PHOTO CAPTION: Pennsylvania College of Technology will offer a four-month Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program through Allentown School District that will introduce students to the foundational concepts of advanced manufacturing. (Credit: Rob Hinkal, Penn College)<\/p>\n
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. \u2013 Pennsylvania College of Technology will offer a four-month Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program through Allentown School District that will introduce students to the foundational concepts of advanced manufacturing.<\/p>\n
The partnership between Penn College Workforce Development and the school district is an opportunity to reach a population interested in exploring in-demand career pathways and earning competencies required to attain a Certified Manufacturing Associate credential.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership reflects our strategic plan, \u2018Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030\u2019 in action,” said Carol D. Birks, superintendent and chief executive officer for the Allentown School District. “By expanding access to advanced manufacturing pathways, we are strengthening the bridge between rigorous classroom learning and high-demand careers right here in Allentown. Our students deserve clear, supported routes into the future workforce, and collaborations like this ensure they can build the skills, credentials and confidence required to succeed in an evolving economy. This is how we create real opportunity \u2013 through aligning education, industry and community to light the way forward for every student.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pre-apprenticeship programs offered through Penn College Workforce Development focus on industry sectors with high demand for a skilled workforce, align with an industry credential, reinforce classroom learning with hands-on skill development, group pre-apprentices in a consortium and engage employers who offer potential employment and apprenticeship opportunities.<\/p>\n
The same benefits will be extended through the Allentown partnership, and pre-apprentices will be provided with networking opportunities with regional manufacturing companies, especially polymer manufacturers and employer partners engaged in apprenticeship programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cPenn College Workforce Development designed the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program to address what we hear repeatedly from manufacturers \u2013 the challenge of finding early-career talent with foundational skills,\u201d said Adam J. Yoder, program manager, Penn College Workforce Development. \u201cThis program creates a win-win situation. Students gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials that position them for rapidly growing manufacturing careers, while employers gain access to better-equipped entrants into the workforce, ready to contribute from day one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program, students learn both foundational theory and hands-on skills to prepare them with entry-level skills for many manufacturing occupations, including polymer manufacturing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis strategic partnership between Allentown School District and Pennsylvania College of Technology invests in the next generation of Lehigh Valley talent by expanding advanced manufacturing education and opening direct pathways to apprenticeship programs,\u201d said state Sen. Nick Miller. \u201cPenn College is a tremendous asset to the commonwealth, graduating top-tier talent in high-demand, family sustaining careers. It will open doors for Allentown students to gain the hands-on experience they need to thrive in these fields.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program, which will run from Jan. 23 through May 8, will use a combination of self-guided online modules and instructor-led labs. On-site activities will take place within the Allentown School District.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have so many bright, talented students in the Allentown School District, and I am thrilled these young adults will have more opportunities to learn valuable skills that will allow them to pursue good-paying jobs in fields that they are interested in,\u201d said state Rep. Peter Schweyer, House Education Committee Chairman. \u201cThe partnership between ASD and Penn College to offer the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program will give these students hands-on experience and hopefully light a spark for a very bright future. I am pleased to be a part of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Penn College\u2019s AMP program is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. Participants in the AMP program must be 16 years of age or older to be eligible for grant funding to cover program fees.<\/p>\n
To learn more about Penn College Workforce Development, visit www.pct.edu\/wd<\/a>.<\/p>\n For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu<\/a>, email admissions@pct.edu<\/a> or call toll-free 800-367-9222.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PHOTO CAPTION: Pennsylvania College of Technology will offer a four-month Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program through Allentown School District that will introduce students to the foundational concepts of advanced manufacturing. (Credit: … Continue reading Penn College partners with Allentown School District<\/span>