Massachusetts Invests $24.2M in Skilled Trades, Approves C&W Services Apprenticeships

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is doubling down on its efforts to address a statewide shortage of skilled trades professionals with two major workforce moves — awarding $24.2 million in training grants and approving a private-sector apprenticeship program in HVAC and electrical trades.

Announced last week at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill, the state’s Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grants will support training for 2,490 residents in high-demand occupations across trades, construction, and manufacturing. The program taps into existing career and technical education schools to provide adult learners with market-ready skills.

“By leveraging available resources at career and technical education schools across Massachusetts, we are opening more opportunities to help train and prepare untapped talent for current workforce demands,” said Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development. “This program is a great example of the collaborative efforts needed to build our workforce.”

Impact and Track Record of CTI Grants

Since launching, the CTI initiative has trained over 3,150 individuals, with 2,360 securing jobs in their fields — a placement rate of nearly 75%. Beyond the core grants, the state also awarded a planning grant to help design future training programs to meet evolving industry needs.

The program is overseen by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and works closely with employers, unions, and training providers to match graduates with real job opportunities.

C&W Services Joins the Ranks of State-Recognized Apprenticeship Sponsors

In a related move, the EOLWD’s Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) approved C&W Services, a Cushman & Wakefield subsidiary, as an official sponsor for HVAC/R and electrical trade apprenticeships. This approval allows the company to guide employees through state-licensed career pathways combining classroom learning, on-site mentorship, and hands-on technical work.

“This approval allows both new and existing team members to pursue licensure through a structured, fully recognized pathway,” said Michael Gill, senior director of client services for C&W Services’ Northeast region. “It’s a smart move for recruitment, retention, and most importantly, long-term service quality.”

The first cohort will include 16 apprentices drawn from C&W Services’ Massachusetts operations. Apprentices will follow a three-year HVAC/R track or a four-year electrical track, logging thousands of hours toward licensure. They must first obtain a DAS Apprentice Card and a Refrigeration Apprentice license from the Office of Public Safety and Inspections.

Competitive Advantage in a Tight Labor Market

With demand for licensed technicians far outstripping supply, C&W Services says the program is more than a compliance exercise — it’s a long-term strategy.

“The long-term dividends are clear. It strengthens our staffing and financial performance and more importantly, it improves the lives of the people earning their licenses,” Gill added. “We’re not just checking a box—we’re creating licensed professionals who meet the expectations of the state, the client, and the complexity of today’s facilities systems.”

The company now joins a small group of major facility service providers in Massachusetts to hold apprenticeship sponsor status for both HVAC/R and electrical trades, a designation that could help secure talent pipelines for years to come.

Why This Matters for Massachusetts

• Bridging the Skills Gap: Both the grants and the apprenticeship approval target industries facing chronic shortages of licensed professionals.
• Boosting Local Economies: Graduates are expected to fill roles in manufacturing plants, construction sites, and commercial facilities statewide.
• Private-Public Collaboration: The combination of state-funded school programs and company-led apprenticeships showcases how shared responsibility can accelerate workforce development.

With the CTI program expanding and private apprenticeship opportunities growing, Massachusetts is positioning itself as a national leader in skilled trades workforce innovation.

Originally reported by Joe Burns in Construction Dive.