One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was to take a class at Assabet Valley Regional Technical/Vocational School, in their Assabet After Dark program. It was the Real Estate Pre-Licensing class.
This is an extreme example, because it started me on a career path that I’ve been able to custom tailor to my comfort level and general customer service oriented mindset. So, when I got three catalogs in the mail all on the same day~~the Assabet Community Education, Monty Tech Nites, and now the ALFA (Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area~~offered through Fitchburg State University), I knew I had to write a story. There are so many local, in-person, and online opportunities for adult learning, for parent/child courses, career game-changers, and just fun and informative one day classes available.
I’ll include below links to the full online catalogs for each of these programs, and call out a few classes that look interesting to me.
Check out some of the fun and informative courses you might want to find out more about!
Message me with any details you have, so I can always keep my CENTRAL MASS RESOURCE STORIES as current and relevant as possible!
“Assabet After Dark is the largest Metrowest Massachusetts Adult Continuing Education program. Our state-of-the-art classrooms and technical workshops create a great learning space for curious adults that want to experience more by meeting other adults with common interests. Our staff is comprised of professionals and skilled masters in fields ranging from the arts, music, dance, photography, fitness, wellness and the trades.”–AAD website
Assabet Community Education
Assabet Community Education 2026 Spring Course Catalog
Some courses I thought sounded unique or interesting:
Adirondack Chair Workshop
All the Buzz: Intro to Beekeeping
American Sign Language (ASL) Basics
Applique Techniques
The Art of Wheel Throwing
Beginner Garment Making
Board Game Design
Charcuterie 101: Build Your Board
Cookie Decorating Workshop for Adults
Decoupage
First Time Home Buyer
Guitar For Everyone: Part 1
Hooked on Crochet: Beginner Basics
Knead to Know: German Breads
Learn to Line Dance
Pickleball 101
Self Defense Tactics
So You Want to Be a Vocational Teacher
Stained Glass for Beginners and Intermediates
Winter Blooms and Beauty
Quarter Log Cabin Quilt
Monty Tech Nites
Monty Tech Nites Current Catalog
Asian Appetizers
Basket Weaving
Cricut Crafting for Pets
Crochet for Beginners
Disney Magic on a Dime
DIY Home Design and Makeover Basics
Introduction to Glass Fusing
Introduction to Stained Glass
Knitting for Beginners
Pasta Sauces 101
Pickup Guitar
Small Engine Repair
Soups and Chowders
Taking Better Pictures
“Monty Tech also offers Career Technical Training, which is No Cost Training through their Career Technical Initiative (CTI). These training programs were made possible by a grant provided by Commonwealth Corporation in partnership with MassHire North Central Career Center.” —Monty Tech Nites website
Spring 2026
Automotive
CNC Operator
HVAC
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
Fall 2026
Carpentry
CNC Operator
Culinary
Electrical
Eligibility:
MA Resident, valid driver’s license, not currently working in the field you wish to study, making less than $56,100/year and dedicated to getting a job in the field of study upon completion of the training.
To apply or receive more information:
Contact their office at cti@montytechnites.com or call 978-345-9200 ext. 5222
Acrylic Painting
Appreciating Poetry, Appreciating Life
Beginner’s Botanical Illustration
Not Your Kid’s Colored Pencils: Rendering Textures
Our Ecological Footprints: How to Measure and Reduce Them
Peace in Transition
Protest Music: The Message is in the Song
Rediscovering Dinosaurs: From Fossils to Feathers
Spring Birding
Have a question, or want to find out more? Call the ALFA Office at 978 665 3706 or email them at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu
