In a recent move, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has appointed State Representative Josh Cutler as the new Undersecretary of Apprenticeship, Work-Based Learning, and Policy in the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. According to the announcement, the lawmaker with a record of advocating for workforce development is set to contribute to the growth of apprenticeship programs statewide.
“Representative Culter has been a tremendous partner in advancing workforce development, and we are excited that he will continue his leadership in our administration as we work to grow important programs like registered apprenticeship,” Governor Healey expressed. Cutler, who has also served as House Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, brings years of legislative experience into his new position. "I'm confident that Representative Cutler will continue to support Massachusetts residents and businesses in this role and add great value to the team," she added.
Cutler's responsibilities will include oversight of the Division of Apprentice Standards and expansion of Registered Apprenticeships, along with fostering work-based learning career pathways. This is in partnership with both the Executive Office of Education and other policy efforts, such as the future of work and caregiving in the workplace.
“I am excited to join the Healey-Driscoll Administration and look forward to working with Secretary Jones as we implement policies and programs to help support our workers and enable our businesses to thrive,” Cutler shared in his remarks on his new role. He has previously served as co-chair for several committees including the Future of Work Commission and the WorkAbility Subcommittee on disability employment.
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano commended Cutler's consensus-driven approach to legislation, asserting, “Chairman Cutler’s hard working, consensus seeking approach to addressing challenging issues allowed him to play a critical role in a number of the significant legislative initiatives that took place during his time in the House. That same approach also helped him win in a competitive district and forge working relationships with folks from across the ideological spectrum. On behalf of the House, I want to thank Josh for his service to our chamber. I’m confident that his role in the Healey-Driscoll Administration will be a continuation of the vital work that he did as a Representative on behalf of workers from across the Commonwealth.” Massachusetts AFL-CIO's President and CEO, Chrissy Lynch echoed similar sentiments, anticipating Cutler's fierce advocacy for workers to continue in his new capacity.
Cutler's extensive background, which includes a Masters in Public Policy and a Juris Doctor, combined with recognition by varied organizations for his contributions to workforce policy highlights the expertise he is expected to bring to the new office. Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions, lauded the appointment as well: “Governor Maura Healey and EOLWD Secretary Lauren Jones have made a great choice in selecting Josh Cutler as the new Undersecretary of Apprenticeship Training, Work-Based Learning, and Policy. Cutler is a recognized leader in workforce development who has worked with, and earned the respect of, the Building Trades and the larger labor movement.”
