State Announces $2.1 Million in Grants to Expand Apprenticeship in Massachusetts
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.1 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW) to 34 organizations to train and place more than 300 apprentices and pre-apprentices across the state.
The grants, which include contract renewals and new awards, leverage nearly $2 million in state funding complemented by support from federal funds to train apprentices in high-growth industries like healthcare, manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences.
Registered apprenticeship provides individuals with paid work experience including classroom instruction and on-the-job training combined with securing nationally recognized credentials, progressive wage increases, and economic mobility and advancement.
“The GROW grants are an effective way to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities that connect people to good jobs and help build a skilled workforce,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Through these investments, our administration is helping more residents access pathways into growing industries while supporting employers who are ready to train and hire.”
The Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Commonwealth’s registered apprenticeship programs. DAS serves more than 500 active programs with more than 10,000 active apprentices. Construction and building trades apprenticeships comprise the majority of programs, with nearly one-quarter of registered apprentices represented by expansion industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
“Expanding and growing registered apprenticeship in Massachusetts is an important part of our workforce agenda,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said. “The GROW awards are part of the administration’s efforts to build workforce pipelines in our in-demand industries while increasing access and opportunity for our residents to pursue a career, gain industry-recognized credentials, and secure meaningful wages and benefits.”
Among the 34 grant recipients, four are based in Western Mass.:
• Eternal Light of Hope in Mankind in Adams will receive $20,000 to develop registered apprenticeships in workforce development;
• Franklin Hampshire Employment and Training Consortium in Greenfield will receive $19,500 to develop an outdoor recreation apprenticeship and hire and train six apprentices;
• Holyoke Community College will receive $20,000 to design one or more apprenticeships or pre-apprenticeships for solar, construction, and electrical firms; and
• MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board in Springfield will receive $217,500 to train and place 30 apprentices in healthcare, manufacturing, and behavioral health.