National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 13-19, will be even more noteworthy in the Lehigh Valley following the launch of a unique new apprenticeship program.
The Industrial Training and Education Consortium of the Lehigh Valley (iTEC) is a partnership of industry, education, government, and community organizations to promote careers in advanced manufacturing. It is modeled after the German apprenticeship system.
Here’s a deeper look at iTEC and the important role it will play in building the Lehigh Valley’s workforce. 
Why was it created?
Manufacturing is the largest sector of the Lehigh Valley economy. More than 750 manufacturers collectively produce $8.4 billion in output, representing 18% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product. Member employers and their partners are collaborating through iTEC to build a deeper pool of talent to bolster their workforce, and to introduce people to careers in advanced manufacturing.
Which companies are members?
Participating in the iTEC consortium are some of the top manufacturers in the Lehigh Valley including B. Braun Medical, Lutron Electronics, Heidelberg Materials, OraSure Technologies, Bracalente Manufacturing Group, Hospital Central Services Corporation, Keurig Dr Pepper, Julabo USA, and Thread Bioscience.
Who else is involved?
iTEC’s training partners include Allentown School District, Bethlehem Area School District, Bucks County Community College, Cedar Crest College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, and Northampton Community College.
iTEC’s collaborating partners include the German American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC), Manufacturers Resource Center, and Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.
LVEDC has provided administrative support.
How does it work?
Apprenticeships are available to Lehigh Valley area residents who are 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED, and are eligible to work in the U.S.
Applicants submit resumes online or at events such as a career fair or employer day. The resumes are forwarded to iTEC member companies, who contact candidates they want to consider. Applicants decide which companies to interview with and select the best match from among the companies that make an offer. Pay and benefits are determined by each company.
Apprenticeships generally are two-to-four years but can be shorter for applicants who have participated in a pre-apprenticeship program or have previous on-the-job training.
Apprentices who complete the program may be hired by an iTEC company. They will receive a journeyworker credential from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and a certificate from their education provider. Apprentices also can take exams and gain a credential from the German American Chamber of Commerce.
National Apprenticeship Week
The theme of National Apprenticeship Week this year is “Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Jobs,” to reflect the prominence that Registered Apprenticeship has received as a proven and industry-driven training model that expedites the pathway into good jobs and improves diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.