Massachusetts Receives More Than $1 Million To Invest In Apprenticeships

A federal agency has awarded the Massachusetts state government more than $1 million to support registered apprenticeships in the state.An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines hands-on work experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to learn a trade or profession while earning a wage. It typically leads to certification or qualifications in the chosen field.The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced the $1,052,584 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor during a meeting of the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Council on Monday, September 16, state officials said."This [U.S. Department of Labor] grant aligns with the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to expanding Registered Apprenticeships, which provide a proven workforce solution by combining technical education with hands-on training, offering industry-recognized credentials, and improving access to wage progression and well-paying jobs," a press release from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development said.Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey applauded the Biden-Harris administration for providing the state with this funding.."Our administration is committed to expanding Registered Apprenticeship for more industries, supporting business growth, a stronger workforce, and economic competitiveness in regions across Massachusetts," Healey said in the written statement. "We're grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and [U.S. Department of Labor] 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.".Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll reiterated that the Healey-Driscoll administration sees apprenticeships as a vital component of workforce development.."Registered Apprenticeship is a successful workforce development model that our administration is committed to expanding," Driscoll said in the press release. "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.".The U.S. Department of Labor's State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants help states engage industry partners, build post-secondary career pathways, and develop talent to meet local labor market demands, the press release said."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," Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones said in the press release. "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."Josh Cutler, a former Democratic state representative on the South Shore who resigned earlier this year to become undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development in the Healey administration, said the state hasn't yet chosen how to allocate the funds. But he also said state officials will do so in a way that will create jobs in the Bay State.."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," Cutler said, according to the press release. "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 funding comes after the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced $5 million in Apprenticeship Expansion and Opportunity Grants back in February, providing a mix of state and federal funds to 25 organizations in health care, life sciences, education, and advanced manufacturing.."It's wonderful to learn that the Healey-Driscoll Administration efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities are being recognized with a sizable federal investment!" Sue Mailman, Massachusetts Apprentice Council member and owner of Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc., said in the press release. "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.".New to NewBostonPost? Discover the difference with content that goes beyond the typical Massachusetts news outlets. Stay informed with news and commentary rooted in conservative values—for just $1 a week. Cancel anytime. Don’t wait—join now and see what you’ve been missing!

Massachusetts Receives More Than $1 Million To Invest In Apprenticeships

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