Skilled workers are in demand in the Lehigh Valley’s growing economy. Occupational training isn’t always enough, though. Employers want workers with the professional skills (also called soft skills) they will need to succeed in the workplace.
The Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (BAVTS) is making sure its students are prepared.
The Professional Skills Training Course, taught by instructors Anita Krick and Peg Wakstein of Northampton Community College, teaches skills that make employees successful, such as how to manage conflict and how to be punctual, communicate, collaborate, and organize.
“This program that BAVTS spearheads is a prime example of how we work together in the Lehigh Valley. We at Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC), with our partners at the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, surveyed employers, who detailed their talent challenges. The research was then shared across the region and BAVTS took swift action to fill the need. As a result, our workforce now has 30 more individuals who are better prepared for their futures and for the jobs of our local employers,” said Karianne Gelinas, Vice President of Regional Partnerships & Talent Strategies at LVEDC. 
On April 17, 30 students from Bethlehem Area, Northampton Area, and Saucon Valley school districts were recognized for completing the program. And they immediately had an opportunity to meet with 10 Lehigh Valley employers that are hiring and attended the certificate presentation ceremony.
“Business and industry has stated that they would rather hire great employees and train them for the job rather than hire individuals with the necessary talents but lack the skills to keep the job. We created this program so that we could guarantee employers, that if they hire one of the individuals being recognized today, they would be getting a great employee,” said Adam Lazarchak, Executive Director at BAVTS.
Students in this Professional Skills Training Course came from across the programs at BAVTS including mechatronics, precision machining, electronics technology, computer networking, health careers, building trades, culinary arts, commercial art, and auto collision.
Northampton Community College developed the curriculum and BAVTS Bridges Foundation provides the funding, which comes from the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and donations from businesses in the region.
Lazarchak thanked the organizations that make the program possible.
The Professional Skills Training Course is open to a select group of students who are invited after demonstrating superior attendance, responsibility, attitude, and work ethic. Of 365 senior students at BAVTS, 42 were recommended for the program this school year and 30 achieved their certification.
“At BAVTS, we strive to provide our students with the necessary tools to be successful after high school, and we do that through career training and unique opportunities that save them time and money on their journey. We listen to what’s happening in our community and adapt to its needs, while at the same time look to the future to make sure we are in position to provide our students with exposure to the careers of tomorrow,” Lazarchak said.
(Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School)