CCAC Hosts Workforce Development Panel Discussion on November 1, 2023
An aerial view of CCAC’s Allegheny Campus with Pittsburgh’s Downtown on the horizon.
CCAC is set to host a panel discussion focused on workforce development issues in the region on Wednesday, Nov. 1, in the Foerster Student Services Center auditorium on Allegheny Campus (808 Ridge Ave).
The discussion kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with Bill Flanagan, producer and host of WPXI-TV's "Our Region's Business' and special advisor to the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, serving as moderator. The topics will highlight four main workforce areas and feature the following panel of experts:
- History & industrial era-Dr. Ralph Proctor, Professor of Ethnic & Diversity Studies, CCAC
- Emerging life sciences & healthcare-Dr. Evan Facher, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Associate Dean for Commercial Translation in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Director of the Innovation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh
- AI & knowledge economy-Ms. Audrey Russo, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council
- Workforce training-Mr. Michael Rinsem, Endowed Professor for Technical Curriculum, CCAC
The workforce development panel is one of several events being implemented by the college to support and celebrate the opening of the new Center for Education, Innovation and Training (CEIT). This facility represents the college's long-standing commitment to preparing the region's workforce with the skills employers need now and in the future. Educational programming in high-demand and emerging fields available at the center includes 3D printing, additive and advanced manufacturing, baking and pastry arts, building automation systems, cybersecurity and network administration, computer numerical control machining, culinary arts, foodservice/restaurant management, information technology, machine learning, mechatronics, and robotics and automation. By fully integrating workforce development with industry-recognized credentials and credit degrees, CCAC is providing our students with job-ready training as well as educational pathways designed for lifelong career success.