Director of Trades and Experiential Learning

Reports to: Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development

About the Role

The Director of Trades and Experiential Learning provides operational leadership and strategic oversight for complex technical workforce programs, experiential learning initiatives, and employer partnerships. Designed to meet expanding industry demand, this role ensures operational excellence, program quality, and regulatory compliance across diverse trade disciplines and work-based learning pathways—including apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and internships. The Director bridges the gap between academic programming and industry needs by facilitating high-impact employer engagement, managing specialized grants, and leading state-of-the-art facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Program Implementation
  • Direct the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of core trade and technical programs, including:
    • Electrician Certificate
    • Facilities Maintenance
    • Fiber Optics
    • MC3 TradesFutures
    • Specialized biotechnology manufacturing programming (e.g., Eli Lilly manufacturing initiatives)
    • Future technical workforce programs
  • Maintain high standards of program quality, student learning outcomes, and operational responsiveness to evolving market demands.
  • Work with content experts to develop curriculum for programming.
• Experiential Learning & Work-Based Pathways
  • Oversee the strategic expansion, coordination, and administrative documentation of all Apprenticeship, Pre-Apprenticeship, and Internship programs.
  • Direct the administration and execution of work-based grants, including the School-to-Work Grant initiative.
  • Track compliance, participant progress, and credential attainment across work-based learning tracks.
• Instructor Recruitment & Supervision
  • Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and mentor instructional staff and adjunct faculty across technical disciplines.
  • Ensure instructors maintain current industry certifications, adhere to instructional standards, and deliver high-quality technical curricula.
• Facility, Laboratory & Equipment Management
  • Oversee trade labs, technical equipment, specialized tools, and learning spaces to support hands-on instruction.
  • Develop capital equipment plans, manage lab supply inventories, and maintain modern technical training environments.
  • Enforce institutional and regulatory safety standards (OSHA, EPA, local/state codes) across all training labs and instructional facilities.
• Employer Engagement & Industry Partnerships
  • Serve as the primary liaison to industry partners, trade unions, and corporate stakeholders to align programming with regional workforce needs.
  • Cultivate strategic employer relationships to expand internship, apprenticeship, and graduate placement opportunities.
  • Lead advisory committee meetings to gather industry feedback for continuous curriculum alignment.
• Grant Management & Compliance
  • Manage state, federal, and private workforce development grants, ensuring full execution of deliverables, reporting, and fiscal compliance.
  • Coordinate regulatory compliance for state-registered apprenticeship programs and relevant certifying bodies.
• Sales & Revenue Generation
  • Proactively identify, target, and secure new employer clients for workforce training programs.
  • Meet or exceed established revenue and sales goals.
  • Develop and deliver customized sales presentations, proposals, and training solutions.
  • Maintain and manage a robust sales pipeline, tracking all activity and outcomes.
  • Negotiate pricing and service agreements in collaboration with leadership.
  • Conduct outreach, sales, and travel within the tri-county region (Lehigh, Schuylkill, and Carbon).
• Employer Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with employers across key industry sectors.
  • Serve as the primary external contact for workforce training inquiries and partnerships.
  • Conduct ongoing outreach to assess employer workforce needs and skills gaps.
  • Ensure high levels of client satisfaction to promote repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Market Intelligence & Program Alignment
  • Gather and communicate employer feedback and labor market trends to internal stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with program staff to inform the development of new training offerings based on employer demand.
  • Support the launch of new programs by securing employer participation and enrollments.
• Community Representation & Outreach
  • Represent Workforce Development at industry events, job fairs, chambers of commerce, and networking events.
  • Promote training programs and services to increase visibility and market presence.
  • Establish relationships with economic development organizations and industry groups.
• Reporting & Performance Tracking
  • Track sales activity, revenue generation, and employer engagement metrics.
  • Prepare regular reports on pipeline development, closed business, and market trends.
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives to expand workforce offerings and employer partnerships.
• Program Oversight and Administration
  • Work collaboratively with internal teams to support the development of new programs.
  • Manage the hiring of workforce faculty and trainers.
  • Build career pathways by connecting skills/workforce programs with credit programs, creating seamless transitions for students.
  • Coordinate employer advisory committees to ensure programs remain aligned with industry needs; participate in program evaluation and compliance reporting in accordance with state and institutional policies.
  • Manage grants and serve as point of contact for grants in these areas.
• Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Leadership
  • Provide strategic oversight for all apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives within area of responsibility.
  • Develop, register, and maintain apprenticeship programs in partnership with employers and regulatory agencies.
  • Complete and submit Registered Apprenticeship applications and related documentation in compliance with state and federal requirements.

Requirements

• Education

  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a technical trade field combined with an advanced degree, or relevant industry-recognized certifications/master-level trade licenses.

• Certifications

  Act 153 Clearances (Act 34 PA Criminal Background, Act 151 PA Child Abuse History, Act 114 FBI Clearance Fingerprinting)

• Work Experience
  • Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible administrative or leadership experience in higher education, vocational/technical training, or industry workforce development.
  • Proven track record of managing technical education programs, trade lab environments, and industry-aligned training facilities (e.g., Electrical, Facilities Maintenance, Fiber Optics, or Advanced Manufacturing).
  • Demonstrated experience designing, coordinating, and documenting registered Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Internships, and MC3 TradesFutures or School-to-Work programs.
  • Significant experience building and maintaining strategic partnerships with regional employers, trade unions, university partners, and economic development agencies.
  • Successful track record of executing, tracking, and maintaining compliance for state, federal, and private workforce grants.
  • Experience recruiting, evaluating, and supporting full-time and adjunct technical faculty or instructional staff.

Skills

• Deep understanding of OSHA regulations, EPA standards, and institutional safety policies governing technical training labs and industrial equipment.
• Knowledge of stackable credentials, non-credit to credit pathway mapping, and industry-recognized credentialing bodies.
• Strong operational capacity with experience in budget development, revenue expansion, facility management, and capital equipment planning.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to effectively bridge academic affairs, workforce development, and external corporate leadership.

Physical Demands

• Ability to effectively communicate, perceive, and exchange information with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls using hands, arms, or adaptive equipment.
• Ability to safely lift, transport, or move objects up to 15 lbs regularly and up to 25 lbs occasionally.
• Vision capabilities sufficient to view screens, read printed materials, and observe work environments (with or without assistive devices).

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position at Lehigh Carbon Community College. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events, classes, or partnerships. Moderate noise level in office and classroom environments. Travel to other LCCC sites, partner locations in Lehigh, Carbon, and Schuylkill Counties, and industry events required.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.