LYNN — After receiving $200,000 from the Commonwealth’s Career Technical Initiative grant program, Lynn Tech is launching 200-hour automotive technology and welding classes.

The new program, slated to begin on Feb. 26, will run Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lynn Tech.

Lynn Tech Cooperative Education Coordinator David Granger said it aims to help young professionals learn the skills necessary to enter the two profitable trades.

“It’s really targeted towards the underemployed, the unemployed. People that are looking to significantly improve their skill in their field,” Ganger said.

Upon completing the course, Gagner said participating students can earn the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Safety and Pollution Prevention certifications necessary to gain employment as welders or automotive workers.

“There’s lots of opportunity in these fields these days… this program makes you aware of all the dangers in the shop so that you operate in a safe manner. It also familiarizes you with all the necessary tools and procedures and just the inner workings of a shop,” Gagner said.

Those interested in applying for the project must first submit an application and then go through an interview process. While Lynn Tech will prioritize local applicants, Gagner said class space is rapidly filling up.

Since the program’s launch was announced on Facebook last week, Gangner said the school received roughly 30 applicants, even though he intends to seat roughly 10 students in each class.

“I was out of my office for probably 20 minutes. I came back, and I had 15 new applicants. It’s moving pretty quickly,” Gagner said. “If we can help put people to work, help build skills that the industries out there need, it’s really a great thing for the community. It’s great for the school, and It’s great for everybody. We just want to get people out there and give them opportunities to make their lives better.”