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BOSTON, MA — On May 1st, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and State Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones joined labor leaders, workforce partners, state and local officials, and hundreds of apprentices at IBEW Local 103 Union Hall to celebrate National Apprenticeship Day and recognize 250 years of apprenticeship innovation in Massachusetts.
The event, Building a Revolutionary Workforce: 250 Years of Apprenticeship Innovation, honored the Commonwealth’s historic leadership in registered apprenticeship programs and spotlighted how modern initiatives continue to foster skilled labor, economic opportunity, and diversity in construction and the building trades plus new industries such as health care, the life sciences, and early childhood education.
Pathways for Success
“Registered Apprenticeship programs reflect a commitment to creating pathways for success across various industries, which will create a more resilient and dynamic workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments remind us that beyond the line items, programs like this have a direct impact on people’s lives. Our administration will continue to support workers and employers across the state.”
“By expanding eligibility to some of our most in-demand and growing industries, we are reducing the cost of doing business in Massachusetts, encouraging employers to leverage apprenticeships as a strategy to fill their hiring needs, and giving dozens of Massachusetts residents a pathway to a good-paying career,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We will continue to support our workers and employers to make Massachusetts more affordable and strengthen our competitiveness.”
Registered apprenticeships provide intensive technical training in the classroom combined with on-the-job training and mentorship from skilled professionals, allowing apprentices to “earn while they learn.” As apprentices gain technical skills and practical on-the-job experience, the apprentices receive progressive wages and benefits.
Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones (left) Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler (right) and a historical reenactor celebrate 250 years of apprenticeship in Massachusetts.
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.
For more information of Registered Apprenticeship, visit the Division of Apprentice Standards website at www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-apprentice-standards.
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