John LaVoie, 50 years dedicated to vocational education
“I recall a conversation with Susan Stott some 30 years ago, wow, 30 years!” mused John Lavoie in an interview for Andover Community Trust. “Susan had attended a national conference on the Community Land Trust Model and wanted to talk about a possible partnership with Greater Lawrence Technical School.”
John Lavoie, superintendent of Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS), recalled how he and Susan saw that having trade students build affordable homes would be a win-win for both organizations. John emphasized the mutual benefits to both organizations. Students would have real world work experience in a variety of trades and see how the trades impact one another and Andover Community Trust (ACT) would have student tradespeople and their instructors on their build sites. And so a terrific partnership was created.
That kind of vision and follow-through has been the hallmark of John’s career. He has spent his career dedicated to vocational school education, dating back to 1973 when he started as a carpentry teacher. He will soon be celebrating 50 years with no indication of slowing down.
He began his career at GLTS where he spent his first 23 years teaching. This was followed by time at Greater Lowell and Shawsheen Tech. He returned to GLTS 12 years ago as superintendent where he continues in that role.
ACT and GLTS built their first home together on Haverhill Street. Since then, ACT and GLTS have partnered on building six homes in Andover. Their most recent project was on Lupine Road with the completion of three ACT duplexes. One of these duplexes was built by the GLTS students while the other two were built by Habitat for Humanity.
John expressed pride in the many accomplishments of his students and the impact they have had in providing our communities with skilled tradespeople. These students play a huge part in workforce development in the Greater Lawrence/Andover area. He fondly recounted that two of his students are close friends from GLTS who went on to start Cote and Foster Contracting, Inc., which has grown into a large, successful contracting business. He also has enjoyed seeing the growth of women in non-traditional trades like electrical and construction. He noted that his best welder ever has been a woman.
ACT’s partnership with GLTS is just one piece of his vision. There is also the Co-op Program that allows students to work in their chosen field before graduation, alternating classroom study and work. Additionally, he and his colleagues are working on innovative paradigm changes for vocation training with a view to the future. Some of the programming includes:
Working with Northern Essex to expand their post graduate programs such as robotic automation where students will be able to get credits towards an Associate Degree.
Adding high tech electronics to their automotive program.
Exploring starting an aviation program and looking to have access to a hangar combined with classroom space to learn airplane engine maintenance as well as a chance to learn to fly.
Creating an After Dark Program that uses the school from 3:00-5:30 for juniors and seniors from local schools who receive their HS diploma plus a certificate from GLTS for in-demand career pathway jobs.
Providing occupation skills to adults in the Lawrence area who are under-employed or unemployed through CTI (Career Technical Initiative).
John is passionate about providing training and opportunities for youth. His enthusiasm and energy are inspiring. He admits to not being ready to retire, but is actively working to position the school to have an eye towards the future and recognize how they can best contribute to the development of the youth and young adults in the Greater Lawrence area.
