The People’s Academy is the only one of its kind in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. TPA is a two-year apprenticeship program with a goal to enroll and graduate 30 students per year. The two year program begins with the basics of the building trade, culminating in hands-on training and skills to begin working in fabrication and installation of metals, specializing in copper. 

The First Year Training Cycle will consist of learning fabrication and installation of all types of metals. The students will maintain a regular daily and weekly schedule. When projects on homes and buildings are available, (this is about 50 percent of the time) each student will work on a project on-site, or in the shop either mornings or afternoons. Students will also be required to attend classes 2-3 evenings per week, to learn the theoretical aspects of the trade. TPA will provide stipends to help students financially while in training.

In the Second Year Training Cycle, the second year students will be taught skills necessary to submit an estimate for a project including the amount and cost of necessary materials-, and the time required to complete the project. By the end of the two-year program, students will be able to fabricate and install all metal and copper components of the training program.

By the Third Tear Training Cycle, TPA expects to have created two to three instructor positions culled from those who matriculated from the program.

The People’s Academy services include: 

• Fabrication and Metal Work

• Project and Program Management Training 

• On the Job Training and Job Placement 

• Guidance pick a building trade or other career path