Apprenticeships are one of the most recommended best practices for preparing the talent pipeline with skills demanded by employers. Organizations that develop their employees may find improved morale, stronger retention, and higher productivity.

That’s why the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) will be attending the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Summit, to receive training about how to better work with regional partners and employers in developing and sustaining apprenticeships.

“This will allow us to better understand the opportunities that come along with apprenticeships, the process required to establish them, and the ever-changing landscape of funding available for these types of talent pipeline initiatives,” said Karianne Gelinas, LVEDC Director of Talent Supply, who will be attending the event.

The Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Summit, to be held Sept. 25-26 in Harrisburg, will bring together apprenticeship experts from across the country, workforce professionals, and current and potential programs from across the state.

The event is being organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), which seeks to improve the skills of the American workforce and enhances the efficiency and productivity of American industries.

LVEDC is among several partner organizations that collaborate when it comes to establishing apprenticeships in the Lehigh Valley. Others include the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, the Keystone Development Partnership, the region’s postsecondary schools, and regional employers.

The Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Summit will provide information and training about how partner organizations like LVEDC can support apprenticeships and help connect employers to talent, Gelinas said.

The summit will include a panel discussion with executive staff from various state agencies about apprenticeships within the state and the collaboration occurring across agencies.

Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Workforce Development Eileen Cipriani will moderate the panel, which will include representatives from the state Department of Community & Economic Development, Department of Education, and Department of Human Services.

The summit will also include a panel of registered group apprenticeship programs, workshops focused on various models of apprenticeship, information about the state’s new Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program, and networking opportunities.

A keynote presentation will be delivered by David Kirkland, President of Greiner Packaging USA, who will discuss his journey from apprentice to president, including his experiences and the importance of apprenticeships for both participants and employers.

LVEDC previously shared a “quick-start toolkit” for building registered apprenticeship programs, which was released by the U.S. Department of Labor.