Jack Forsythe

Bidwell Training Center graduate

Like many students, Jack Forsythe fell through the cracks of traditional education. At the age of18, both of his parents passed away and he found himself going to work instead of going to school.

From Vice President to Unemployment

“I loved music and science as a kid but my earliest and easiest employment opportunity was in the music business. I started out as a radio announcer here in Pittsburgh and moved up to become a music programmer throughout the states and finally in Los Angeles as Vice President of Marketing for a record company. I relocated back to Pittsburgh in the early 80s to raise our family here and stop the constant travel my career required. The job market was not good back then and I struggled to make a living. I found Bidwell Training Center at the unemployment office. There was a sign on the wall for the Chemical Laboratory Technician program. Knowing I would need to be retrained in a field with opportunities in the Pittsburgh area, Bidwell was a godsend to me.”

BTC Training Prepared Jack for a Career at Bayer

Jack is currently a Senior Technical Specialist at Bayer Material Science, where he works in the Innovations Lab on Polyurethane Coatings Products to develop new products or improve existing products. While at Bidwell, he gained confidence in his abilities to learn new things and to interact with people from a variety of backgrounds.

“My experience at Bidwell was a life altering one. Not only did I find my way to a new career, I gained some lifelong friendships on the path. The comfortable and open learning atmosphere enhanced the experience of preparing for a new life. A key to the success of Bidwell is their ongoing relationship with the Pittsburgh business community and industries in the area. Bidwell Training Center prepared me by means of general chemistry knowledge, laboratory techniques, math skills and computer skills necessary for a successful career in the science field. My internship opened the door to a job opportunity at Bayer.”

Jack's Advice

Jack’s experience at Bidwell has influenced the entire spectrum of his life, and he does not hesitate to recommend the program to anyone considering a career change.

“All of the teachers and advisors I had at Bidwell were outstanding. The skills and values I gained helped me set and maintain a high standard on the job. I left Bidwell with a strong feeling of gratitude for what I was given, and I felt the least payback I could give to Bidwell was to be the kind of employee that would make employers want to hire more people from the program, and help perpetuate the program. My two words of advice to anyone thinking of attending Bidwell to make a change: DON'T WAIT!”