Solving Workforce Shortages by Creating Health Care Career Pipelines

May 27, 2026

Responding to the ongoing needs of our members, HAP hosted a Workforce Summit that brought together clinical, administrative, and workforce leaders from across Pennsylvania to learn and share best practices for developing and engaging health care teams. We’re highlighting some of the innovative ways Pennsylvania hospitals are addressing the workforce crisis.

UPMC is expanding workforce development efforts through its “Pathways to Work” program, focusing on creating career “on-ramps” into high-demand health care and skilled trade professions. The initiative combines job navigational support, paid apprenticeships, training programs, mentorship, and collaborations with workforce investment boards.

The model is designed to strengthen workforce pipelines, improve retention, and create long-term economic opportunities within communities, said Dan LaVallee, assistant vice president of community engagement, who presented details about the program, with Shayla Thompson, RACR, SHRBP, senior director, human resources at HAP’s recent Workforce Summit.

“Collaborating with institutions has been a game changer for us,” because of the resulting apprenticeships created through those connections, said LaVallee.

During National Apprenticeship Week, Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker visited UPMC to highlight how registered apprenticeships are helping to strengthen the health care workforce and connect Pennsylvanians with in-demand careers across western Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

• Making waves:  UPMC’s “Pathways to Work” program has hired more than 11,000 Medicaid members since 2021, demonstrating significant workforce and community impact.
• Featured Apprenticeship Programs under “Pathways to Work:”

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):
  A 13-month apprenticeship combining classroom instruction with hands-on EMT training.
• Facilities and Maintenance:
  A four-year paid skilled trades program featuring mentorship, technical instruction, and on-the-job learning.
• Imaging Technician:
  A two-year paid program leading to an associate degree and Radiologic Technologist certification.
• LPN to RN / Registered Nurse Residency:
  Supports Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) advancing to Registered Nurse (RN) roles while continuing bedside work and education.
• Pharmacy Technician:
  A paid training program launching in 2025 that combines classroom instruction, simulation, and hands-on experience.
• Surgical Technologist:
  A paid apprenticeship leading to certification and an associate degree.
• Ophthalmic Technician:
  A 13-month apprenticeship focused on diagnostic testing and clinical support in eye care.

• UPMC Toolbox:
  An eight-week introductory skilled trades program providing hands-on exposure to trade careers.

• Gaining traction:  In 2025, Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry awarded $400,000 to UPMC through Partner4Work Pittsburgh to expand apprenticeship opportunities. By April 2026, that funding  supported four new apprenticeship programs in surgical tech, pharmacy tech, diagnostic imaging, and RN residency.

HAP’s Workforce Summit brought clinical, administrative, and workforce leaders from across Pennsylvania together to learn and share best practices for developing and engaging health care teams. Watch for more #WorkforceWednesday coverage in the coming weeks of the innovative practices shared during the summit.