As featured in Facilities Dive – read the full article here.
In an industry where licensed technicians are increasingly hard to find, C&W Services isn’t waiting for talent to appear. Instead, we’ve taken critical steps to build a human pipeline. With approval from the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS), we’ve launched a state-recognized apprenticeship program that goes beyond filling roles. It helps shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals in facilities services. The program, “really aligns with our strategy for pipeline development,” says Angel Doyle, Vice President of Client Services for the Northeast Region. “It will truly pay off.”
This milestone isn’t merely internal housekeeping. Our apprenticeship program represents a strategic investment that strengthens our workforce. It enhances our service delivery and positions C&W Services as a market leader in one of the nation’s most competitive commercial real estate markets.
From Approval to Advantage: A Smarter Workforce Strategy
The DAS approval process, governed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, is far from symbolic. It involved a rigorous vetting of our engineering and maintenance operations, ensuring that our program met strict requirements regarding structure, oversight, and technical licensing.
As a result, we can now formally sponsor apprentices pursuing licensure in two critical disciplines: HVAC/R Journeyperson Technician and Electrical Journeyperson. That state recognition carries weight—not just for our employees, but also for the clients they serve.
“This approval allows both new and existing skilled trades personnel to pursue licensure through a structured, fully recognized pathway,” explains Mike Gill, Senior Director of Client Services for the Northeast Region, who played a critical role in developing the program. “It’s a smart move for recruitment, retention, and, most importantly, long-term service quality.”
Clients benefit from this investment in direct and measurable ways. Every C&W Services technician working under this program progresses through a formal, state-monitored training process—offering a level of technical assurance and compliance that informal models simply can’t match.
No Shortcuts—Just State-Licensed Talent
Unlike informal training tracks, this apprenticeship program is tightly aligned with Massachusetts regulations and industry expectations. To begin accruing on-the-job training hours, each apprentice must first secure two separate approvals: a DAS Apprentice Card, confirming enrollment in the state’s registered program, and a Refrigeration Apprentice (RA) License issued by the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI). Once both are in place, the apprentice begins accumulating hours that count toward full licensure.
This dual licensing model ensures both regulatory compliance and technical depth. It’s a system built not just for instruction—but for accountability.
As Mike Gill notes, “We’re not just checking a box. We’re creating licensed professionals who meet the expectations of the state, the client, and the complexity of today’s facilities systems.”
The inaugural cohort includes 16 apprentices across Massachusetts, representing a diverse range of commercial and institutional sites. Each participant advances through a structured, multi-year program—three years for HVAC/R and four years for electrical—that blends classroom education with on-site mentorship and hands-on technical experience. For these team members, this opportunity marks a pivotal step in their careers, opening doors to licensure and long-term professional advancement.
Building Market Advantage, One Technician at a Time
In Greater Boston, demand for technical facilities staff is especially fierce, and turnover can disrupt even the best-managed buildings. This program gives C&W Services a meaningful edge. Rather than reacting to labor shortages, we’re proactively addressing them—growing a licensed workforce from within and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery across all sites.
“This gives us a strategic edge,” Gill says. “We’re not scrambling for talent—we’re investing in it. And our clients see the difference in every interaction.”
Our announcement, made ahead of BOMA International, was no coincidence. Boston remains a premier commercial real estate market, and companies that succeed here will be those that invest in people as much as they do in technology and infrastructure. C&W Services demonstrates exactly what that investment looks like.
A Long-Term Commitment to Quality and Community
The apprenticeship program enables both job readiness and professional transformation. By offering clear licensure pathways with no academic prerequisites beyond employment, C&W Services is advancing economic opportunity for team members while raising the bar for client expectations. This effort builds on our continued support of PowerCorpsBOS, a City of Boston initiative that prepares underrepresented young adults for green careers, where participants gain hands-on experience at C&W Services-operated sites.
“The long-term dividends are clear,” Gill says. “Yes, it strengthens our staffing and financial performance. But more importantly, it improves the lives of the people earning their licenses. That’s what drives loyalty—and measurable results in retention, service quality, and client satisfaction.”
Partner with the Team That’s Raising the Standard
Working with C&W Services means that you’re getting more than a provider. You’re partnering with a company that meets—and exceeds—state-mandated workforce standards. Our DAS-approved apprenticeship program reflects a larger philosophy: that quality service starts with quality training, and the best way to meet the future is to build it.
Contact C&W Services and let’s talk about how our licensed, future-ready teams can help elevate your facility.
