Fostering Growth
Massachusetts is widely recognized as having some of the nation’s best programs, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized registered apprenticeship as a workforce strategy to address the state’s ongoing need for skilled labor and build a robust talent pipeline for today and develop, attract, and retain a future workforce. The investments not only support the immediate needs of employers, but also foster long-term economic growth by providing individuals with the skills necessary for high-demand occupations.
The administration’s efforts include expanding apprenticeships in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and education. As a result of these, since January 2023, the Division of Apprentice Standards has:
- Leveraged state and federal funds to award more than $10 million in apprenticeship grants.
- Registered 9,309 new apprentices in expanded and traditional industries
- On track to register more than 10,000 by the end of the year
- Registered 1,813 new apprentices in expanded industries
- Registered 203 new apprenticeship programs
- Expanded registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATC) to industries like clean energy and approved $480,000 in registered apprenticeship tax credits to employers who hired 100 apprentices, more than double the number in previous years
- Reestablished the Apprenticeship Council
A Revolutionary Workforce
“By bringing together over 250 apprentices plus workforce partners, Massachusetts demonstrated—yet again—the power of registered apprenticeship as a workforce strategy to build skilled talent,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “By scaling registered apprenticeship, we closing the skills gap, increasing opportunity for untapped talent to pursue meaningful careers, and meeting the hiring needs of employers.”
“For more than 250 years, Massachusetts has been building a revolutionary workforce through apprenticeship, connecting people to good jobs and employers to skilled talent,” said Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler. “Today, we honor that legacy by expanding apprenticeship opportunities in growing industries and ensuring every worker has a pathway to thrive.”
“Our registered apprenticeship programs are experiencing tremendous growth in new technologies,” said Business Manager of IBEW Local 103 Lou Antonellis. “Workforce development and training are crucial to keep creating the kind of good, union jobs our communities need. We’re very proud to be able to provide top-tier training and facilities like our Greater Boston Joint Apprentice Training Center (JATC) for our apprentices.”
The event was part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration commemoration of Massachusetts' 250th anniversary and the nation’s independence. In the United States, the history of apprenticeships dates back to colonial times, especially in Massachusetts, and has evolved with industrial changes, ultimately leading to the modern registered apprenticeship system. A recording of the event can be found at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3FnhDC3Dvk.