New Apprenticeship Cohort Helps Life Science Employers Build Skilled Talent Pipeline
Joint program between The Wistar Institute and Apprenti expands access to workforce development opportunities in Central New Jersey
Press Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA — [July 8, 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 strategic partnership between the organizations 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, the first registered pre-apprenticeship for life sciences in Pennsylvania. Through its partnership with Apprenti, Wistar’s training programs can be integrated with nationally registered apprenticeship standards to support employer talent needs and create new career pathways in the life science industry.
Apprenti, a leading apprenticeship intermediary, earned U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) approval for National Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician Registered Apprenticeship standards in early 2026. These were developed in response to the employer’s need for trained technicians and have created a framework for aligning workforce development models for life-science employers nationwide.
“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 expanding our apprenticeship programs across the region, 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 science 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 building multi-state talent pipelines through Registered Apprenticeship are encouraged to connect with Daniel Weagle at dweagle@apprenticareers.org.
Those interested in Pennsylvania-based programs should contact Dr. Kristy Shuda McGuire at kshudamcguire@wistar.org.
About The Wistar Institute
The Wistar Institute is the nation’s first independent nonprofit institution devoted exclusively to foundational biomedical research and training. Since 1972, the Institute has held National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center status. Through a culture and commitment to biomedical collaboration and innovation, Wistar science leads to breakthrough early-stage discoveries and life science sector start-ups. Wistar scientists are dedicated to solving some of the world’s most challenging problems in the field of cancer and immunology, advancing human health through early-stage discovery and training the next generation of biomedical researchers. 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 and the life sciences.. We offer a proven path to high retention and measurable ROI.
Founded in 2016, Apprenti has trained over 6,500 apprentices and over 350 companies, and continues to scale its work. By connecting individuals without traditional postsecondary degrees to structured, earn-and-learn career pathways, Apprenti creates economic mobility for workers and sustainable talent solutions for employers.
Learn more at apprenticareers.org.
About Registered Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship applies a model with centuries of precedent to modern careers: workers earn wages on day one, benefit from experienced mentors, and receive classroom instruction. Registered Apprenticeships (RA) are occupation-specific apprenticeship programs, validated by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), that result in nationally portable credentials. Apprenti is an apprenticeship intermediary, working with employers to design and deploy RA solutions that meet their workforce needs. Learn more at apprenticeship.gov.
Media Contacts
Wistar Media Contact: Darien A. Sutton — dsutton@wistar.org
Apprenti Media Contact: Andrea Fitzpatrick – fitzpatrick@collaborativecommunications.com
