Business Solutions & Partnerships
Career and Technical Training
Start your career path with Bristol’s workforce training programs in the traditional trades. The below programs are generously funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to provide no-cost seats to eligible community members. Build your skills to become employable in high-demand careers!
HVAC/R Heat Pump Training
Bristol now offers a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R) and Heat Pump Training Program. HVAC/R and Heat Pump is a growing field with opportunities in clean energy and skilled trades.
This free, 17-week hybrid HVAC training program combines hands-on learning with real HVAC tools and equipment, interactive simulations, lectures, and group discussions to build both technical skills and industry knowledge.
Trainees leave with valued industry-recognized certifications to build their resumes. This training prepares participants for immediate employment with regional HVAC companies gaining valuable paid on the job training.
Interested? View full HVAC/R Heat Pump Training details and find the interest form here.
The next session starts in January 2027 at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High
School in Fall River.
Welding Training
Bristol’s free, 18-week welding training program focuses on fundamental welding skills, including Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux -Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
The program will include an OSHA 10-hour construction and a Massachusetts Hot Work certification. Testing and certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) will be an option for all completed students to add the industry credential to their portfolio.
Trainees leave the program with industry recognized certifications and valuable hands-on skills for entry level positions in this trades sector.
Stay tuned for more information. The first session is planned for September 2026 at Greater New Bedford Regional Technical High School.
Crane/Hoist/Forklift Training
Bristol’s free, 5-week Crane/Hoist/Forklift Training will offer hands-on training with equipment, tools, and materials to provide individuals with a real experience of working as heavy machine operator.
The training includes the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications that can lead individuals to be job ready in the clean energy sector.
Bristol will partner with Cranes 101, an industry-certified training organization, to provide training, testing, and license preparation to prepare for the Massachusetts 1B License. All training activity will take place at Bristol’s National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) in New Bedford – a state-of-the-art health and safety training facility.
The first session is planned for September 2026 and requires a 5 day/5 week commitment to be eligible. More coming soon.
Precision Machining
Bristol's Precision Machining Training will deliver intensive, industry-aligned training in partnership with Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School at its new state-of-the-art facility using the Massachusetts Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) framework, ensuring the curriculum aligns with statewide industry standards and employer expectations.
The training will prepare individuals for high-demand occupations, including CNC Machine Tool Operator, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, and Machinists.
Individuals will receive hands-on instruction in shop math, blueprint reading, CNC milling and lathe operation, CAD/CAM programming, OSHA 10 certification, and preparation for National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials.
This is a 36-week training program spanning the calendar year from January 2027 to December 2027 with a summer break. More coming soon.
Career AND Technical Trainings
Training Partners
Bristol, in partnership with MindEdge and ed2go, offers hundreds of online, asynchronous trainings.
ed2go
Offers skills tailored to today's job market with 40+ specialties, 150+ certifications, and flexible online learning options.
MindEdge
Focused on higher education, continuing education, professional development, and corporate solutions.
Online career courses and certificates with MindEdge
Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential can help you enhance your HR expertise, empower positive change in your workplace, and increase your earning potential.
Business Solutions & Partnerships team:
Angela Johnston, Director, Business Solutions & Partnership
Angela.Johnston@BristolCC.edu
Patricia Barbosa, Associate Director of Business Solutions Trainings
Patricia.Barbosa@BristolCC.edu
Wendy Sandford, Associate Director, Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Wendy.Sandford@BristolCC.edu
Natalie Sousa, Administrative Assistant II
Natalie.Sousa@BristolCC.edu
Tracy Gabus, Administrative Assistant I
Tracy.Gabus@BristolCC.edu
General inquiries:
BusinessSolutions@BristolCC.edu
For more information on Bristol's commitment to supporting and enriching the region’s economy and the Commonwealth through workforce development strategies, innovative growth initiatives and training, and language skill development, visit Economic and Business Development.