)
- Spring Session-January-May (registration opens late-October)
- Summer Session-June-August (registration opens mid-April)
Refund Policy
Full refunds, minus a $50 processing fee, will be issued when a student withdraws their enrollment prior to the start of the first class. A 50% refund, minus the $25 processing fee, will be issued to students withdrawing prior to the second class. No refunds will be issued after the second day of class.
Classes Cancellation Policy
Essex Tech NightHawks reserves the right to cancel classes with insufficient enrollment or to change the class schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. If a class needs to be cancelled, the school will contact students via phone or email as soon as possible. Students will receive a 100% refund if we cancel a course or if the course is full at the time your payment is received. Grant-funded students are not eligible for refunds.
Code of Conduct
All NightHawks students are expected to follow and uphold our Code of Conduct at all times. This ensures a respectful, safe, and positive learning environment where every member of our school community can thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a licensed Plumber in the state of Massachusetts
- These are the state regulated requirements on how to become eligible to sit for the MA
- Plumbing Journeyman’s exam.
- Experience.6,800 clock hours as a licensed apprentice working under the direct supervision of a MA licensed master plumber or under the direct supervision of a MA licensed journeyman plumber who is in the employ of a master plumber. Helping students find an apprenticeship is not a service we provide. Please see “How to get an apprenticeship” to learn more.
- Education. Documentary proof of having received a high school diploma or the equivalent; and 550 clock hours of plumbing and gasfitting theory. This is done in 110 blocks per year, which are called Tiers. Students cannot do more than 165 hours of classroom instruction per year, and must do their instruction in 110 hour blocks.
- NOTE: Apprentices must begin their education program within nine months of the initial issuance of their apprentice license. How to apply for an apprentice license can be found here.
How do I become a licensed Electrician in the state of Massachusetts?
- These are the state regulated requirements on how to become eligible to sit for the MA
- Electrical Journeyman’s exam.
- Experience. 8,000 hours of employment as an apprentice under the direct supervision of a MA Class B Journeyman license. Helping students find an apprenticeship is not a service we provide. Please see “How to get an apprenticeship” to learn more.
- Education. 600 hours of classroom instruction in electrical code and theory from an approved school based on the current National Electrical Code. This is taught in 4 levels of 150 hours each, called Modules. Students cannot do more than 150 hours of classroom instruction per year, and must complete instruction in 150 hour blocks.
- apprentice license. How to apply for an apprentice license can be found here.