Penn College celebrates pre-apprenticeships in Lehigh Valley

Pennsylvania College of Technology recently hosted its inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Industry Day at the offices of PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley and Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.

Eighteen juniors and seniors from Allentown School District, Cheltenham School District, Executive Education Academy Charter School, Insight PA Cyber Charter School, Northampton Area School District and Oley Valley School District participated.

The event was the culmination of more than three months of learning. Students enrolled in the AMP program progress through an online curriculum focused on foundational skills in manufacturing and complete three hands-on labs to further develop technical and problem-solving skills. Each one leads to testing for the Society of Manufacturing Engineering’s Certified Manufacturing Associate certification.

“More than a training program, AMP is a pre-employment pathway that equips participants with foundational technical skills and essential career awareness,” said Adam J. Yoder, workforce readiness program manager for Penn College Workforce Development. “By aligning with employer expectations and registered apprenticeship opportunities, the program helps participants make informed decisions about their next steps, whether that’s entering an apprenticeship, continuing their education or moving directly into employment.”

State Sen. Nick Miller (Senate District 14), chair of the Senate Minority Policy Committee, Brittney Price of Crayola LLC, and state Rep. Peter Schweyer (Senate District 134), majority chair of the House Education Committee, each offered remarks to attendees, which also included industry partners Sharp Packaging Services LLC, B. Braun Medical Inc. and Polymer Contours Inc., along with the Industrial Training & Education Consortium of the Lehigh Valley (supported by the German American Chamber of Commerce) and the Manufacturers Resource Center. 
 

“I was proud to join students and partners from across the region to celebrate Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Allentown Industry Day and the success of the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program,” Miller said. “Programs like this are building a stronger workforce, creating pathways to family-sustaining careers and strengthening our economy. That’s why I’ve made workforce development a priority and was proud to help secure $50,000 in funding to expand educational and apprenticeship opportunities in the Lehigh Valley. The future of manufacturing is right here in our region, and these students are helping lead the way.”

Price, who serves as collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment manager for Crayola, is also a member of the Manufacturers Resource Center’s Dream Team. This group of young industry professionals gives presentations to students to encourage the exploration of manufacturing careers.

Price spoke to Industry Day attendees about how the growing skills trade gap led to the development of the Dream Team, which, she said, “inspires the next generation through local manufacturing champions, connecting youth to careers with hands-on learning and real-world stories.”

“The younger generations are shying away from trade skills, causing a gap in manufacturing careers,” she said. “Students are lacking exposure to modern manufacturing. Manufacturing is developing rapidly. It’s no longer the textbook version of manufacturing we’ve seen from the past, which is the dark, dim and dirty place. Nowadays, it’s robotic, AI-facing and a very exciting workplace to be in. Employers need local, work-ready talent.”

After graduates had an opportunity to network with industry partners, Schweyer closed the event, noting that the pre-apprenticeship program offered through Penn College Workforce Development is an effective way to prepare students for the workforce in highly competitive fields.

“I was pleased to join Sen. Miller and the incredible students and staff for Allentown Industry Day, and I will continue to advocate for more apprenticeship programs and expansions to ensure our region continues to be a pathway to good-paying manufacturing careers,” he added.

This initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and is subject to applicable nondiscrimination and compliance requirements. Learn more here.

To learn more about Penn College Workforce Development, visit www.pct.edu/wd.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.