đź”’Worcester chamber joins statewide apprenticeship program
Timothy Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, speaks at a Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network event at Quinsigamond Community College. PHOTO | BRAD KANE
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has joined its Boston counterpart in becoming part of the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network, which seeks to help employers develop the workforce talent they need.
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has joined its Boston counterpart in becoming part of the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network, which seeks to help employers develop the workforce talent they need.“These partnerships are so critical between our employers and those originating in our communities,” said Timothy Murray, Worcester chamber president and CEO. “We want to facilitate more opportunities for partnership.”The Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network is an initiative of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, seeking to train available workers on the job at partner companies.Richard Gill, a journeyperson Swiss machinist at Tegra Medical, speaks at a Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network event. PHOTO | BRAD KANEIn 2022, the network expanded its reach from solely focused on the construction industry to additional industries such as health care and advanced manufacturing. Central Massachusetts businesses in the network include Franklin manufacturer Tegra Medical, Worcester-based Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester mental health provider Positive Behavior Supports, and Boston-based developer WinnCompanies, which is building multiple housing projects in Central Massachusetts.“The apprenticeship program is really awesome,” said Richard Gill, a journeyperson Swiss machinist at Tegra Medical, who went through the apprenticeship program. “To get paid while you are learning feels like a scam.”Gill spoke at a joint event held by the Worcester and Boston chambers to encourage more employers to join the apprenticeship network. About 80 advocates, business representatives, and education officials attended the Feb. 11 event at QCC.“We know how much turnover costs companies, and apprenticeships are a way to reduce turnover,” said Mike Holland, director of workforce development strategy for the Greater Boston Chamber Foundation.Mike Holland, director of workforce development strategy for the Greater Boston Chamber Foundation, encouraged companies to join the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network during an event at Quinsigamond Community College. PHOTO | BRAD KANEThe network has supported more than 800 apprentices statewide, with a goal of reaching 1,000 by 2027. Of the 800 apprentices placed, 91% retained a position at their companies, according to the network’s data. Of the apprentices, 65% are women, 59% are people of color, and 76% are aged 18-34.Apprenticeships can help Massachusetts employers overcome the challenges of a stagnant workforce, Holland said. The state had a net loss of about 33,000 people from July 2024 to July 2025, and more residents are aged 60+ than under the age of 20.Immigration had been a key component in the state’s workforce growth, but that has been curtailed this year as the federal approach to immigration has changed, he said.“That faced headwinds in 2025, and I’m sad to say, it will face additional headwinds for the next three years,” Holland said.Brad Kane is editor of the Worcester Business Journal.
