Gov. Maura Healey turned to a six-term House Democrat who has focused on labor and workforce development to serve in a new position tasked with expanding registered apprenticeships, work-based learning career pathways, and exploring the future of work.

Rep. Josh Cutler, co-chairman of the Legislature’s Labor and Workforce Development Committee, will transition into the role of undersecretary of apprenticeship, work-based learning, and policy for the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, a move that creates another open seat in the House.

In a statement provided by the Healey administration, Cutler said he looks forward to implementing policies and programs to help support workers and enable businesses “to thrive.”

“I am grateful to the 6th Plymouth District for giving me the honor to represent them in the House for the past decade and look forward to supporting them and communities across the state in this new role,” he said.

In the past 50-plus years through many redistricting processes, the seat was primarily held by a Republican before Cutler won the 2012 general election for the 6th Plymouth District with 55% of the vote, according to records maintained by Secretary of State William Galvin.

The district covers all of Duxbury and parts of Halifax, Hanson, Marshfield, and Pembroke.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Ron Mariano did not immediately say when Cutler would leave the Legislature or if a special election would be called, which Mariano has the power to do.

It was not immediately clear how much Cutler would make in his new role but as a legislative chairman, the Democrat earned $114,447 a year.

Healey said Cutler has “been a tremendous partner in advancing workforce development.”

“We are excited that he will continue his leadership in our administration as we work to grow important programs like registered apprenticeship,” Healey said in a statement. “I’m confident that Rep. Cutler will continue to support Massachusetts residents and businesses in this role and add great value to the team.”

Mariano said Cutler played a “critical role in a number of  the significant legislative initiatives that took place during his time in the House.”

“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,” Mariano said in a statement provided by the Healey administration.

A Central Massachusetts House seat opened up last year after Sen. Peter Durant won election to the Senate. Two Republicans are running for the seat, and a local Democrat is said to be running a write-in campaign.

A special state primary for the 6th Worcester House seat is scheduled for Feb. 6 and a special general election is scheduled for March 5, the same day as the presidential primary election.