PITTSBURGH, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker today visited the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) during National Apprenticeship Week to highlight how registered apprenticeships are helping build Pennsylvania’s health care workforce and giving students a firsthand look at pathways into in-demand careers.
During the visit, Secretary Walker observed UPMC’s surgical technology training environment, participated in a roundtable discussion with apprentices and students focused on apprenticeship and youth pathways into health care careers, and toured the health system’s under-construction Kamin Tower at UPMC Presbyterian.
In 2025, the Shapiro Administration awarded $400,000 to UPMC, through Partner4Work, as part of the Supporting Pennsylvania’s Healthcare Sector through Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships initiative.
As of April 2026, that investment has helped support four new registered apprenticeship programs in surgical technology, pharmacy technician, diagnostic imaging specialty, and registered nurse residency, with nine apprentices supported to date.
“Registered apprenticeship works because it connects training directly to the workplace and creates a real path into good careers,” said Secretary Walker. “At UPMC, apprentices are gaining specialized skills in real health care settings, and students are seeing firsthand that there are multiple ways to enter this field. That matters for workers, it matters for employers, and it matters for Pennsylvania families who are counting on a strong health care workforce.”
“During National Apprenticeship Week, UPMC is highlighting how clear, intentional pathways into healthcare strengthen our nursing, surgical technologist and imaging technologist workforce. Apprenticeships connect education, hands-on experience, and mentorship—helping us develop skilled talent early and build a sustainable workforce for the future,“ said Maribeth McLaughlin, Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse Executive, UPMC.
One of the programs highlighted during the visit was UPMC’s Surgical Technology apprenticeship, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training to prepare apprentices to assist surgical teams, maintain sterile technique, anticipate operating room needs, and support patient care during procedures. Upon completion, apprentices are eligible to sit for their certification exam and earn an associate degree of applied science in surgical technology.
The visit also underscored the connection between apprenticeship and early career exposure for students. By bringing apprentices and students into the same conversation, the event highlighted how access to real training environments can help young people better understand the credentials, experience, and support needed to pursue health care careers.
Building on three years of progress, Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget continues the Administration’s focus on workforce development and creating more pathways into in-demand careers. Since taking office, the Commonwealth has increased funding for apprenticeship programs and career and technical education by nearly 50 percent, from $118 million to $183 million, and registered 249 new pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.
The 2026-27 budget plan looks to build on three years of historic progress by proposing to:
- Invest an additional $18 million in CTE and apprenticeship programs;
- Double Schools-to-Work funding to $7 million;
- Increase Industry Partnership grants by $3.5 million to $6.3 million; and
- Increase state funding for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation by $1 million.
Together, these investments would help connect more Pennsylvanians to training, expand access to good jobs, and strengthen workforce pipelines in sectors like health care.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, please visit the website or follow L&I on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
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