A first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program will provide industrial skills training and develop a workforce to meet the needs of the Lehigh Valley’s growing manufacturing sector.
The Industrial Training and Education Consortium of the Lehigh Valley (iTEC) was announced Oct. 3 at the Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum. iTEC is a partnership of industry, education, government, and community organizations to promote careers in advanced manufacturing.
“This is exactly the kind of public/private partnership we need to create more high-quality jobs with strong potential for upward mobility to drive economic growth in the Lehigh Valley and across the Commonwealth,” said Gwen Ross, Director of Workforce Development Initiatives at the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.
Ross said iTEC, a nonprofit supported with private and state funding, is aligned with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s focus on expanding apprenticeship opportunities to support Pennsylvania’s innovation economy.
“The Lehigh Valley is home to more than 700 manufacturers making everything from medical devices to industrial equipment to food products and nearly everything in between,” said Don Cunningham, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC). “Our manufacturing renaissance is driven by the skilled employees in the region. As we grow, it’s critical to continue that talent pipeline. The iTEC apprenticeship program is a fantastic vehicle to continue the growth of skilled manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.”
About 38,000 people work in manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley. Manufacturing is the largest contributor to the region’s economy, generating an output of $8.4 billion annually, which represents 18% of the $47 million Gross Domestic Product. Nationally, manufacturing makes up 12% of GDP.
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.
“Manufacturing is growing in the Lehigh Valley, and it is driving demand for more employees with the mechanical and technical skills needed to run the new factories,” said Jean-Claude Dubacher, Chairman and CEO, B. Braun of America Inc. “That’s why we came together with other manufacturers, training providers, and government and community partners to form iTEC. Instead of many companies competing for a small number of candidates, we now have the ability to expand the pool of apprentices and open up new career opportunities for people across the region.”
iTEC currently is offering state-registered apprenticeship programs in mechatronics and industrial manufacturing technician career paths. Additional programs will be available soon.
“Being an iTEC apprentice gives me the opportunity to learn skills that are in high demand and pursue a degree at Northampton Community College at the same time. It has opened the door for an exciting and rewarding career path for me,” said Dinar Shaimukhametov, an iTEC Apprentice at B. Braun.
“My apprenticeship at B. Braun is an ideal way for me to develop my career and further my education while working for an amazing company. I feel good about coming to work every day because I am learning so much and helping to make products that help people,” said Brauly Castillo, at iTEC Apprentice at B. Braun.
Apprenticeships are available to Lehigh Valley area residents who are 18 or older who have a high school diploma or GED and are eligible to work in the United States. Apprenticeships generally are two to four years. They can be shorter for those who have participated in a pre-apprenticeship program or have credit for previous on-the-job training.
Pay and benefits for apprentices are set by each company. Those who complete an apprenticeship program will receive a journeyworker credential – which is recognized nationally – from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and may be hired by an iTEC participating company.
Applicants can apply online or at events such as a career fair or employer day.
iTEC is funded by member companies and a $183,000 state grant awarded to Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.
“While learning or upgrading their skills, iTEC apprentices earn a salary on the job with the opportunity to earn a tuition-free college degree,” said Nancy Dischinat, Executive Director of Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.
A panel discussion about the new program took place during the Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum, held at Wind Creek Bethlehem. (An article about the panel will be published in the Oct. 10 LVEDC e-newsletter).
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, LVEDC, Manufacturers Resource Center, and Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.
LVEDC is providing administrative support. Apprenticeship certifications, educational outreach, and training for company mentors are managed by the German American Chamber of Commerce.
Officers of the iTEC Executive Committee are Chair Morten Rasmussen, Corporate Vice President, Operations Human Resources at B. Braun Medical; Vice Chair Mark Tervalon, Chief Operating Officer at Lutron Electronics; Treasurer Thomas Kolbe, Senior Vice President Competence Center Cement at Heidelberg Materials; and Secretary Ayesha Herrera, Director of Human Resources at OraSure Technologies.
To learn more about becoming an apprentice or partnering with iTEC, visit iTECLehighValley.org.
(Photos courtesy of iTEC)