Madison College Leads ABC Pathways Initiative to Train Biohealth Workforce

Why is the ABC Pathways project so important?

The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub is projected to add more than 30,000 jobs to the Wisconsin economy over the next decade, and Madison College is excited to lead the workforce training needs of this growing industry. Through the ABC Pathways project, we aim to raise awareness and create opportunities for biohealth careers, particularly in personalized medicine and advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. ABC Pathways will develop tailored credentials and promote work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships to meet industry demands. These roles will encompass imaging technologies (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) and the research and development of these advanced technologies. We'll train professionals to design, engineer, manufacture, program and maintain that equipment, and also analyze the data. This initiative will impact a range of positions, from radiology and lab technicians to researchers, managers, and entrepreneurs in Wisconsin.

Tell us specifically how this initiative aims to create a diverse workforce?

We are looking to ensure the inclusion of workers from historically underserved communities, whether they be rural, urban, indigenous, youth, or females. Using data and working with local communities, we are reaching out to those populations to ensure that have an awareness of career opportunities as well making sure we are providing additional supports to overcome barriers that may be unique to those populations, such as child care, transportation, etc.

How will ABC Pathways positively impact Wisconsin workers and employers?  

The impact will be significant. We plan to train and place 2,000 workers in biohealth jobs within five years, to achieve 30% employee diversity. This effort aligns with the Tech Hub's overall objective of creating 30,000 jobs and generating $9 billion in economic development in Wisconsin over the next decade. These highly trained employees in the Wisconsin biohealth sector can expect to earn average salaries of $96,000, which is significantly higher than the state’s private-sector average.

What pivotal role does Madison College play in this initiative?

For over a century, Madison College has been ideally positioned to meet the workforce training demands of Wisconsin’s employers. Working with the employers in our communities to address these needs is a key part of our mission; it is ingrained in how we do business. This funding will empower us to maximize our expertise and expand our training programs, allowing us to effectively serve the burgeoning biohealth industry by leveraging and scaling what we already do well. Madison College is a cornerstone in enhancing our state’s economy and developing a skilled regional workforce through close collaboration with businesses to fulfill educational and training requirements. 

What challenges will need to be overcome to achieve ABC Pathways goals?

While there are barriers to realizing the full potential of a skilled and balanced workforce in the biohealth sector, the federal funding we have secured will enable us to tackle this head-on. We will increase capacity at student clinical sites, streamline regulatory requirements, enhance awareness, and actively recruit individuals from underserved communities into these lucrative career pathways.