Penn Community Bank, the largest independent mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, has contributed $25,000 to Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) in support of its Workforce Development Division’s new MontcoWorks Apprenticeship Program (MAP).

MAP is an earn-while-you-learn program that offers MCCC students the opportunity to gain in-demand workforce skills and college credits at no cost. Apprentice-students train alongside experienced professionals, receive mentorship and guidance, while earning a steady paycheck from a partnering employer. Upon completion of the program, apprentices receive an industry-recognized credential and will have acquired up to 36 college credits.

“Penn Community Bank’s generous donation to the MontcoWorks Apprenticeship Program is an important investment in the well-being of our communities and the regional economy. MAP will ensure future generations have sustainable career pathways, which provide a better life for themselves and their families. Similarly, employers gain the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive in the global market,” said MCCC President Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez. “The College greatly appreciates Penn Community Bank’s support of our students and this innovative earn-to-learn program.”

“Connecting employers and jobseekers just makes sense. As a corporate citizen and vital part of the community, it’s our job to support and expand job training efforts in the region to ensure a strong local economy for generations to come,” said Bernard Tynes, Penn Community Bank Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing & Impact Officer. “We’re grateful for MCCC’s leadership in this space and proud to continue our regional support for job training and workforce development.”

This donation will help fund the associated costs for MCCC’s Division of Workforce and Economic Development to train mentors for industry partners, who will work directly with apprentices and teach them the tools of their trade and how to grow and succeed in the workplace. At the end of the program, apprentices will go on to earn family-sustaining jobs, while also filling a workforce shortage among area employers.

"Penn Community Bank’s generous donation to the MontcoWorks Apprenticeship Program is an important investment in the well-being of our communities and the regional economy." — Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, MCCC President

MAP will begin with the 24-month industrial maintenance mechanic apprenticeship. It is an employment and training pathway supporting careers in several high-priority occupations in Montgomery County and beyond. Industrial maintenance mechanics perform maintenance and repairs on machines and work in various fields, such as pharmaceutical production, food processing, medical device, automotive parts, and aeronautical manufacturing. MAP began with this career in an effort to address the shortage of workers in this highly in-demand field.  

“The MontcoWorks Apprenticeship Program is a pilot program to engage our employers in the Montgomery County region who are facing significant workforce shortages,” said Kyle Longacre, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. “We are working to recruit really good apprenticeship candidates for our program and help them prepare to interview with our employer partners.”  Longacre continued, “We are committed to being industry-guided in our training programs and consistent in working with our advisory board in making program improvements.

"As a corporate citizen and vital part of the community, it’s our job to support and expand job training efforts in the region to ensure a strong local economy for generations to come." — Bernard Tynes, Penn Community Bank Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing & Impact Officer

Apprenticeship programs change the arrangement between education and industry in that it brings the employment of a student to the beginning of the journey, as compared to the middle or the end of the education journey, he said. Companies make a two-year commitment to hire and train inexperienced, students. The student also signs a two-year contract to participate in a dual-curriculum training process with on-the-job training competencies and related technical instruction at the College.

As the MAP program continues to grow, MCCC plans to partner with career and technical centers, area nonprofit organizations and school districts to share these opportunities with more students. Existing employees of companies also may enter the program for additional training and college credits.

MAP is designed to be replicated across other industries outside of maintenance mechanics and manufacturing as well. Companies interested in participating in an apprenticeship program are encouraged to contact the College to discuss potential opportunities.

For more information about the Montcoworks Apprenticeship Program, visit the landing page. To find out how to support the program, contact the Montgomery County Community College Foundation.