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National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ Announces Launch of National Workforce Education, Career and Apprenticeship Network

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Initiative provides a platform to bring together practitioners in advancing Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) and skill-based learning to help scale best practices in developing the nation’s advanced manufacturing and tech talent pipeline.

HANOVER, Md., Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Through its National Center for Skill-Based Learning™ (CSBL), the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) has launched a new platform to help engage and inform practitioners interested in promoting skill-based learning and hiring through the establishment and expansion of RAs. NIICA’s National Workforce Education, Career and Apprenticeship Network™ (WE CAN) platform and initiative is designed to help meet the nation’s growing demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

In its role as the U.S. Department of Labor’s national industry Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding RAs and pre-apprenticeships throughout the semiconductor, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing supply chains, NIICA works with regional stakeholders throughout the country. In doing so, NIICA promotes the sharing of experiences and best practices between various communities of practitioners; employers, regional industry intermediaries and group program sponsors, community colleges, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, K-12 systems, economic development organizations, and state agencies.

WE CAN is designed to better facilitate making connections at scale throughout the nation, making it easier to share best practices and to help to create awareness of available resources to facilitate skill-based learning and hiring – and importantly, RAs.

WE CAN builds upon the success of NIICA’s existing platform for its Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS) program, expanding the opportunity for collaboration to a broader coalition of participating industry leaders, educational institutions, and workforce organizations. This expansion aims to foster greater innovation in skill-based learning across the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. Building on the collaborative foundation established with NIICA and GAINS participants, WE CAN will now offer an expanded space for the exchange of ideas and best practices around skill-based learning, Registered Apprenticeships, internships, and talent pipeline development. This initiative opens these discussions to a wider network, ensuring that successful strategies can be shared and scaled.

NIICA has collaborated with industry representatives to develop a comprehensive database of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) that are required to succeed in advanced manufacturing and developed the nation’s first Semiconductor Competency Standard.  All the KSAs required in jobs within companies being supported by NIICA through its GAINS program have been cataloged and matched to curriculum needed to support the training for RAs. The Related Technical Instruction (RTI) is provided by a network community colleges throughout the nation whose curriculum have been aligned with these employer/job requirements. NIICA’s Semiconductor Industry Network of Community Colleges (SINC) is a network of over 50 colleges with curriculum that has been aligned with job KSA requirements to support NIICA facilitated RAs. Through WE CAN, stakeholders will be made aware of related resources so they can save time and expense related to developing KSA profiles for jobs and leverage existing resources made available by participating in RAs, such as the National Talent Hub.

“At NIICA, we are building the talent pipeline nationwide by establishing pre-apprenticeship pathways and Registered Apprenticeships for high-value, strategically important careers. We are fortunate to collaborate with passionate stakeholders—employers, industry associations, economic developers, educators, and more—who contribute to workforce development. WE CAN formalizes these connections, streamlining efforts and leveraging existing assets and programs,” said NIICA’s Senior Director for the CSBL, Clay Nagel.

“At NIICA, we recognize that the heart of our nation’s success lies in the strength of our workforce. WE CAN isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about organizing efforts to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to access meaningful careers, to grow, and to contribute to industries that are shaping our future. Through WE CAN, we’re not only working to address the need for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing and tech related careers, but also ensuring that everyone has a pathway into these high-growth, high-impact industries through Registered Apprenticeships,” said Nikki Zaahir, Executive Director of NIICA. 

“While we work to deploy a strategy to expand the nation’s talent pipeline for strategic industry sectors, we are focused on ensuring skill-based learning is part of an education system. In doing so, we are providing the opportunity for people from all walks of life to participate in what are high-value careers. There is great work being done around the country; the more effective we are in sharing information and connecting various communities of practice and stakeholders interested in advancing this mission, the more effective we will be in achieving success,” said NIICA’s President and CEO Mike Russo.

For additional details on WE CAN and NIICA’s work, visit www.niica.org.

About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement

NIICA is responsible for a national strategy to build the talent pipeline to support strategic industry sectors – tech-based industries and advanced manufacturing tied to U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

NIICA is the nation’s leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development strategy and is the U.S. Department of Labor’s national Registered Apprenticeship (RA) industry Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding RAs throughout the semiconductor and broader nanotechnology-related industries and advanced manufacturing supply chain. All related programing and support are being advanced through NIICA’s Center for Skill-Based Learning and the National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative.

To date, NIICA has supported the development of 89 RAs with semiconductor and advanced manufacturing employers in 17 states, with over 4,900 apprentices committed to our programs. For more information about the Institute, visit www.niica.org.

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SOURCE National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement

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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

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May 13, 2026

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2979204/DoH_Abu_Dhabi.jpg
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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

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L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

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May 13, 2026

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DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com  

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

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HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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May 13, 2026

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LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.  

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change 

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact: 
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com 

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SOURCE HBX Group

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