Press Release: 5/2/2025
Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 250 Years of Apprenticeship Innovation
Event highlighted administration’s commitment to registered apprenticeship and its positive impact on workers, employers, and the economy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/01/2025
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Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
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Email Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications at matthew.kitsos2@mass.gov
BOSTON — Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and 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.
“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.
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
“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 here.
For more information of Registered Apprenticeship, visit mass.gov/apprenticeships.
Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones highlights registered apprenticeship as a powerful tool for individuals to gain meaningful employment.
A room full of apprentices listen as Lt. Governor Driscoll highlights the Healey-Driscoll Administration's investment in registered apprenticeship programs.
The event featured a panel discussion representing various industries that have embraced registered apprenticeship, including early childhood education.
Statements of Support
Dr. Aisha Francis, President and CEO of the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology:
“We've got to make sure that we align with the rapidly changing marketplace. It's important to build a bridge between young people who crave exciting and well-paying jobs in growing industries that need skilled workers. New apprenticeships in alternative fields play a critical role in building that bridge.”
Chaton Green, Business Agent at the Greater Boston Building Trades Union:
“Joining a Union changed my life. In just 10 years, I went from Building Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship Program to becoming an experienced, licensed, union tradesperson. Now, I’m a Business Agent with the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, representing 20 local unions, 35,000 workers and their families. Before starting my union apprenticeship, I worked as a non-union construction worker, making $13 an hour with no benefits and unsafe working conditions. Today, I know first-hand the difference a union makes in a career, and I’m proud to mentor new apprentices and help more people benefit from the power and protections of a union, too. There are two types of workers in this world: union workers, and soon-to-be union workers. Join us!”
Reneéleona Dozier, Business Agent and JATC Labor Trustee, IBEW Local 103:
“Registered apprenticeships change lives, and I’ve seen it firsthand. They open doors for people who might not have seen a clear path forward. By expanding apprenticeship opportunities across Massachusetts, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re helping individuals, families, and communities build stronger futures.”
Robert Lowell, Senior Director of Workforce Development with the YMCA of Greater Boston:
“The Massachusetts registered apprenticeship program has provided a well-thought-out structure for how the Y recruits, onboards, develops, and empowers early childhood apprentices throughout the 1-year program. We recently celebrated the accomplishments of several apprentices who are supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development at a round table discussion. Apprentices shared how the program is giving them an opportunity to get hands-on training to prepare them for a meaningful career in early education.”
Jodi Dalton, Insulators Local 6 apprentice and first place finisher in the Massachusetts Insulators Master Apprentice Competition:
“Becoming an apprentice really changed my life. It gave me purpose. I really didn’t know anything about unions. I was in a dead-end job and was miserable. Today I know where I’m headed.”