Press Release  Massachusetts Awarded More Than $1 Million For Registered Apprenticeship

Boston — Today, at the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Council meeting, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) awarded $1,052,584 for Massachusetts to support Registered Apprenticeship as a training and employment strategy for emerging industries. This awarded USDOL grant 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.

“Our administration is committed to expanding Registered Apprenticeship for more industries, supporting business growth, a stronger workforce, and economic competitiveness in regions across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and USDOL for providing these critical funds to build the workforce we need to deliver on key infrastructure projects, from roads and bridges to clean energy and resiliency in Massachusetts.”

“Registered Apprenticeship is a successful workforce development model that our administration is committed to expanding,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment 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 second round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding the department has awarded. The funding advances the Biden-Harris administration’s goals to expand, modernize and diversify Registered Apprenticeship for all American workers, including women, people of color, individuals with disabilities and other underserved communities. 

“As part of our workforce agenda, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is bridging partnerships through strategies like Registered Apprenticeship to close skills gaps and create more pathways for untapped talent in Massachusetts,” said  Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “We appreciate the support of the Biden-Harris Administration so we can leverage new funding that will provide meaningful career pathways across several high growth industries and with committed employers ready to build their workforce in Massachusetts.” 

“Building on the investments made by the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Legislature, these federal grant funds will help us grow high quality apprenticeship programs in the Commonwealth,” said Undersecretary Josh Cutler. “Our team at the Division of Apprentice Standards is ready to leverage these funds, engage with more employers, and unlock opportunities for Massachusetts jobseekers and workers.”

The USDOL award for Massachusetts builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to growing Registered Apprenticeship. In February, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced $5 million in Apprenticeship Expansion and Opportunity Grants, including a combination of state and federal funds, to 25 organizations to train and place apprentices across the state. The FY25 budget continued these investments with nearly $3.5 million to support registered apprenticeship and expand to industries like health care, life sciences, education, and advanced manufacturing while also enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for the construction and building trades. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $1 billion tax cut package included expanded eligibility for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit, which offers employers a $4,800 credit for each apprentice hired.

Statements of Support

Sue Mailman, Massachusetts Apprentice Council member and owner of Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc.: 

“It’s wonderful to learn that the Healey-Driscoll Administration efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities are being recognized with a sizable federal investment! Apprenticeship is a strong workforce development model that opens opportunity to earn a check while learning new skills offering a better future for employees AND employers.”

Maryanne Ham, Massachusetts Apprentice Council member and Executive Director of the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC):

“Funding for Manufacturing Registered Apprenticeships addresses the need to fill the employment gaps affected by the majority of manufacturing employers in Massachusetts. Companies who use the registered apprenticeship model as part of their employment strategy have seen an increase in morale and retention rates as they show they value their employees’ dedication and commitment.”

Rick Carter, Massachusetts Apprentice Council Chair and Training Director for Plumbers Local 12:

“We at the Apprenticeship Council are very excited that the Division of Apprentice Standards received these grant funds to help solidify apprenticeship programs across the commonwealth. These funds will be used to help expand apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state and help underserved career seekers in the future.” 

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