Construction employers and workforce development leaders in Massachusetts are set to benefit from new federal funding and policy changes aimed at expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs and increasing veteran participation in skilled trades and other high-demand industries. State officials announced a new U.S. Department of Labor investment alongside measures to reduce apprenticeship costs for military veterans.
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded Massachusetts $1.5 million through its State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grant program to strengthen Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy for emerging industries.
State officials said the funding will help employers expand apprenticeship opportunities, develop industry partnerships, strengthen postsecondary career pathways and address workforce needs across key sectors.
Massachusetts continues to broaden Registered Apprenticeship programs beyond the traditional construction trades, with additional opportunities in education, healthcare, manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration also announced the elimination of apprenticeship renewal registration fees for veterans. The policy follows an earlier decision to remove first-year registration fees, reducing the overall cost of apprenticeship participation for former service members. More than 450 registered apprentices in Massachusetts are veterans.
The state has also introduced measures to reduce employer costs. Earlier this year, Massachusetts lowered the annual Registered Apprenticeship program fee for sponsors from $300 to $250 and expanded eligibility for the state's Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit to include occupations involving AI-related credentials, defense manufacturing and additional manufacturing fields.
According to state data, Massachusetts approved $988,800 in apprenticeship tax credits for 50 employers in 2025, supporting the hiring of 206 apprentices.
Since January 2023, the Division of Apprentice Standards has awarded more than $13.5 million in apprenticeship grants, registered nearly 13,000 apprentices, added 2,609 apprentices in expanded industries and approved 339 new apprenticeship programs.
For construction owners and contractors, the latest investment reinforces Registered Apprenticeship as a key strategy for developing skilled craft workers amid ongoing labor shortages. Additional funding, reduced participation costs for veterans and expanded employer incentives can help contractors strengthen recruitment efforts while supporting long-term workforce development across Massachusetts.
Source: Mass. Gov.
