New Apprenticeship Cohort Helps Life Science Employers Build Skilled Talent Pipeline

PHILADELPHIA — (July 7, 2026) — The Wistar Institute, an international biomedical research leader in cancer, immunology, and infectious disease, and Apprenti announced the successful launch of their first joint Registered Apprenticeship cohort in Central New Jersey, marking a milestone in the organizations’ efforts to expand life sciences workforce development opportunities across the Mid-Atlantic region.

The cohort, developed in partnership with a large pharmaceutical manufacturer, brings together Wistar’s workforce training expertise and Apprenti’s Registered Apprenticeship infrastructure to provide paid, structured training pathways into high-demand life science careers.

The launch represents the first apprenticeship cohort delivered through the organization’s strategic partnership and highlights a collaborative approach to addressing workforce needs that extends beyond state boundaries. Wistar is widely recognized for advancing apprenticeship and training & education programs in Pennsylvania. The partnership with Apprenti expands opportunities to employers and career seekers throughout the broader regional life sciences ecosystem.

The Wistar Institute’s Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center has been a leader in life sciences workforce development, including pioneering the Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program, Pennsylvania’s first registered nontraditional pre-apprenticeship for biomedical research. Through its partnership with Apprenti, Wistar’s training programs can be integrated with federally registered apprenticeship standards to support employer talent needs and create new career pathways in the life science industry.

Apprenti, a leading apprenticeship intermediary, won U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) approval for National Biomanufacturing Technician Registered Apprenticeship standards, creating a consistent workforce development model for life-sciences employers.

“This milestone demonstrates what is possible when organizations work together to expand training opportunities and strengthen the life science talent pipeline,” said Dr. Kristy Shuda McGuire, Dean of Biomedical Studies at The Wistar Institute. “By offering apprenticeship programs in even more locations, we can better support employers while creating more accessible pathways into high-quality careers.”

“The launch of this first cohort is an important step in building a stronger regional apprenticeship ecosystem,” said Daniel Weagle, Director of Life Science Business Development at Apprenti. “Together with Wistar, we are helping employers develop the skilled workforce needed to support continued growth in the life sciences sector.”

Employers interested in building sustainable talent pipelines through Registered Apprenticeship are encouraged to connect with Daniel Weagle at dweagle@apprenticareers.org.

Employer Inquiries
Employers interested in future apprenticeship cohorts may contact:

David Zuzga, The Wistar Institute — dzuzga@wistar.org
Kristy Shuda McGuire, The Wistar Institute — kshudamcguire@wistar.org

About Apprenti
Apprenti is the national leader and recognized Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary. We deliver Registered Apprenticeship programs for 30+ occupations that enable your current employees and new hires across high-demand STEM industries, including technology, healthcare, human resources, advanced manufacturing, banking, and finance. We offer a proven path to high retention and measurable ROI.

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