On Thursday, April 3, Middlesex Community College held a graduation ceremony for the Pathmaker program. MCC’s program assists in filling gaps in the life sciences workforce by helping to build job training opportunities for in-demand careers in Massachusetts. Funded by the Mass Life Sciences Center (MLSC) Pathmaker Initiative, the program is in partnership with Insulet Corporation and MassHire Lowell Career Center.
“Being accepted into a funded program like this is truly life changing,” said Paige Juhola, an MCC Pathmaker program student. “It gave me access to education and hands-on experience that I would not have otherwise had. I came in with little to no experience in this field, and through this program, I've gained the confidence to work with equipment and tools I never imagined myself using. Thank you for investing in programs like this and in people like me. You're not just teaching skills – you're opening doors, changing lives, and creating real opportunities for the future.”
In the most recent cohort, 14 students graduated, including Juhola. Graduates also include Luis Almeida, Bo Chen, Benard Damulira, Haoyuan Dong, Carole Etienne, Yasar Gunduz, Vladimir Laguerre, James Marshall, Vibol Morm, Logan Phousengthong, Patrick Scanlon, Edward Ramos and Hazim Ucun.
“I am deeply grateful to all instructors in the Pathmaker Program at MCC,” Dong said. “Their dedication and passion have opened a new chapter in my career and life, and I will carry this experience with me as a lasting source of inspiration.”
This is MCC’s fifth cohort to complete the program since partnering with MLSC. Students took classes in the new robotics lab on the Bedford campus, which debuted in Fall 2025.
During the Spring 2026 graduation ceremony, students received a certificate and heard from guest speakers. This includes lead instructor for the program Jennifer Stephens and Senior Director of U.S. Operations at Insulet Corporation Peter Gowac.
“You going through this program is far more meaningful to us at Insulet,” Gowac said. “What it means is that we will have more problem solvers, people like yourselves who are dedicated and committed to something and are willing and able to help. The partnership that we have is truly world class and we can’t thank the Middlesex team enough. MCC makes this partnership easy. MassHire makes this partnership easy. Many of those who graduated from this program have made a career here. The opportunity is yours at Insulet.”
Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to interview for positions at Insulet, visit a local advanced manufacturing facility, and network with hiring managers and program alumni. After graduation, students receive their Certified Manufacturing Associate credentials through Tooling U and OSHA-10 certification.
MCC’s program also provides students with professional development and career training. Students gain access to career counseling, resume review, interview preparation, tutoring, and student support services. MassHire Lowell also connects students to career resources.
The goal of the program is to prepare Mass. job seekers for life sciences careers with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment and industry-relevant instruction. Over eight weeks, Middlesex offers trainings in Advanced Manufacturing with Robotics and Automation. Students receive 120 hours of in-person learning and 30 hours of remote learning with Tooling U. Sessions cover the most current industry topics, such as lean manufacturing, industrial electricity, robotics and mechatronics.
“After graduating 53 students, this program is proven to guide students on their path to success,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Workforce Development. “A combination of hands-on training, comprehensive curricula, and knowledgeable instructors and staff equip students with skills they can take with them as they advance in their careers. Thank you to MLSC, Insulet and MassHire Lowell for their partnership in running this training and ensuring our graduates reach their goals, gain steady employment, and help strengthen the local workforce.”
The next session will run from Monday, May 4 through Thursday, June 25 in MCC’s robotics lab in Bedford. Each session takes place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Learn more about MCC's Pathmaker program or email Katy Gentile with questions.