- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
- Division of Apprentice Standards
Media Contact
Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) awarded $1.5 million 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.
The administration also announced that it is making apprenticeship more affordable for veterans by eliminating all renewal registration fees. Previously, the Division of Apprentice Standards eliminated the initial or first year registration fee for veterans. Currently, there are more than 450 registered apprentices who are veterans. Secretary Jones made the announcement during a visit to Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12, where she met with veteran apprentices.
"Our veterans have already demonstrated the leadership, discipline and commitment that employers are looking for, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to build successful careers here in Massachusetts," said Governor Maura Healey. "Registered Apprenticeship is one of the best pathways to a good-paying job, and today's investments will help more workers gain the skills employers need while eliminating costs that can stand in the way for veterans. We're proud to support those who served our country while helping businesses build the workforce they need to grow."
"Supporting our veterans means creating real opportunities for them to thrive after their military service," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "We're removing financial barriers, expanding access to apprenticeship programs and connecting more veterans with careers that offer family-sustaining wages, valuable credentials and opportunities to grow right here in Massachusetts."
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.
“Registered Apprenticeship is a powerful tool, paving the way for workers, closing skills gaps, and connecting employers with new talent,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “As we scale Registered Apprenticeship, it is also important that we increase access for untapped talent, like skilled veterans—providing more affordable pathways to careers with competitive wages and benefits to work and live in Massachusetts.”
“Massachusetts employers benefit when they can recruit and train veterans with proven leadership, communication, and strategy skills,” said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. “Eliminating these apprenticeship registration fees offers more opportunities for those who have served to gain a foothold in the civilian workforce and apply their knowledge to help grow the Commonwealth’s economy.”
“Apprenticeship helps Massachusetts veterans turn their service into strong civilian careers,” said Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler. “By eliminating registration fees for veterans, we are lowering costs and helping more veterans access high-quality training, credentials and good-paying jobs.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is focused on making Massachusetts more affordable and competitive for employers. As part of its efforts, in January, the administration lowered the annual program fee for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors from $300 to $250 and also 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 to 50 employers who hired 206 apprentices, more than double the number in previous years.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s apprenticeship 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 $13.5 million in apprenticeship grants.
- Registered nearly 13,000 apprentices
- Registered 2,609 new apprentices in expanded industries
- Registered 339 new apprenticeship programs
- Selected to participate in the “Apprenticeship America” cohort through the Future Ready Apprenticeship Center to strengthen and scale Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for youth ages 16-24.
- Reestablished the Apprenticeship Council
To learn more about starting a registered apprenticeship program in Massachusetts and how it can help employers build a skilled workforce, visit the Massachusetts Registered Apprenticeship website.
Statements of Support
“Thank you to Governor Healey and Secretary Jones for their leadership on supporting our veterans and our building trades unions. This fee waiver sends a signal to our veterans that we not only value them and their service but welcome them home to economic opportunity without barriers. There is strong history between our building trades union and our veterans community.” - Senator Nick Collins, Member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:
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Media Contact
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
