Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Wins $6 Million for Registered Apprenticeship

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) has been awarded more than $6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to support Registered Apprenticeship and early childhood educator apprenticeships. This award builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to expand Registered Apprenticeship, a proven workforce strategy that combines technical and on-the-job training for workers, delivers industry-recognized credentials, and increases access to progressive wage increases and good-paying jobs. 

The Division was awarded two grants, a formula grant for $1,008,964 to support the Registered Apprenticeship program and a competitive grant for $5 million to support 275 early childhood educator apprenticeships. The competitive grant is the largest grant the apprenticeship program has received to date. 

For the $5 million competitive grant, DAS will engage with projects that seek to provide incentive funding to new and existing employers to rapidly scale early childhood education Registered Apprenticeship Programs, as well as create a Technical Assistance Hub for early childhood education apprenticeships. Additionally, identified projects will partner with Massachusetts community colleges to develop an early childhood education pre-apprenticeship program for high school students. 

“Our administration is committed to expanding Registered Apprenticeship to support business growth, create a stronger workforce, and strengthen our economic competitiveness across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will provide funding to rapidly scale childhood education Registered Apprenticeship programs and help lower the cost of child care in the state.” 

“Registered Apprenticeship is a proven workforce development model that we have been expanding,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help us not only achieve our goals but further our efforts and reach even more individuals and businesses.”

Through the USDOL, State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants support states to engage industry partners, create post-secondary education career pathways and develop the talent pipeline needed to meet the skill needs of their local labor markets. The investments are part of the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding the department has awarded. The State Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive grant will help support the launch, scaling, and sustainability of early childhood educator apprenticeships statewide, with an emphasis on “child care deserts” in the state. 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is focused on expanding pathways for untapped talent to pursue meaningful careers and Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model to achieve this goal,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “As we scale Registered Apprenticeship to build the workforce among early childhood educators, we have registered 269 apprentices in this field and this grant position Massachusetts for building on this momentum to meet as we increase access to affordable, quality child care in Massachusetts.”  

Expanding registered apprenticeship for early childhood education is a priority among the Administration’s “whole of government” Early Education and Child Care Task Force recommendations. The Division of Apprentice Standards and the Department of Early Education and Care have work collaboratively over the past year to engage and scale registered apprenticeship.

“Through Governor Healey’s Child Care Task Force, we have been working to support job seekers passionate about early childhood education to gain the skills and experience they need to join the field and meet their economic mobility goals. We have made progress, increasing educator compensation by almost 20%, reducing the number of vacant positions, adding more child care seats and opening more programs. This $6 million investment will accelerate this work, helping us to continue reducing child care costs for families and strengthening the early education and care workforce,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

“This record investment in apprenticeship is a game-changer for early childhood education employers in Massachusetts,” said Undersecretary Josh Cutler. “With these funds, we can partner with providers to launch and expand registered apprenticeship programs that strengthen their workforce, stabilize staffing, and ensure more families have access to high-quality care.”

“Early education and care apprenticeships provide practical, hands-on experience and a clear career pathway — allowing participants to learn while earning,” said Department of Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This grant will help grow and strengthen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the early education and care workforce while ensuring greater access to high-quality learning experiences for children and their families.”

"Apprenticeships are hands-on experiences that help people build careers and strengthen our workforce,” Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Few people work harder than early childhood educators, and I know these dollars will be put to good use creating new opportunities and making a positive impact for families and businesses across Massachusetts."

Massachusetts is recognized in scaling apprenticeship as an innovative workforce strategy in expansion industries, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized registered apprenticeship to address the state’s ongoing need for skilled labor and build a robust talent pipeline for future workforce needs. 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 Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts include expanding apprenticeships in fields such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences. 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.
• On track to register more than 10,000 by the end of the year
• Registered 1,927 new apprentices in expanded industries
• Registered 269 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

Statements of Support:

Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development:

"Registered Apprenticeships open doors to meaningful careers while addressing our state's workforce needs. By expanding Registered Apprenticeships in early childhood education, we're creating real pathways for individuals to build careers, earn a living wage, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. This investment will provide more educators with the tools and experience they need, while ensuring that families across Massachusetts have access to the care they deserve. As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, I'm proud to see federal resources directed toward building both economic mobility for workers and stability for our childcare system." 

Representative Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development:

“A skilled workforce that is well-trained is the underlying foundation of a strong Commonwealth. The Registered Apprenticeship Program solidifies that foundation and offers long term benefits to individuals, businesses and communities.”

Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:

“Expanding the number of early childhood educator apprenticeships and establishing a Technical Assistance Hub will strengthen our workforce and increase access to affordable childcare for families across Massachusetts,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Strong apprenticeship programs, like this one, are a win-win-win for participants exploring new fields with practical experience, employers filling positions in high-demand areas, and families who benefit from expanded access to high-quality, affordable childcare.”

Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:

“Early childhood educator apprenticeships are essential to addressing the workforce shortage in early education and child care. By expanding these programs, we can strengthen the early education workforce and make child care more accessible and affordable for families across the Commonwealth.”

David Donaldson, founder of National Center for Grow Your Own and creator of the K-12 teacher registered apprenticeship:

“We are honored to support the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in expanding pathways into the early childhood education profession through registered apprenticeship. We applaud the Healey-Driscoll administration, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Early Education and Care for their leadership and vision in removing financial barriers for aspiring educators. By securing the USDOL SAEF grant, Massachusetts is setting a national example of how to invest in its workforce while ensuring our littlest learners have the high-quality teachers they need and deserve. We are grateful to play even a small role in advancing this important work alongside such committed leaders.” 

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