Employers offering apprenticeship programs with AI-related credentials can now seek a state tax credit worth up to $4,800 per participant, the Healey administration announced Tuesday.
Roles like AI data annotators, cloud support specialists, AI security specialists, machine learning data curators and AI consultants now qualify for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit. The state said it also expanded the tax credit to include defense manufacturing and other manufacturing jobs.
Apprentices receive paid training and classroom instruction and work toward earning industry credentials. The Healey administration also announced it cut the annual program fee for registered apprenticeship sponsors from $300 to $250.
“By cutting fees and expanding tax credits, we’re making it even easier for employers and labor unions to invest in apprentice programs,” Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler said. “Registered apprenticeship is a time-tested model, and these changes help make Massachusetts a more affordable place to build a skilled workforce.”
There are more than 500 active registered apprenticeship programs in the state, with more than 10,000 apprentices. Most of the programs are in construction and building trades, while about a quarter are in the health care, education, life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries, officials said.
The changes will “set more people on the road to good-paying careers,” said Stephanie Swanson, executive vice president of government affairs at Associated Industries of Massachusetts.
“These changes are welcomed by employers, especially small and medium-sized companies struggling to find workers to support their success,” Swanson said.
