NSCC Hires Alexander Cain to Lead Expanded Apprenticeship Initiative Addressing Regional Workforce Needs

New Executive Director Will Help Launch Healthcare Apprenticeship Pathways and Build Employer Partnerships Across High-Demand Industries

Danvers, MA (07/22/2026) — North Shore Community College (NSCC) has hired Alexander Cain as Executive Director, Apprenticeship Pathways, to lead the expansion of apprenticeship programs that prepare students for high-demand careers while helping regional employers address workforce shortages.

Cain will focus on the development of scalable apprenticeship pathways beginning with healthcare and expanding into other industries where employers face growing demand for skilled workers. His work will focus on building partnerships with employers, strengthening workforce pipelines, and creating opportunities for students to earn a paycheck while completing their education.

Cain said he was drawn to NSCC because of the College's commitment to workforce development and community partnerships. "I'm excited to join North Shore Community College at a time when employers are looking for innovative ways to build and retain talent," said Cain. "Apprenticeships create a direct connection between education and employment, giving students hands-on experience while helping employers grow their workforce. Together with our industry partners, we have an opportunity to create career pathways that strengthen our regional economy for years to come."

Smith Family Foundation Grant

Last year, the Smith Family Foundation awarded NSCC a three-year, $750,000 grant to develop apprenticeship pathways that strengthen the region's healthcare workforce. The College will launch three apprenticeship pathways in partnership with local healthcare employers in:

The programs allow students to complete much of their coursework while employed in the field, enabling them to earn wages, gain valuable experience, and advance into higher-skilled, higher-paying careers. The College is working closely with local healthcare employers to create apprenticeship pathways in respiratory therapy, medical assisting, and surgical technology. These pathways allow entry-level employees to advance their education and their careers: a win for students, employers, and the community.

"In fields like healthcare, good-paying jobs remain unfilled, affecting both employers and patient care. Through apprenticeship, healthcare organizations can invest in their current workforce by helping entry-level employees advance into critical roles while remaining on the job. It's a model that benefits employees, employers, and our entire community," said Lori Vinci, Dean of Health Professions. "Alexander brings the experience, vision, and collaborative leadership needed to expand apprenticeship opportunities that benefit both our students and our employer partners."

Cain brings extensive experience in workforce development and higher education. Most recently, he served as Program Manager for Youth Career Pathways at the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC), where he launched a regional career exploration initiative, expanded partnerships with more than a dozen Massachusetts high schools, and developed relationships with nearly 30 manufacturing companies, workforce training providers, and nonprofit organizations.

He previously held leadership roles at Lincoln Tech and Computer Systems Institute, overseeing the development of programs in skilled trades, business, information technology, and allied health. Cain earned his bachelor's degree from Merrimack College and his law degree from New England Law Boston.

As Executive Director of Apprenticeship Pathways, Cain will work with employers, faculty, and community partners to expand apprenticeship opportunities beyond healthcare into additional high-demand industries, creating career pathways that support both student success and regional economic growth.

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NSCC has hired Alexander Cain as Executive Director, Apprenticeship Pathways, to lead the expansion of apprenticeship programs that prepare students for high-demand careers while helping regional employers address workforce shortages.

North Shore Community College

NSCC Hires Alexander Cain to Lead Expanded Apprenticeship Initiative Addressing Regional Workforce Needs

New Executive Director Will Help Launch Healthcare Apprenticeship Pathways and Build Employer Partnerships Across High-Demand Industries

Media Attachments

North Shore Community College

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