An Act relative to expanding and modernizing apprenticeships, the official text

	Chapter 23 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 11W the following section:-
	Section 11X. (a) The division, in consultation with the apprenticeship council established in section 11E, which for purposes of this section shall mean the green energy, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and green building industries.
	(b) The division shall expand apprenticeship opportunities in expansion industries by: (i) developing industry-specific standards and training modules in partnership with employers, trade organizations and educational institutions; (ii) establishing regional advisory boards to address local workforce needs and ensure alignment with regional economic development priorities; and (iii) prioritizing apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented populations, including women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
	(c) Employers participating in an apprentice program in expansion industries shall be eligible for: (i) a tax credit of up to $5,000 per apprentice hired; provided that, the apprentice completes at least 1,000 hours of training; and (ii) state subsidies to offset costs associated with apprentice wages, training materials and administrative expenses.
	(d) To qualify for incentives pursuant to subsection (c), employers shall: (i) have or establish an apprentice program as defined in section 11H; and (ii) demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices.
	(e)(1) The division shall launch a statewide public awareness campaign to promote apprenticeship opportunities. The public awareness campaign shall focus on: (i) the benefits of apprenticeships as a debt-free pathway to high-paying careers; (ii) success stories from current and former apprentices; and (iii) resources for employers and potential apprentices to participate in the program.
	(2) The public awareness campaign shall include: (i) multimedia advertisements on television, radio and digital platforms; and (ii) partnerships with schools, community organizations and workforce development boards to distribute materials and host informational sessions.
	(f) The division shall prepare an annual report on the program established in this section that shall include: (i) the number of apprentices registered by industry and region; (ii) employer participation and utilization of incentives; (iii) the effectiveness of the public awareness campaign; and (iv) any recommendations for improvements to the program. The annual report shall be submitted, not later than December 31, to the chairs of the joint committee on labor and workforce development and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate.