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Project Specialist: Workforce Development & Training, Apprenticeship Intermediary

The Project Specialist plays a primary support role in the daily operation of ASHLIN’s apprenticeship intermediary projects, both existing and in development, and actively supports the development of innovative new projects.  

 The Project Specialist will serve as the front-facing staff with apprenticeship partners and stakeholders (e.g., training providers, employers, workforce development boards, students, etc.) to support in-person meetings and to mitigate/resolve challenges and risks to apprentices’ success, from outreach and onboarding through program completion and reporting.  Experience in training and development, career pathways development, and apprenticeship program development and implementation is mandatory, as is direct experience as an apprenticeship coordinator, intermediary, or similar role. Familiarity with WIOA legislation and related initiatives; Perkins legislation and associated initiatives; U.S. Dept. Of Labor apprenticeship initiatives, policy, and regulations; PA Dept. Of Labor & Industry, Apprenticeship & Training Office (ATO), and PA regulations governing apprenticeship are required. 

 The successful candidate will have outstanding judgment and critical thinking skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous quality control and improvement.   The Project Specialist will research labor market data and industry trends and support the development and implementation of innovative program initiatives. New project development is a fundamental component of this position, including but not limited to market research, proposal management, proposal writing, solicitation compliance evaluation, and editing. The submission of writing samples will be required. The Project Specialist will function in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment and must be able to work independently and collaboratively as a dynamic team member. Organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple complex tasks are essential. Candidates must be willing to travel as required. 

LOCATION: 

Within commuting distance of South Central PA. Occasional travel to Washington, D.C., ASHLIN corporate headquarters in Bowie, MD, development events in the D.C. Metro region, and travel to project sites required; otherwise, the position is performed virtually.  

 EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:  

• Master’s degree  
• Direct experience in a client-facing project management role   
• Direct experience in training and development, career pathways development, and apprenticeship program development and implementation 
• Experience using labor market data to guide decision-making and program development 
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills 
• Critical and creative thinking skills, good judgment, and demonstrated professionalism 

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provides daily program support, operational oversight, and subject matter expertise on ASHLIN’s apprenticeship intermediary efforts 
• Supports workforce development and training programs as required 
• Engages in outreach to apprenticeship program stakeholders 
• Lead writing and reporting efforts on workforce development and training programs 
• Along with the Project Director, guides work plan development and revision as required in response to evolving needs and requirements 
• Provides input into policy guidance to the field on matters related to new directions in career and technical education and workforce program development 
• Assists in the identification of and solutions to challenges and issues related to project implementation and field operations 
• Expands ASHLIN’s relationships with high schools, technical and vocational schools, community colleges, 4-year institutions, employers, workforce development boards, government offices providing apprenticeship initiatives, CTE and other WFD professional associations, and other related stakeholders 
• Engages with industry certification sponsors 
• Completes all deliverables on time, as assigned by the Project Director 
• Ensures project documents are complete, accurate, current, formatted, consistent with company standards, submitted via designated channels and methods, quality checked, and archived appropriately 
• Performs other duties assigned by management 

 COMMUNICATION: 

• Demonstrates outstanding written and verbal communication skills 
• Effectively communicates relevant project information to superiors 
• Prepares materials that are accurate, error-free, and quality-oriented 
• Mitigates, resolves and escalates issues to appropriate personnel in a timely fashion 
• Communicates difficult/sensitive information tactfully and with appropriate personnel 
• Communicates constructively, respectfully, and with kindness in all professional encounters 

 YOUR PROFILE: 

• You have a Master’s Degree. 
• You have 2+ years of work experience as an apprenticeship intermediary or in a similar role supporting apprenticeship development and implementation. 
• You have 2+ years in a supervisory role 
• You have experience writing proposal proposals (grants, government contracts, etc.) 
• You have demonstrated experience in project budget development experience 
• You are passionate about training, leading/guiding others, and making sustainable career pathways a reality for traditionally underserved and underrepresented individuals. 
• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills with stakeholders such as apprentices, supervisors, employers, and partnering institutions. 
• You excel at working independently and take the initiative toward project goals and objectives. 
• You are an excellent writer. 
• You have superior organizational and creative problem-solving skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and successfully meet deadlines. 
• You are proficient in MS Office, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and virtual meeting platforms. 

 WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.