Sterling Academy:
The Training Behind Every Sterling Move
Where skilled moving crews are trained, tested, and promoted.
Registered Apprentice Program with the commonwealth of Massachussetts
150+ Classroom Hours
2,000+ Jobsite Hours
Why Sterling Academy Matters
Sterling Academy is how we develop the people behind every move. It’s a structured, hands-on training program that prepares our crews to perform in real job conditions before they ever step onto your site.
For our clients, that means experienced, reliable teams who execute with consistency. For our employees, it’s a clear path to build skills, earn certifications, and grow within the company.
For Clients
The difference shows up on the job. Our crews aren’t learning as they go. They’ve already been trained, tested, and evaluated before they arrive. So you get:
More efficient installs & reconfigurations
Safer handling of furniture, equipment, & technology
Consistent execution across every project
Fewer errors
For Employees
This is more than a job, it’s a path forward. Sterling Academy gives team members the opportunity to grow into more advanced roles with real, transferable skills:
Hands-on training tied directly to the work
Certifications on widely used furniture systems
Structured path from Mover → Apprentice → Installer → Supervisor
Team members prepared to lead crews & manage job execution
Prioritized promotion from within
Inside
Sterling Academy
How We Train & Develop Our Teams
Training at Sterling Academy is built around real-world execution. Our crews are trained, tested, and evaluated on the exact environments, equipment, and expectations they’ll encounter in the field.
Safety is built into every stage of training, from proper lifting and driving to job site protocols that reduce risk and protect both people and equipment.
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Explore CareersWhat Sets Sterling Academy Apart
Sterling Academy is a registered apprenticeship program designed to develop skilled installers through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. This level of structure means training is consistent, measurable, and directly tied to real job performance.
Registered with the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards (MDAS)
Partnered with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Northeast Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC) & New England Tractor Trailor Training School (NETTS)
Certifications on commercial furniture systems, including Steelcase Answer, Herman Miller AO1, & Knoll Dividends
Ongoing oversight with quarterly evaluations of apprentices & trainers
150+ classroom hours & 2,000+ on-the-job hours with evening classes held twice weekly
Hands-on testing requirements, including timed team-based cubicle breakdown & rebuild
Defined career path from Mover ⟶ Apprentice⟶ Installer ⟶ Supervisor
Average class size of 6 apprentices, with 1 trainer for every 3 apprentices
Sterling Academy FAQs
What makes Sterling Academy different from other moving company training programs?
Sterling Academy is a registered apprenticeship program developed in partnership with the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC) and approved by the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards (MDAS) within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
The program is structured, monitored, and continuously evaluated. NAMC works closely with Sterling trainers and apprentices, conducting quarterly evaluations to assess both training quality and progress. 150+ classroom and 2,000+ on-the-job training hours are tracked to ensure apprentices stay on schedule and meet program requirements.
Sterling Academy has also been recognized by state workforce leadership, including visits from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, reinforcing its role in building long-term career pathways and supporting industry growth.
This level of oversight means training is consistent, measurable, and directly tied to real job performance.
How does Sterling Academy partner with industry organizations to strengthen training?
Sterling Academy is built in collaboration with workforce, industry, and state partners to ensure training aligns with real-world demand and long-term career pathways.
The Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC) brings together workforce boards, industry leaders, and academic partners to support advanced occupational training. All training programs are reviewed by an advisory board to ensure the skills being taught are relevant to today’s workplaces.
Sterling’s apprenticeship program is registered through the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards (MDAS) within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, providing structure, accountability, and alignment with state workforce initiatives.
Sterling also partners with the New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS), an accredited institution that prepares individuals for careers in commercial driving and logistics.
These partnerships ensure training programs meet state standards, reflect industry needs, and create clear pathways to long-term careers.
What certifications and skills do participants gain through Sterling Academy?
Apprentices are certified on multiple commercial furniture systems, typically across 5–6 different cubicle styles depending on availability. Current certifications include Steelcase Answer and Herman Miller AO1, with training expanding to Knoll Dividends.
Certification requires hands-on testing. Apprentices work in teams of two to break down and rebuild a cubicle in under one hour.
Beyond furniture systems, training includes:
- Warehouse pallet racking installation
- Disconnect and reconnect technology at scale (including projects with 1,000+ devices)
- Install monitor arms, TVs, whiteboards, and glass boards
- Coordinate workspace setup and reconfiguration across teams and locations with minimal disruption
- Specialized handling of high-value products and critical life science assets
This combination of certifications and hands-on experience prepares crews to handle complex workplace moves from start to finish.
How many people go through the program each year, and who participates?
Sterling Academy typically trains around 6 apprentices per class, with flexibility to scale based on demand.
Training is structured with one trainer for every three apprentices, in alignment with NAMC guidelines, and multiple classes may run concurrently to maintain a consistent pipeline of trained team members.
Participants are primarily selected from within the company. Top-performing movers are chosen based on performance and given the opportunity to advance into installer roles.
When additional candidates are needed, Sterling may partner with organizations such as MASSHIRE, as well as military, school, and workforce programs.
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