The MLSC continues to expand access to life sciences careers through its Pathmaker program, which supports innovative training courses that prepare Massachusetts residents for in-demand roles across the industry. To date, Pathmaker has awarded nearly $19 million to create over 1,690 training opportunities through 28 awards.
Middlesex Community College (MCC) was among the recipients, receiving a $429,221 award to support 72 training opportunities, bringing the MLSC’s total Pathmaker investment in MCC to more than $3.6 million. The awards were announced at MCC’s Bedford campus during a dual ribbon cutting for the Henderson Hall Life Sciences Center and the Robotics and Automation Training Lab, two new training facilities supported by $1.5 million in capital grants from the MLSC. Together, the facilities are expanding MCC’s ability to provide hands-on, industry-aligned training in a variety of life science specializations. The new robotics lab is also serving as the hub for MCC’s PathmakerTECH program in advanced manufacturing and medical device automation.
“Robotics and automation and the life sciences are two of the most in-demand fields in the state,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “At MCC, our goal is to offer comprehensive workforce training that prepares our students for immediate entry into stable and well-paying jobs. We offer hands-on opportunities that equip students with the skills and real-world experiences they need to be successful, combined with strong partnerships with organizations across the state.”
This investment builds on a longstanding partnership among the MLSC, MCC, and Insulet Corporation that originally helped establish the blueprint for the Pathmaker program. Beginning in 2022, MCC and Insulet collaborated to develop a workforce training model designed to connect residents directly to careers in medical device manufacturing. The partnership demonstrated how employers and educational institutions can work together to align curriculum, hands-on training, and hiring needs, serving as a conduit for similar partnerships located throughout the Commonwealth.
Since the launch of Pathmaker, Insulet has hired more than 40 program graduates, with many advancing into new roles and leadership opportunities within the company. The partnership has also earned national recognition, with Insulet being named as a finalist for the American Association of Community Colleges’ Outstanding Corporate and Collegiate Partnership Award for its collaboration with MCC. Additionally, Insulet has received $26.3 million in MLSC Tax Incentive awards supporting the creation of 1,084 jobs, further expanding the company’s position as an industry leader who started and scaled right here in Massachusetts.
“Partnering with Middlesex Community College on our workforce development program, Pathmaker, has been such a fulfilling and rewarding experience that has made a profound impact in our community,” said Pete Gowac Jr, Senior Director, US Operations at Insulet Corporation. “Since we started this program in 2023, we (Insulet) have hired 48 graduates to help support Insulet’s mission to improve the lives of people with diabetes. Pathmaker directly supports our commitment to developing a strong, skilled, and diverse local workforce in the field of advanced medical device manufacturing. Of those 48 graduates, over 80% of them are continuing to thrive in their careers at Insulet- demonstrating both the quality of the training and the alignment between the curriculum and our operational needs. While Pathmaker certainly strengthens our talent pipeline, its value extends far beyond staffing. This partnership reflects Insulet’s broader commitment to supporting our community, expanding access to meaningful career opportunities, and helping individuals build a foundation for long‑term success. For Insulet, Pathmaker is not simply a hiring initiative; it is an investment in people, in education, and in the future of our region’s workforce.”
The relationship between Insulet and MCC is a remarkable example of how coordinated partnerships, supported by MLSC investments, can create clear pathways to valuable employment opportunities for Massachusetts residents while ensuring that companies have access to the skilled workforce required to continue expanding and innovating in the Commonwealth.
Click here to learn more about the MLSC’s Pathmaker program.
