Program Manager, Apprenticeship & Technical Training Initiatives
A Program Manager for Apprenticeship and Technical Training Initiatives is the primary architect of partnerships that connect education with employment, leading the design and improvement of programs that align with workforce needs. This is a sample job description from Excelon Associates, drawn from a retained search, that you can adapt as a template for your own hire.
What does a Program Manager of Apprenticeship and Technical Training do?
The Program Manager leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of apprenticeship and technical training programs that align with regional and national workforce needs. The role collaborates with employers, faculty, and accrediting bodies so that programs meet compliance standards and deliver measurable outcomes for students and hiring partners.
It is ideal for a visionary professional who understands both the operational complexities of post-secondary training and the strategic imperatives of industry collaboration. The work bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, making sure graduates are prepared to thrive in an evolving labor market.
A registered apprenticeship is a structured earn-while-you-learn program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor that combines paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction and leads to a recognized credential. Technical training initiatives are the industry-aligned programs that build the specific skills regional employers need.
Who does this role connect?
What are the key responsibilities?
- Develop, implement, and manage registered apprenticeship and industry-aligned training programs across multiple sectors.
- Lead curriculum alignment efforts so instructional content meets industry and accreditation standards.
- Monitor trends in workforce development, automation, and upskilling to keep the institution at the forefront of technical education.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with employers, workforce boards, and community organizations to identify training needs and placement opportunities.
- Support recruitment and retention strategies for both students and employer partners.
- Oversee program budgets, data tracking, and performance metrics to ensure accountability and sustainability.
- Collaborate with internal academic and administrative teams to secure funding, grants, and compliance documentation.
What qualifications are required?
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in Education, Workforce Development, or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in technical education, workforce development, or apprenticeship program management.
- Proven success building partnerships with employers and industry stakeholders.
- Strong project management, communication, and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of Department of Labor apprenticeship standards and state and federal workforce initiatives.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with academic and industry teams in a fast-moving environment.
Why is this role important?
As automation, AI, and digital transformation reshape the global workforce, the ability to connect education with employability has never been more critical. The Program Manager is central to that mission, aligning institutional strategy with real-world opportunity.
By building scalable, outcomes-driven partnerships, this leader makes sure students gain not only technical competence but also economic mobility. These roles do not just fill seats; they build futures.
A hiring note from Excelon
This role rises or falls on relationships and follow-through. The strongest candidates have already stood up registered apprenticeships, navigated Department of Labor requirements, and kept employer partners engaged past the launch. We pay attention to placement and completion numbers, because anyone can describe a partnership, but few can show one that produced hires year after year.
The measure of this role is not how many programs launch, but how many graduates land real jobs with the employers who helped design the training.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Program Manager of Apprenticeship and Technical Training do?
The Program Manager leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of apprenticeship and technical training programs that align with regional and national workforce needs, working with employers, faculty, and accrediting bodies to deliver measurable outcomes.
What qualifications are required?
This sample role requires a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s in education, workforce development, or a related field preferred, plus five or more years of experience in technical education, workforce development, or apprenticeship program management.
What is a registered apprenticeship?
A registered apprenticeship is a structured earn-while-you-learn program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor that combines paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, leading to a recognized credential.
Who does this role partner with?
The Program Manager builds and maintains partnerships with employers, workforce boards, and community organizations to identify training needs and placement opportunities, and collaborates with internal academic and administrative teams on funding and compliance.
Why is this role important?
As automation, AI, and digital transformation reshape the workforce, this role connects education with employability. By building scalable, outcomes-driven partnerships, it helps students gain both technical competence and economic mobility.
Need to hire a Program Manager for Apprenticeship & Technical Training?
Excelon Associates recruits workforce and technical education leaders for colleges, universities, and training centers nationwide, connecting institutions with professionals skilled in partnership development, curriculum alignment, and workforce strategy. Retained executive search since 2007, headquartered in Asheville, NC.
More Sample Job Descriptions
Templates you can adapt for your own roles.