SWPA Healthcare Expo Connects More Than 1,000 Students to Healthcare Career Pathways

More than 1,000 middle and high school students from over 50 schools across nine southwestern Pennsylvania counties came together last week at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for the second annual SWPA Healthcare Expo: The Pulse on Career Pathways. 

Presented by the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board, Tri-County Workforce Investment Board, Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board, and Partner4Work, the Expo offered students a hands-on, interactive introduction to the growing healthcare sector. 

“The 2025 SWPA Healthcare Expo is about opening doors to careers and helping people see the possibilities within our region’s growing healthcare field.” said Janet Ward, Executive Director of Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board 

Throughout the day, students engaged directly with employers, training providers, and education partners to learn about a wide range of career opportunities, from nursing and medical technology to behavioral health, emergency services, and beyond. Vendors included regional hospitals, community colleges, training programs, and healthcare employers. 

“The future of healthcare in our region depends on preparing the next generation today,” said Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work. “When students can see themselves in these careers early on, it not only shapes their future, it strengthens the entire healthcare ecosystem for our communities.” 

Healthcare remains one of the fastest-growing sectors in southwestern Pennsylvania, with thousands of job openings projected over the next decade. Events like the SWPA Healthcare Expo are key to introducing young people to meaningful careers that support both individual opportunity and regional economic growth.  
 
“Healthcare offers a wide range of rewarding career paths beyond the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. From medical technologists to healthcare analytics, physical therapists to healthcare administrators, students have many opportunities to make a meaningful impact. By exploring these diverse professions, we can not only find fulfilling careers but also help address critical workforce shortages across the healthcare industry," said Ami Gatts, Director of Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board. 

“The Tri-County Workforce Investment Board is excited to be able to partner with the other local workforce investment boards to share the tremendous healthcare career opportunities in our region with hundreds of students.  Hopefully it helps to spark an interest or provide a desire for them to further explore or pursue a career in the healthcare field.  Thank you to the employers, organizations, and sponsors that participated to make this a great learning opportunity for the students,” said Paul Weifenbaugh, Assistant Director of Tri-County Workforce Investment Board.