Listen to this article

Three Lehigh Valley organizations are part of the school-to-work programs being invested in by the Shapiro Administration, the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced. 

Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties are part of a nearly $2.4 million investment to prepare high school students for employment through pre-apprenticeship programs, classroom training and job shadowing initiatives through the Schools-to-Work Program. 

“Investing in our Schools-to-Work programs bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers, giving students the hands-on experience that simply can’t be replicated in traditional settings,” L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said in a statement. “By connecting students directly with in-demand industries while they are still in high school, we are clearly defining the path to family-sustaining careers for young Pennsylvanians. 

“These partnerships literally provide the roadmap to a lifelong vocation, and equip students with the essential skills, credentials, and confidence needed to compete in our evolving economy,” added Walker. 

The investment will support 12 organizations across the commonwealth working to develop and expand career pathways for high school students while also helping to eliminate barriers to employment. 

Lehigh Valley organizations receiving funding include the following: 

Bethlehem Area School District (Northampton and Lehigh counties – $201,415): The Bethlehem Area School District will provide opportunities for 11th and 12th grade students to participate in an advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program. The district is partnering with the Industrial Training & Education Consortium of the Lehigh Valley to align the pre-apprenticeship program with registered apprenticeship programs in Mechatronics and Industrial Manufacturing Technician pathways. 

NuPaths LLC (Montgomery and Philadelphia counties – $250,000): NuPaths will provide technical support specialist pre-apprenticeship training to 30 students at two southeastern Pennsylvania high schools. Participants will engage in instructor-led sessions with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and earn industry certifications and college credits, with pathways to registered apprenticeships, college, or employment. 

Manor College (Montgomery and Philadelphia counties – $140,196.34): Manor College will launch a pre-apprenticeship program focused on healthcare and early childhood education for students from several area high schools. The program will prepare students for registered apprenticeships, continuing education, internships, and employment opportunities through partnerships with MontcoWorks and ApprenticeshipPHL. 

The Schools-to-Work Program aims to provide students with career development opportunities, including classroom training, workplace visits, mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing experiences, per a release. It is designed to successfully bridge the gap between high school and employment or post-secondary education through pre-apprenticeships.