Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry approves two new apprenticeship programs

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The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry recently approved new apprenticeship programs in the clinical research associate (CRA) and residential electrician occupations.

Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (PPD), which is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, registered an individual non-joint apprenticeship program in Pennsylvania for clinical research associates (CRA). The 12-month competency-based program, the first of its kind in the United States, will be utilized in PPD’s Blue Bell location.

“Creating this apprenticeship increases the pipeline of successful professionals into the CRA talent pool, which is an important segment of employees for contract research organizations,” Tim Neathery, vice president of global recruitment for PPD, said. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring this program to Pennsylvania.”

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Allentown Electricians JATC 375 registered a new trade addition, Residential Electrician, a three-year program that will include time in both classrooms and labs in the union’s Training Center.

“Apprenticeship programs are a key function for Local 375,” IBEW 375 Training Director Robert Franklin said. “We are committed to meeting the strong demand for top-quality electricians schooled in fiber-optics and other advanced technologies, as well as more traditional electrical delivery modes. Our commitment to these apprenticeship programs has enabled Local 375 to fulfill this demand and further spread the message that IBEW members provide the highest quality service and value in the industry.”

The department’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) approved the programs. The ATO has registered 115 new sponsors and 166 new apprenticeship programs or occupations under the Wolf administration. The total number of registered apprentices statewide is now 15,972.