Career Opportunities

Contrary to most other Penn College programs, students enrolled in this program will need to already possess full-time employment in a technical career field. As such, students will enroll to increase their ability to receive promotions and to bolster their earning potential. Additionally, many employers already fund apprenticeship training and college coursework. This would allow interested employers to provide both in a combined format which would be an effective recruitment and employee retainment strategy. Graduates of this program will most likely seek out supervisor positions in their technical area. Examples include:

• SOC 49-1011 – First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers. O-Net projects 1,980 annual openings in PA for this position until 2028. This is a 5% growth.
• SOC 47-1011 – First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers. O-Net projects 2,620 annual openings in PA for this position until 2028. This is an 8% growth.

Recommended High School Subjects

One year of general mathematics, one year of basic algebra, and one year of science. Coursework with an emphasis on communication (oral and written) is advantageous.

Special Admissions Requirements

This program is open to individuals who are currently enrolled in, or have completed, a Registered Apprenticeship (from any U.S. state or the U.S. Department of Labor) with at least two years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job training and a minimum of 288 hours of classroom instruction.

Individuals who have completed a Registered Apprenticeship program should submit their nationally recognized Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship. Individuals currently engaged in a Registered Apprenticeship should submit a fully executed copy of their Apprenticeship Agreement Form.

Special Equipment Needs

Given that this is an online major, students must have access to a computer with consistent internet access. Technical recommendations are as follows:

• Windows 10 or higher, or equivalent Mac
• Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 (5th generation or higher)
• 8+ GB RAM
• 250GB+ Solid State Disk (SSD) drive
• Webcam and microphone (required)
• High speed internet connection (cable or DSL recommended)
• Chromebooks and other devices running ChromeOS are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).

Transfer Procedures

Given the 39 credits awarded for the completion of a qualifying Registered Apprenticeship program, this degree program will not accept additional transfer coursework.

Program Goals

• explain the relationship between personal goals/objectives, academic subject matter, and the apprenticeship program.
• apply critical-thinking skills to reason logically and to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in a variety of academic, personal, and professional situations.
• employ effective oral and written communication in a variety of personal and professional situations.
• demonstrate appreciation for the social, cultural, and natural environments and for diverse cultural beliefs and behaviors.
• recognize the inter-relationships of various disciplines.
• use planning and organizational skills essential to academic and professional success.