PATHWAYS 2025
EXPLORING NON-DEGREE TRAINING PATHWAYS FUELING LIFE SCIENCES TALENT IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY
REPORT OVERVIEW REPORT OVERVIEW
CatalystConnection,inpartnershipwiththeUniversityofPittsburgh’sOfficeof EngagementandCommunityAffairs,conductedananalysisofnon-degree trainingprogramsinAlleghenyCountyforhigh-demandjobsinthelifesciences sector.Thisreportoutlineskeyfindings,identifiesprogramminggaps,andoffers recommendationstostrengthentheregion’slifesciencestalentpathway.
WHAT IS LIFE SCIENCES? WHAT IS LIFE SCIENCES?
Lifesciencesisthestudyoflivingorganismsandlifeprocesses.Thefieldseeksto understandhoworganismsgrow,function,andinteractwitheachotherandtheir environment.Therearekeyareasoflifesciencesincluding,butnotlimitedto: biology,genetics,microbiology,botany,ecology,biochemistry,zoology,andmore.
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
Thissectionoutlinesexistinglifesciencestraining programsinAlleghenyCounty,categorizedbyindustry sectorandprogramtype—introductory,skill-building, certificate,orapprenticeship.Alegendandthelistof industrysectorsareprovidedbelow.
INDUSTRYSECTORS:
BIOTECHNOLOGY/BIOMANUFACTURING
ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULUTRAL SCIENCES
RESEARCH, TESTING & MEDICAL LABORATORIES
HEALTHCARE
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
PROGRAMTYPES:
Typically8hoursorless
Typically8-32hours
Coursesleadingtoanindustry reocognizcredentialorcertificate
ProgramregisteredwiththePA ApprenticeshipTrainingOffice
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
INDUSTRYSECTOR: BIOTECHNOLOGY/BIOMANUFACTURING
ChemicalLaboratoryTechnicianTraining-An11-month programdesignedtotrainindividualsinlaboratory techniques,researchanddevelopment,instrument analysis,andlaboratorysafety,preparingthemforcareers aschemicallaboratorytechnicians.
11Months
COMMUNITYPIPLINEPROGRAMS
ICE-T- Highschoolstudentswillexplorehowmicrobialfuelcells (MFCs)—livingbatteriespoweredbybacteria—work,using computationalandexperimentaltechniques.They’llthenapplythis knowledgetobuildtheirownMFC-powereddevice.
C3PO-Highschoolstudentswilllearntouseandmaintain3Dprinters withthelong-termgoalof3Dprintingorgans.TheC3POProject includestwoparts:mastering3Dprinting(operation,design,and modification)andworkingwithmicrobialculturesasthe“raw materials”forprinting.
MICROBEATS-Participantswillmixmicrobiology,chemistry,artificial intelligence,andhiphoptolearnalltheskillsnecessarytobecomea scientist.
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
INDUSTRYSECTOR:
ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULUTRAL SCIENCES
Pre-ApprenticeshipProgram-GrowPittsburgh,inpartnership withPasaSustainableAgriculture,offersatwo-yearPreApprenticeshipProgramforindividualsinterestedinurbanfarming.
PennStateExtensionoffersonlinecoursesthatequip farmers,agribusinesses,youth,andcommunitieswith science-basededucationandpracticalsolutionstosupport agriculture,foodsafety,andnaturalresourcestewardshipin Pennsylvaniaandbeyond.
HorticultureTechnologyTraining-Bidwelloffersano-cost HorticultureTechnologyprogramthatincludes:BotanyandPlant Science,GreenhouseProduction,LandscapeDesignand Maintenance.
ProfessionalCertificateinEnvironmentalScienceFocusesonpracticalskillsinenvironmentalscience, datacollection,andanalysisforreal-world applications.
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
INDUSTRYSECTOR:
HEALTHCARE
MedicalAssistantTraining-Thisprogramoffers comprehensivetrainingforindividualsaimingtobecome medicalassistants,coveringbothadministrativeand clinicalskillsnecessaryfortherole.
CommunityTraining&Development-Offersarange ofnon-degreeprogramsthatprepareindividualsfor healthcare-relatedjobsortoenhanceexistingskills.
OnlineHealthandFitnessPrograms-Provides varioushealthandfitness-relatedcoursesand certifications,idealforthoseseekingtoworkin wellnessorhealthcaresectors.
PharmacyTechnician-OnlinePharmacyTechnician certificationcoursethatpreparesstudentstoassist pharmacistsinvarioustasks.
NurseAideTrainingProgram-Designedtoprovide studentswithhands-onexperienceandprepare themtopassthecertificationexamadministeredby Credentia. 9months
Variesby program
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
INDUSTRYSECTOR: HEALTHCARE
FreedomHouseEMTAcademy- ApaidEMTtraining certificationprogramthatpreparesparticipantsfor employmentasEmergencyMedicalTechnicianswiththeCity ofPittsburgh.
GenomicCompetenciesforNurses- Whiledesigned fornursingprofessionals,thisfree,self-pacedonline courseisopentoanyoneinterestedingenomics.
CNATrainingAcademy - KaneCommunityLivingCenters offeraCNATrainingProgramthroughtheCommunityCollege ofAlleghenyCounty.Qualifiedcandidatesreceivetrainingthat leadstoguaranteedfull-timeemploymentataKanefacility uponpassingthecertificationexam.
CommunityHealthWorker Program-Atraining programdesignedtoprovidecorecompetencies neededforworkincommunity-basedandinpatient settings.
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
INDUSTRYSECTOR:
HEALTHCARE
UPMCPathwaystoWork-Thisprogramassistsindividualsin exploringcareersatUPMCbyofferingresourcessuchas resumeassistance,interviewpreparation,skillsassessments, andguidanceonfreeworkforcetrainingopportunities.
FreedomHouseFoundationsProgram-Thisprogram introducesparticipantstovarioushealthcarecareers, coveringtopicssuchas:Basicanatomyandphysiology, Emergencymedicalresponse,includingCPRandFirstAid, MentalHealthFirstAidandpublichealthtopics.
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
INDUSTRYSECTOR:
RESEARCH, TESTING & MEDICAL LABORATORIES
QualityControlandAssuranceCertificate-A12credit,acceleratedonlineprogramdesignedto equipstudentswithknowledgeinqualityassurance practicesapplicabletothehealthcareandlife sciencessectors.
Non-DegreeEnrollmentatICRE-Offersprofessionaltraining inclinicalresearch,includingindividualcoursesinresearch methodologyandclinicaltrials.
STricklAndResearchTraining(START)Program-A collaborativeinitiativebetweentheUniversityofPittsburgh's ClinicalandTranslationalScienceInstitute(CTSI)and BidwellTrainingCenter,aimingtotrainmedicalassistant studentsforlong-termemploymentpositionsinclinical researchattheuniversity.
EXISTING TRAINING PROGRAMS
INDUSTRYSECTOR:
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ComputerInformationTechnologyPrograms-Offers certificatesinvariousITfields,includingcybersecurityand ITsupport,preparingstudentsforrolessuchascomputer usersupportspecialistsandnetworksupportspecialists.
Heating&AirConditioningProgram-Offerscertificate programscoveringinstallation,repair,andmaintenance ofrefrigeration,heating,andairconditioningequipment, withanemphasisongreentechnologies.
WesternPAElectricalJointApprenticeshipTrainingCommitteeOffersanapprenticeshipcombining900hoursofclassroom instructionwith8,000hoursofon-the-jobtraining,covering residential,commercial,andindustrialelectricalinstallations
HVACProgram-Providescomprehensivetrainingin heating,ventilation,airconditioning,andrefrigeration systems,preparingstudentsforvariousroleswithinthe industry.
GAPS IN INDUSTRY SECTORS
Theindustrieslistedbelowrepresentthemostcriticalgapsincurrenttraining offerings.Thesesectorsareexperiencingthehighestemploymentgrowthbut havethefewestavailableprogramstomeetdemand.
BioTechnologyandPharmaceutical Manufacturing/Biomanufacturingarethemostunderserved sectors,withlimitedtonotrainingprogramscurrentlyavailable despitestrongandgrowingemploymentdemand. BioTechnologylacksintroductory,skill-building,and apprenticeshipoptions,whilePharmaceuticalManufacturing hasnoidentifiedofferings,despitetheneedforspecializedskills suchasGMPcomplianceandcleanroomoperations.
ClinicalorMedicalLaboratorySciencesandMedicalDevice sectorsarenotrepresentedinthecurrenttraininglandscape, despitegrowingdemandforskilledtechniciansinhealthcare andregulatedmanufacturing. Whilethreecertificate-levelprogramsexist,theyareprimarily research-focused,leavingsignificantgapsintrainingforroles intestinglaboratoriesandmedicaldeviceproduction.This lackoftargetedprogrammingisparticularlyconcerninggiven thatPittsburghranksamongthetop25metroareasfor employmentinMedicalDevices&Equipment,Research, Testing,andMedicalLaboratories,andPharmaceuticals.
GAPS IN INDUSTRY SECTORS
EnvironmentalandAgriculturalScienceshavesomelongerterm,institution-basedcertificateprograms,butthesectorlacks shorter,accessibletrainingoptions.
Therearenointroductoryorapprenticeshipprograms,andvery fewskill-specificshortcoursesfocusedonpractical competenciessuchassustainability,waterquality,orfield technologies.
GAPS ACROSS ALL SECTORS
Introductoryprogramsarenotablyabsentacrossallsectors.These arecriticalforhighschoolstudents,careerchangers,and underservedpopulationsenteringthelifesciencesfield.
Skill-buildingprograms—thosethattargetspecificcompetencies likeaseptictechnique,labsafety,orinstrumentation—arelimited.
Apprenticeshipsarenotrepresentedinanylifesciencessubsector despitegrowingnationalmodelsinbiotechandmedicaldevice fields.
IN PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATIONS
BIOTECHNOLOGY/BIOMANUFACTURING
TheBioTechnologysectorhasnointroductory,skill-building, andapprenticeshiptrainingoptions.Despitegrowingemployer demand,therearenoaccessiblepathwaysforjobseekersto exploreorenterbiotechnologycareers.Addressingthisgap requiresbuildingfoundationalawareness,developingentrylevelskills,andestablishingstructuredpathways.
IMMEDIATE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Developintroductoryandawareness-levelcoursesforadultjobseekers modeledaftersuccessfulhighschoolprogramslikethoseofferedbyCitizen ScienceLab.
Increasepublicawarenessofbiotechnologycareerpathwaysandthevarietyof rolesavailablewithinthesector.
Launchstackable,entry-levelbootcampprogramstobuildcorelabskills;there arecurrentlynoprogramsofferingthistypeofhands-ontraining.
Designandimplementapprenticeshipprograms,butonlywhenemployersare fullycommittedandengaged.Theseshouldalignwithskill-buildingcoursesto ensureacohesivetrainingpathways.Apprenticeshipsrequiresignificant investmentandshouldbeemployer-driven.
IN PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULUTRAL SCIENCES
Forenvironmentalandagriculturalscienceshereareno introductoryorapprenticeshipoptionsandveryfewshort-term, skills-focusedcourses.Giventhesector’srelevancetosustainability andenvironmentalhealth,expandingaccessibletrainingpathways isessentialtomeetworkforceneedsandcreateentrypointsinto field-basedcareers.
IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDATIONS
Developshort-term,skills-basedtrainingprogramsfocusedon sustainability,waterquality,soilscience,andenvironmentalsampling. Introduceintroductory-levelcoursestoprovidefoundationalexposurefor jobseekersunfamiliarwithenvironmentalcareerpathways. IncorporateGISandfieldtechnologymodulesintoexistingornewtraining offeringstoreflectevolvingjobrequirements. Exploreemployerinterestinapprenticeshipmodelstosupportstructured learningandhands-onexperienceinenvironmentalroles.
IN PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATIONS
HEALTHCARE
Thehealthcaresectorlacksintroductoryprogramming, especiallyforhighschoolstudentsandadultjobseekers unfamiliarwithhealthcarecareers.Apprenticeshipsarealso underutilizedbutcouldserveasaccessiblepathways.
IMMEDIATE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Introducenewintroductoryprogramstargetinghighschoolstudentsandadultjob seekerstobuildawarenessofentry-levelhealthcarecareersandpathwaysfor advancement.
Developapprenticeshipmodelsforin-demandrolesthatcurrentlyrequire associatedegreesbutcouldbenefitfromearn-and-learnstructures,suchassterile processingtechsorpatientcaretechnicians.
Partnerwithhealthcaresystemstoidentifyhigh-need,consistentlyvacant technicianpositionsandco-createskills-building,certificate,orapprenticeship programsthatdirectlyaddresstheseshortages.
Expandflexible,short-termcredentialprogramsthatofferstackablecredentialsand articulateintoexistingcertificateordegreepathways.
Aligncurriculumwithreal-timeworkforceneedsthroughongoingcollaborationwith healthcareemployers,ensuringtechnicalandsoftskillgapsareaddressedin trainingdelivery.
Leveragedataontravelinghealthcarerolestoprioritizelocaltraininginvestments thatcanreducerelianceontemporarystaffingandsupportregionaltalent pipelines.
IN PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATIONS
RESEARCH, TESTING & MEDICAL LABORATORIES
Thereisasignificantgapintheavailabilityofintroductory,skillbuilding,andapprenticeshipprogramswithintheResearch,Testing, andMedicalLaboratoriessector.Therearelimitedon-rampsfor entry-leveljobseekers,careerchangers,orthoseneedinghands-on skilldevelopmenttomeettheworkforceneedsoflocalemployers.
IMMEDIATE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Createintroductoryawarenessprogramstoexposehighschoolgraduates,adult learners,andcareerchangerstocareersindiagnostictesting,clinicallab support,andqualityassurance.
Developshort-term,skill-buildingbootcampsinkeytechnicalareassuchas steriletechnique,samplepreparation,labsafety,pipetting,anddatarecording— skillsemployersoftenciteaslackinginnewhires.
Establishemployer-alignedapprenticeshipprogramsthatcombineclassroom instructionwithon-the-jobtrainingathospitals,medicaltestinglabs,and researchinstitutions.
Offermodular,stackabletrainingoptionsthatallowparticipantstoearn industry-recognizedcredentialsinstages,buildingtowardfullcertificationor employment.
Engagelocalemployersincurriculumdevelopmenttoensuretrainingaddresses evolvinglabtechnologies,regulatoryrequirements,andworkplaceexpectations.
CONCLUSION
Thelifesciencesisadynamicandessentialsectorthatspansbiotechnology, healthcare,researchandmedicallaboratories,environmentalandagricultural sciences,andtechnicalsupport.InAlleghenyCounty,thereareanumberof existingcertificate-leveltrainingprogramsthatsupportworkforcedevelopment acrosstheseareas.However,thisreporthasidentifiedcleargaps,particularlyin introductorytraining,hands-onskill-buildingprograms,andstructuredearn-andlearnmodelssuchasapprenticeships,thatlimitaccesstoandadvancement withinlifesciencescareers.
ToensureAlleghenyCountycanmeetthegrowingtalentdemandsofitslife scienceseconomy,strategicinvestmentsmustprioritizethedevelopmentof stackablecredentials,targetedworkforcepipelines,andpartnershipswith employers.Expandingawareness,strengtheningtraininginfrastructure,and leveragingmodelslikeapprenticeshipswillbecriticaltobuildinganinclusive, future-readyworkforcepreparedtosupporttheregion’scontinuedinnovation andeconomicgrowth.
CatalystConnectionisasouthwesternPennsylvaniaeconomicdevelopmentorganization dedicatedtoservingmanufacturers.Formorethan35years,Catalysthasoperatedwithafocuson poweringpotentialthroughdeliveringtechnicalassistanceandmanagementconsultingservices anddevelopinglong-standingpartnershipsacrosstheregion.Catalystmaintainsadeeplyheld commitmenttomodernizingmanufacturingandenablingopportunityacrossbusinessenterprises, individuals,andthroughoutcommunities.
CatalystConnectionissupported,inpartby,thePennsylvaniaDepartmentofCommunityand EconomicDevelopmentandtheNationalInstituteofTechnologyManufacturingExtension Partnership(NISTMEP).Assuch,weareanaffiliateofthePennsylvaniaIndustrialResourceCenter (IRC)andtheMEPNationalNetworkinsouthwesternPennsylvania.
