At Sterling, we believe strong communities start with a strong workforce, and that starts with investing in our people.

This commitment was on full display recently at Sterling Academy, our dedicated in-house training facility, where we had the honor of hosting leaders from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

A Visit That Reinforces the Power of Workforce Development

We were proud to welcome Secretary Lauren Jones, Under Secretary Josh Cutler, and Apprenticeship Liaison Pat Rae from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Apprentice Standards — a team deeply committed to creating workforce pathways that uplift industries, strengthen local economies, and expand opportunity.

Their visit to Sterling Academy highlighted exactly what our training facility exists to do: provide high-quality, hands-on learning that prepares employees for long-term success in a growing and evolving field.

Workforce Collaboration That Makes Impact Possible

This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of key partners who share our commitment to talent development.

A huge thank-you goes to Kevin Coughlin, Executive Director of the Greater Lowell Workforce Board, along with our valued partners at Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC) — especially Sr. Director Tedi Markham and Apprenticeship Growth and Expansion Coordinator Chuck Coakley — for their incredible support in bringing this initiative to life.

These partners play a crucial role in ensuring workforce training programs like ours meet industry demand, align with state standards, and open doors to meaningful, long-term careers.

Launching Sterling’s New Team Assembler & Modular Systems Furniture Apprenticeship Program

We’re thrilled to introduce the next evolution of training at Sterling Academy: The Team Assembler & Modular Systems Furniture Apprenticeship Program.

Beginning December 2, nine outstanding Sterling employees will begin a year of:

  • 150 hours of classroom instruction
  • 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning

Upon completion, each participant will earn an official state-recognized apprenticeship certification, a credential that opens doors, strengthens career mobility, and reflects the highest standard of skill and professionalism in our industry.

This program is more than training. It’s an investment in people who show up every day with dedication, craftsmanship, and pride in their work.

Strengthening Our Workforce from Within

Sterling has always believed in long-term growth, not just for our business, but for our people.

Our apprenticeship track reflects that commitment by:

  • Developing skilled talent from within
  • Creating career pathways that last
  • Supporting employees with structured, hands-on learning
  • Ensuring clients receive the highest level of service and expertise

Looking Ahead: A Workforce Built for the Future

This launch is just the beginning. As Sterling Academy expands, so does our vision: to serve as a model for what industry-led workforce development can look like: practical, supportive, and deeply invested in people.

We’re honored to partner with state leaders and workforce organizations who share our mission, and we’re incredibly proud of the employees beginning this new journey.

A stronger workforce today means a stronger Sterling for our clients, team, and communities tomorrow.