Key Moments
MassBridge Apprenticeships Symposium May 2022
MIT OpenCourseWareKey Moments
Massachusetts expands apprenticeships beyond construction into new sectors with a focus on diversity and equity.
Key Insights
Massachusetts is actively expanding registered apprenticeships into new industries beyond its traditional construction focus.
A significant emphasis is placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to ensure broader access to apprenticeship programs.
The state has modernized its apprenticeship infrastructure, including a new e-place portal for program registration and management.
Federal grants from the U.S. Department of Labor have been crucial in funding apprenticeship expansion and innovation efforts.
Partnerships with industry consortiums, community colleges, and workforce development agencies are key to scaling apprenticeship programs.
Efforts are being made to simplify the apprenticeship process for businesses and integrate it with educational pathways.
EVOLUTION OF APPRENTICESHIP IN MASSACHUSETTS
Patrick Mitchell, Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning for Massachusetts, highlights the state's intentional shift in its apprenticeship strategy. Historically dominated by construction (90%), Massachusetts is now diversifying into sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, life sciences, hospitality, and transportation. This strategic expansion is driven by a need to adapt to industry changes and provide new talent development pathways. The journey involves a move from a compliance-focused, construction-only model to a more customer-service-oriented approach that embraces multiple industries and emphasizes growth and equity.
FOCUS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI)
A core tenet of Massachusetts's apprenticeship expansion is its robust DEI strategy. The state is actively working to ensure apprenticeship programs grow inclusively and target underrepresented populations who have historically been excluded from registered apprenticeships. This involves specific research, planning, and the implementation of an Apprenticeship Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) plan. Initiatives aim to create more accessible apprenticeship services, including piloting projects for individuals with disabilities and fostering a more diverse construction apprenticeship workforce through various partnerships and consultant engagement.
MODERNIZATION OF APPRENTICESHIP INFRASTRUCTURE
To support its expansion goals, Massachusetts has undertaken significant modernization efforts. This includes restructuring the Division of Apprentice Standards to be more adaptive and responsive, doubling staff, and flattening the organizational structure. Key technological advancements include the launch of an 'e-place' portal, a robust customer interface for program sponsors to register apprentices, manage programs, and handle grant reporting and compliance functions. This digital transformation streamlines operations, making apprenticeship implementation easier for businesses and improving the overall efficiency of program oversight.
LEVERAGING GRANTS AND STATE FUNDING
Federal funding, particularly from U.S. Department of Labor grants (such as AAI, SAE, and ACE grants), has been instrumental in driving apprenticeship expansion and innovation in Massachusetts. These grants support initiatives like developing apprenticeship hubs, sector-specific intermediaries, and capacity-building programs. Additionally, state funds have increased, providing direct grant-making to entities that implement related technical instruction, a proven method for growing apprenticeships. A registered apprenticeship tax credit also incentivizes businesses to onboard apprentices, offering financial support for two years per apprentice.
SECTOR-SPECIFIC INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS
Massachusetts has developed targeted initiatives for various growth sectors. This includes building apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing, supported by intermediaries to help businesses backfill positions. The life sciences and financial services sectors have seen new programs developed with industry consortiums playing a vital role in adoption. Efforts have also focused on creating apprenticeships in child care services and significant work is being done to enhance DEI in construction apprenticeships. The state is mapping out career pathways, such as a credit analyst program with the Mass Bankers Association, integrating apprenticeships with community colleges and four-year institutions.
BUILDING A COLLABORATIVE APPRENTICESHIP ECOSYSTEM
The 'Massachusetts Apprentice Network,' launched in partnership with the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Boston Chamber of Commerce, and Accenture, signifies a collaborative approach to apprenticeship development. This industry-led initiative focuses on helping businesses adopt apprenticeship programs and works with training partners like community colleges and nonprofits to build a pipeline of prospective apprentices. Streamlining the apprenticeship process for businesses by reducing complexity and enhancing service delivery is a primary focus. The state aims to make apprenticeship as seamless and accessible as possible through ongoing technological improvements and operational updates.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Software & Apps
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Massachusetts Apprenticeship Tax Credit
Data extracted from this episode
| Benefit | Duration | Annual Cap per Business |
|---|---|---|
| $400 per apprentice | 2 years | $100,000 |
Common Questions
While historically construction-focused, Massachusetts is actively expanding apprenticeship into new industries like manufacturing, financial services, life sciences, healthcare, hospitality, and transportation, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
State Apprenticeship Expansion funding, mentioned as one of the grants received by Massachusetts.
An organization in Massachusetts that partnered to develop a credit analyst apprenticeship program.
Institutions that Patrick Mitchell has worked with for 15 years to develop pre-apprenticeship and career pathway programs.
A system mentioned as a comparison for the E-place portal, likely referring to a national or other state's apprenticeship management system.
Grants received by states from the U.S. Department of Labor to fund and expand apprenticeship programs.
A current grant being implemented in Massachusetts focused on building expansion industries and promoting DEI.
A tax credit offered to businesses in Massachusetts that onboard apprentices, providing $400 per apprentice for two years.
A network launched in Massachusetts in March, involving the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Boston Chamber of Commerce, and Accenture, to drive industry-led apprenticeship development.
A consultancy that has led development efforts for apprenticeship networks in other states and cities, and is a partner in the Massachusetts Apprentice Network.
The division within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development that manages apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts.
Workforce development agencies in Massachusetts that are leveraged to develop and deliver apprenticeship programs, often through grants.
Apprenticeship Capacity Building funding, mentioned as one of the grants received by Massachusetts.
An organization representing large businesses in Massachusetts and a partner in the Massachusetts Apprentice Network.
The state whose apprenticeship programs and initiatives are the focus of the presentation.
The office that provides oversight for Massachusetts' apprenticeship programming, including grant making and tax credits.
The customer interface developed by Massachusetts for sponsors to register programs and apprentices, and for grant reporting and compliance functions.
Regional bodies that work with Mass Higher Career Centers to integrate apprenticeship into existing service delivery.
Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning for Massachusetts, discussing the state's apprenticeship programs.
A plan developed by the executive office that focused on expanding apprenticeship into new industries and diversifying the workforce.
State Apprenticeship Equity Expansion and Innovation grant, which helps move into clean energy initiatives.
An organization that is a partner in the Massachusetts Apprentice Network, focused on driving apprenticeship adoption.
Apprenticeship Allied Industries grants, which Massachusetts first received around 2015-2016 to expand apprenticeship.
A current grant being implemented in Massachusetts focused on building expansion industries and promoting DEI.
An entity assisting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in creating more accessible apprenticeship services, including a pilot project for individuals with disabilities.
Location where Patrick Mitchell previously developed pre-apprenticeship programs and worked in the tech industry.
Grants from the U.S. Department of Labor that have been instrumental in developing apprenticeship sector hubs and placement services in Massachusetts.
A current grant being implemented in Massachusetts focused on building expansion industries and promoting DEI.
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