Employers serve as apprenticeship co-sponsors and provide workplace training, supervision, and support throughout the apprentice's journey, for which GROW Together MA provides ongoing technical assistance and program management to help employers navigate requirements and support apprentice success.
A better way to close your staffing gap
Hire from within
Turn people you already trust — and who already know your clients — into licensed clinicians, instead of competing for scarce outside hires.
Offset training costs
State apprenticeship funding helps cover the cost of training your future counselors.
Build real retention
Apprentices who grow their license with your organization tend to stay with it.
What makes a promising candidate?
Look for team members who:
Already in the field
Already work in, or are interested in, a behavioral health, recovery, or human services role at your organization.
Relevant experience
Bring lived experience, direct-care experience, or a related background to the work.
Full-time availability
Can commit to full-time hours — at least 32 a week — for the length of the apprenticeship.
Motivated to get licensed
Want a real, licensed credential — not just a certificate.
What does employer endorsement involve?
Supporting the apprentice
Throughout the journey, employer agrees to:
- ✓Verify employee eligibility
- ✓Support application completion
- ✓Participate in monthly check-ins with AHP
- ✓Participate in quarterly program monitoring
- ✓Support completion of practicum and coursework
Initial co-sponsorship
Once accepted, employer is expected to submit to AHP:
- ✓Employer Co-Sponsor Agreement
- ✓Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate
- ✓DUA Certificate of Compliance
- ✓Business Entity Documentation
- ✓Employer Guide Acknowledgement Form
What we'll ask of you
Apprenticeship works best when everyone goes in with clear eyes. Here's what's genuinely required of an employer partner.
A qualified clinical supervisor (LTAC)
Your apprentice needs a designated supervisor able to directly oversee their clinical hours for the full length of the apprenticeship.
A minimum 32-hour work week
Apprentices need to work at least 32 hours a week to stay on pace with their required hours.
Commitment over time
On-the-job training typically runs two to three years, though the exact length can vary by pathway and each apprentice's prior experience. Program funding covers a defined window, so keeping apprentices on pace matters.
Tracking progress together
We'll ask you to help monitor hours and pace, so nothing falls through the cracks close to a funding deadline.
From identifying talent to a licensed hire
Identify a candidate
Look at your current team for someone with the right background and interest in counseling licensure.
Share your information
Complete our short employer interest form so our team can learn about your organization and reach out.
Hear back from us
If your organization is a good fit, we'll reach back out to request a pre-application, followed by any additional supporting documentation.
Confirm readiness
We'll confirm that you — or another qualified team member — have the time and commitment to supervise your apprentice throughout the program.
Apprenticeship begins
Your employee begins their journey — with you and GROW Together MA supporting them every step of the way.
In good company
18 employer partners strong, with 100% retention so far — and growing, alongside our education providers. Learn more about our partners and program funding.
Ready to grow your own team?
Tell us about your organization and we'll follow up to talk through fit.
Existing Employers & Partners
Already partnering with us? Quick access to everything you need to manage your apprentices.
- Program management — quick access to information and support
- Hours reporting form
- Support — Loremipsum@ahpnet.com
Becoming a partner
- Employer overview
- 2025 December Employer Meeting (slides)
- Employer benefits
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After submitting the information form and being accepted, you'll be required to submit:
- ✓Employer Co-Sponsor Agreement
- ✓Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate
- ✓DUA Certificate of Compliance
- ✓Business Entity Documentation
- ✓Employer Guide Acknowledgement Form
- Employer interest form
- Contact information — Loremipsum@ahpnet.com
- Downloadable guides
More resources will be provided by AHP after you submit the initial interest form.