NIOSH Extramural Workforce Development

Workforce Development

NIOSH supports professional training in occupational safety and health in a variety of disciplines through training programs in Education and Research Centers and Training Project Grants (TPGs).

ERCs are university-based interdisciplinary centers that provide graduate training in the core and allied fields of occupational safety and health. In addition to degree training, ERCs provide continuing education and outreach to the occupational safety and health community throughout the Federal health region they serve.

Training Project Grants (TPGs) are training programs that support undergraduate and graduate training, usually in a single discipline. NIOSH also supports non-academic training programs.  These programs compliment the national network of graduate training provided by ERCs and are located throughout the United States.

NIOSH funds a unique TPG in Emergency Responder Training Program through the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This grant supports a comprehensive nationwide hazardous substance and emergency response training program for fire fighters, paramedics and other emergency responders across the United States.