By Jerry Filmore
WORCESTER — The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce has officially joined the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network, a statewide initiative designed to help employers build structured training programs for skilled talent. The partnership was announced Wednesday morning during an event at Quinsigamond Community College.
The Network, an initiative of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, works with businesses, educators, and community leaders to create apprenticeship models that address specific industry needs. By joining the Network, the Worcester Chamber aims to connect local employers with resources to implement these programs in Central Massachusetts.
Focus on Workforce Development Business leaders, vocational educators, and workforce partners gathered at the college to mark the announcement. Speakers included Worcester Chamber President and CEO Timothy P. Murray, Greater Boston Chamber President and CEO James E. Rooney, and State Senator Michael Moore, a graduate of Quinsigamond Community College.
Murray described the partnership as a critical step for the regional economy.
“Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful economic development tools we have,” Murray said. “When we invest in building talent locally, we strengthen our businesses, create opportunities for residents, and make our region more competitive.”
Expanding Beyond Traditional Trades While apprenticeships have long been a staple of the construction industry, the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network has expanded the model into other high-growth sectors. Since 2022, the initiative has supported programs in healthcare, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
According to data provided at the event, the Network has supported more than 800 apprentices statewide to date with a goal of reaching 1,000 by 2027. The organization reports that 91 percent of apprentices are hired by their employers upon completing their training.
James Rooney noted that the collaboration ensures employers are active participants in creating the talent pool they need.
“Strategic collaborations and partnerships like this are how we sharpen our competitive edge,” Rooney said. “It is about making sure employers have access to talent and that we are creating a workforce for the 21st century.”
Real-World Application The event featured testimony from Richard Gill, an apprentice at Tetra Medical, a medical manufacturing operation in Framingham. Gill began a machining apprenticeship in June 2025 without prior manufacturing experience. He is now training as a Level 3 CNC Swiss Machinist while completing engineering and science coursework.
Program leaders highlighted stories like Gill’s to demonstrate how the “earn while learning” model allows workers to build skills and financial stability simultaneously.
Next Steps for Local Businesses Through this new membership, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce will serve as a conduit for local businesses interested in adopting the apprenticeship model. Employers will have access to best practices and partnerships necessary to design training programs.
Businesses interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce directly.
🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: Worcester Chamber joins Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network
- Current Status: Partnership officially announced
- Key Dates or Decisions: Announcement made Wednesday at Quinsigamond Community College
- Estimated Cost (if applicable): Not applicable
- Timeline (if known): Network goal to reach 1,000 apprentices by 2027
- Immediate Next Steps: Local employers to coordinate with Chamber for program implementation
- Primary Sources: Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce; Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation
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