Apprenticeship initiative to connect people to career pathways

PITTSBURGH - County Executive Rich Fitzgerald today announced the launch of a new collaborative initiative between Partner4Work (P4W), the county's premier funder of workforce development activities, UPMC and UPMC Health Plan that will connect people to career pathways starting with healthcare. The effort helps solve a key regional challenge by connecting people with socio-economic barriers with in-demand careers through paid apprenticeships. Called 4Healthcare, the initiative leverages public funding along with targeted employer investments to break down traditional employment barriers.

"I'm thrilled to see this collaboration and partnership that is focused on putting more people in our community to work and, just as importantly, making sure that we are addressing those barriers that keep workers from moving forward with training and other opportunities that allow them to transition into good, family-sustaining jobs," said Fitzgerald. "By partnering with UPMC, the state's largest employer, we're able to grow their talent pipeline by meeting workers where they are to eliminate barriers like pay, transportation and childcare. Together, we can connect workers and employers to address the needs in our economy while also growing wages and providing pathways for those in our community who have not always had the same opportunities."

Over the next three years, P4W will invest $1.2 million to connect hundreds of people to healthcare careers through paid apprenticeships, providing stipends to learn, paying for training materials, and funding other supportive services that will break down traditional employment barriers.

In partnership with UPMC Senior Communities, UPMC has already graduated its inaugural class from a first-of-its-kind Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) apprenticeship. In addition to the CNA program, the partners will soon grow the apprenticeship offerings to include paid career pathways to onboard facilities maintenance technicians, direct care workers, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. The apprenticeship model builds on the success of Freedom House 2.0, a community-based training program designed to recruit, train, and retain emergency responders. Freedom House 2.0 trainees are sourced from historically disadvantaged communities; since 2021, P4W has invested nearly $650,000 in Freedom House 2.0 training programs.

“Partner4Work applauds the leadership and big thinking of County Executive Fitzgerald and UPMC, the state’s largest employer, for the collective willingness to roll up their sleeves and work with us to launch this historic initiative during record low unemployment. Strong apprenticeship models are key in advancing equity in our workforce – ensuring people can jump on a career pathway that allows them to get hired immediately, continue training, and advance their career,” said Rob Cherry, Partner4Work CEO, noting that there are 1.8 online job postings for every unemployed worker.

"Partner4Work's innovative approaches to addressing our region's current workforce needs not only helps employers like UPMC and UPMC Health Plan, but we've seen the life changing impact they have on the students graduating from the programs," said Dan Swayze, Vice President of Community Services, UPMC Health Plan.

As Pennsylvania’s population ages, demand for healthcare professions, such as CNAs, is projected to grow eight percent through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to paying apprentices to learn and addressing socio-economic barriers, UPMC will connect apprentices to mentors, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience at UPMC Senior Communities’ locations. Participants will complete a six-month training followed by an apprenticeship where the employee is providing care, using their skills, and become more proficient in their skill set. Many will be offered professional opportunities to advance their careers post-graduation.

P4W has brought together several partners to make the 4Healthcare program possible including UPMC, Bayada Home Health Care, and the Center for Healthcare Solutions. Funding has been made possible through the state’s Department of Labor & Industry, the Apprenticeship and Training Office, employer contributions, and P4W investments. Partners are currently recruiting for all 4Healthcare apprenticeship and pre-employment training programs including facilities maintenance tech, the Freedom House program, and future CNA classes. To learn more, visit: https://medicaid.upmchealthplan.com/pathways-to-work/, sign up at any CareerLink office, or reach out to the UPMC Pathways to Work team via e-mail at pathwaystowork@upmc.edu.

While the 4Healthcare program is the newest offering from P4W, the organization has a proven track record in working with employers to grow their talent pipeline. The recent focus on addressing the needs of potential employees has  been extremely successful. A pre-apprenticeship program in partnership with the Builders’ Guild of Western PA and the Allegheny County Airport Authority recently graduated its second cohort, of which 82 percent were African American. Graduates have moved on to apprenticeships in the construction trades and P4W expects to expand the workforce development programs to other locations in Allegheny County in 2024.
# # #

About Partner4Work

Nationally recognized for innovation, Partner4Work delivers workforce solutions for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to ensure the current and future needs of businesses and job seekers are met. As stewards of more than $30 million in public and private workforce funds, Partner4Work oversees and funds workforce programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth; educates the community through robust labor market analytics; and implements innovative solutions to the region's systemic workforce challenges. Partner4Work bridges the gap between people looking for work and companies in need of talent. More information is available at www.partner4work.org.
About UPMC Insurance Services

UPMC Insurance Services serves more than 4.5 million members and is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. UPMC Insurance Services provides commercial products through UPMC Health Plan for both groups and individuals. Its commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known known Workpartners®. Government products include Medicare Advantage plans (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those who are eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); a Medical Assistance plan (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program plans (UPMC for Kids). Community Care Behavioral Health Organization—one of the nation's largest nonprofit managed care behavioral health organizations—is also part of the Insurance Services Division. Community Care offers a full range of services to commercial and Medical Assistance members. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.
About UPMC

UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide more than $1 billion every year in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 95,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers 4.5 million members with a focus on providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.  
Media Contacts:

Amie Downs, Allegheny County
412.350.3711, 412.327.3700 (cell), amie.downs@allegheycounty.us

Jen Pajewski, Partner4Work
412.552.7098, jpajewski@partner4work.org

Denise R. Hughes, UPMC Health Plan
412.402.0426, 412.983.3836 (cell), hughesdr2@upmc.edu

Source: Allegheny County