Press Release  Governor Healey Announces $2 Million in Apprenticeship Grants to Expand Access to Jobs

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $1.9 million in registered apprenticeship grants to expand access to paid training and good-paying careers across Massachusetts. Through the new GROW Intermediary grant program, funding will help organizations partner with employers to create and expand registered apprenticeship programs, giving more residents the opportunity to earn a paycheck while gaining the skills and experience needed to succeed in growing industries.

“Registered Apprenticeship gives people a chance to earn a paycheck while gaining the skills and experience they need to build a lasting career,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is expanding apprenticeships into more industries and opening these opportunities to more people across Massachusetts. These investments will help employers find the skilled workers they need while creating more pathways to good jobs and economic mobility.”

“Apprenticeships are a win for workers, employers and our communities because they connect people directly to good jobs while helping businesses develop the talent they need to grow,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will strengthen local and regional partnerships, expand apprenticeship into new industries, and create more opportunities for residents across Massachusetts to build rewarding careers.”

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones announced the awards at Work, Inc. in Dorchester, Massachusetts. At the event, the University of Massachusetts Boston, an intermediary sponsor for Work, Inc., received $175,500 to support 27 Direct Support Professional apprenticeships for individuals with disabilities. The announcement of $1.9 million for the GROW Intermediary grants includes contract renewals and new awards, supported by the state Workforce Investment Trust (WITF) funds and federal State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF).

Since January 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded more than $15 million in GROW grants to expand apprenticeship opportunities across Massachusetts. Registered apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to earn nationally recognized credentials, increase their wages, and advance their careers.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development's Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) oversees more than 900 registered apprenticeship programs across Massachusetts. While the majority of apprentices work in construction, programs are expanding into industries such as manufacturing, life sciences, education, and health care.

“Registered Apprenticeship is one of the most effective tools we have to connect talent with opportunity and respond directly to employers’ workforce needs,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “By investing in intermediaries, we’re helping more employers launch and expand apprenticeship programs while giving workers access to paid, hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and clear pathways to career advancement.”

Secretary Jones also announced the launch of a statewide Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Tour to highlight the administration's investments, showcase successful employer partnerships and promote opportunities in high-demand industries. The RAP tour will feature apprenticeship programs in health care, life sciences, manufacturing, education, and the skilled trades. In describing the RAP tour, Secretary Jones added: “We are excited to showcase these partnerships as well as the growing range of industries putting this proven model to build talent today.”

The RAP Tour includes the following stops:

• Thursday, October 15, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., Gutman Conference Center, 6 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA: Secretary Jones kicks off the American Swiss Foundation’s Innovation Forum on Apprenticeship 
• Tuesday, October 20, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Pfizer, 1 Burtt Rd, Andover, MA: Secretary Jones will visit Pfizer's registered apprenticeship program in partnership with MassBioEd to highlight apprenticeship in the life sciences
• Wednesday, October 21: Secretary will visit Waltham Public Schools’ Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program in partnership with DESE to highlight apprenticeship in education
• Thursday, October 29, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., IBEW Local 223, 475 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton: Secretary Jones will announce GROW Grant Awards at IBEW Local 223, including investments in the building trades and expansion industries
• Thursday, October 29: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., BAYADA Health, 2 Hampshire Street, Suite 108, Foxborough, MA: Secretary Jones will visit BAYADA Health to highlight the state’s first residency Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Registered Apprenticeship Program to showcase apprenticeship in healthcare

In addition to launching today’s investments to scale Registered Apprenticeship intermediaries, Governor Healey has taken further steps to make it easier and more affordable for employers to participate in registered apprenticeship programs. Earlier this year, she lowered the annual program fee for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors from $300 to $250 and expanded eligibility for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit to include occupations featuring AI-related credentials, defense manufacturing, and additional manufacturing occupations.

In 2025, DAS approved $988,800 in registered apprenticeship tax credits for 50 employers supporting 206 apprentices, more than double the previous years.

“Apprenticeship intermediaries help employers build training programs that connect workers to good careers,” said Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler. “These GROW grants will help more businesses launch and expand apprenticeships, creating new opportunities for Massachusetts workers.”

“We are very excited to be able to fund these new and existing partners who are going to help us scale Registered Apprenticeship throughout the Commonwealth,” said Director of the Division of Apprentice Standards Lara Thomas. “These investments will help create meaningful pathways to good-paying careers for more Massachusetts residents.”

Grant recipients

The 10 organizations receiving GROW Intermediary Grants today, projecting to register 303 apprentices in total, includes:

• Apprentos (Barnstable and Plymouth Counties): $117,000 to place and train 18 Automotive Service Tech Apprenticeships.
• Bridge Club of Greater Lowell – Troubled Waters Inc. (Lowell): $156,000 to place and train 24 Culinary Apprenticeships for individuals in recovery.
• Boston Private Industry Council (Boston): $468,000 to train and place 72 Surgical Technician, Sterile Processing Technician and Medical Assistant Apprenticeships.
• Brighter Boston (Boston): $26,000 to train and place 4 Audio Visual Apprenticeships.
• Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable): $117,000 to train and place 18 Marine Outboard Technician Apprenticeships.
• Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Boston): $212,250 to train and place 33 Building Maintenance Apprenticeships.
• Hamilton-Ryker Group (Burlington and Boston): $260,000 to train and place 40 Surgical Technician and Radiologic Technician Apprenticeships.
• Massachusetts Bankers Association (Statewide): $169,270 to train and place 22 Credit Analyst Apprenticeships.
• MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board (Springfield): $292,500 to train and place 45 Healthcare, Social Services and Manufacturing Apprenticeships.
• University of Massachusetts Boston (Boston): $175,500 to train and place 27 Direct Support Professional Apprenticeships to provide services to individuals with disabilities.

Statements of Support

“The future of disability services in MA depends on our ability to attract, develop, and recognize talented Direct Support Professionals. WORK Inc. is excited to work alongside Road to Responsibility Inc., the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston, and the GROW Intermediary HUB to build an apprenticeship pathway that elevates the DSP profession and creates opportunities for people to build meaningful, lasting careers.” - Sharon Smith, CEO, WORK Inc.

“The Boston Private Industry Council (Boston’s MassHire Workforce Board) is proud to be selected by the Division of Apprentice Standards to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Boston. As an intermediary, the PIC is uniquely positioned to work alongside both employers and apprentices. This grant reflects the strong partnerships we have built with Beth Israel Lahey Health, Mass General Brigham, and Tufts Medical Center, who share our commitment to developing the skilled workforce Boston needs to thrive.” - Michael O’Neill, Executive Director, Boston PIC/ MassHire Boston Workforce Board

“Registered apprenticeships strengthen our workforce by helping employers develop skilled talent while creating pathways to wealth-building careers. We’re grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this investment, which will allow us to continue growing the Massachusetts Apprentice Network, expand access to apprenticeship opportunities, and build the talent Massachusetts needs to remain competitive.” - James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Division of Apprentice Standards for this investment in expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across Hampden County. This funding will allow us to build upon our work as an apprenticeship intermediary, helping employers address critical workforce needs while creating meaningful career pathways for residents. Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model that benefits both employers and workers, and this investment will help us expand its reach and strengthen employers. - Peter Farkas, President & CEO, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board

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