The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) recently joined the Healey-Driscoll Administration at Middlesex Community College in Bedford during Massachusetts STEM Week to announce the expansion of Pathmaker, a workforce training initiative designed to connect Massachusetts residents with career opportunities in the state’s high-growth industries.
Launched by the MLSC in 2023 to address the life sciences industry’s talent needs, Pathmaker is expanding to include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), defense, and climatetech. The announcement brought together administration officials, including Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Education Secretary Stephen Zrike and Health, and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, to mark the opening of applications for the expanded initiative.
Through the Pathmaker initiative, eligible training providers, including community colleges, vocational schools, for profit organizations, and nonprofit organizations, can apply for funding to develop or expand training programs in partnership with at least one employer. The goal is to help Massachusetts businesses build skilled talent pipelines while creating accessible pathways to quality careers for residents, including opportunities that do not require a four-year degree.
As part of this expanded statewide initiative, Pathmaker is expanding into additional industries through partnerships with other quasi-public agencies. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Advanced Manufacturing & AI Pathmaker program offers opportunities for training providers and employer partners in advanced manufacturing and AI, while the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Climatetech Pathmaker Grants support training opportunities in the climatetech sector.
The MLSC is proud to continue its investment in the life sciences talent pipeline through the latest round of Pathmaker applications. Life sciences training providers and their employer partners can apply for funding to develop or expand programs that prepare Massachusetts residents for in-demand careers in the industry. Applications for the MLSC’s Pathmaker program are open through Jan, 6, 2027, at 5 p.m. EST. Click here to learn more and apply today.
