On September 25th, we proudly celebrated the graduation of Cohort 5 of the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, with 16 apprentices walking across the stage to mark the completion of a journey defined by dedication, growth, and opportunity.
For Director of Workforce Initiatives, Saraugh Fitah, the milestone reflects much more than certificates and titles—it represents the fulfillment of the program’s mission.
“The goal for us is to find the people who bring the drive, passion, and dedication to their own professional growth as well as to the importance of making a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents,” Saraugh explained. “By hiring for these qualities and investing in training and education, Apprentices bring the perfect combination of eagerness to learn, commitment to excellence, and a true desire to grow and give back to the organization and the program itself.”
What makes this program unique is its commitment not only to teaching technical skills—electrical, plumbing, drywall, HVAC, painting—but also to equipping participants with the soft skills that carry careers forward: customer service, professional authenticity, and relationship-building. “These workshops are critical,” Saraugh shared. “They often become the difference between a good technician and a future leader.”
This year’s graduating class highlighted just how diverse the paths into maintenance can be. Some came from physically demanding industries like emergency medical services or tower work, others from customer service, retail, or aviation. And some, like Lauro Lopez and Tyler McClanahan, have discovered how this program can reshape not only careers, but also their sense of purpose and community.
For Lauro, the journey was personal:
“I was fortunate enough to be placed at the very site I grew up in—the Wellington community—which makes this journey even more meaningful,” he reflected. “This program gave me the chance to learn skills across trades, and the training from The Peterson School and the hands-on work in Fitchburg and Lowell prepared me for the work I do today.”
Now promoted early to Maintenance Technician I, Lauro sees his new role as both an opportunity and a responsibility.
“Growing up, I saw things from the resident’s point of view. Now, I get to see the behind-the-scenes work that residents don’t always notice—the effort that goes into making their experience truly memorable.”
For Tyler, the program sparked a career path he didn’t initially see for himself.
“When I first came across the job listing, I thought it was too good to be true. A true entry-level position, with on-the-job and structured training, and almost guaranteed advancement?” he said. “I’m glad I applied. Thanks to the classes at The Peterson School, the training units, and the mentors I worked with, I felt prepared to take on this work—and excited for what’s ahead.”
Now a Maintenance Technician II, Tyler credits the program’s network of support as its greatest strength.
“The most important thing I can say came out of this program has to be the teams, the mentors, and all the other people I have met. If I run into a problem I can’t solve, there’s a whole host of people I can call. I hope I can be that person for others in the future.”
Looking forward, both Lauro and Tyler see opportunities for growth into leadership roles—aspirations Saraugh says the program was designed to inspire.
“Our goal is to identify the future leaders of the company,” she emphasized. “And we are seeing that our alumni are poised to become those leaders.”
As Cohort 5 steps into the next chapter of their careers, their achievements stand as a testament to the program’s mission: investing in people, opening doors, and creating pathways to meaningful, lifelong careers.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Learn More about the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program: