Dr. Ann D. Bieber was appointed the fifth president of Lehigh Carbon Community College on July 10, 2014. The college currently serves nearly 9,000 students in credit programs and nearly 3,000 in workforce training programs each year.
LVB : The number of people seeking traditional four-year degrees has been trending down. How are community colleges like LCCC adapting to fill those career development needs?
Bieber : LCCC is adapting by focusing on several innovative strategies to meet career development needs.
In-demand skills training offers programs in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Training opportunities emphasize industry certifications in work-based learning in partnership with local businesses. These apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
Students receive practical, hands-on experience through internships and career job shadowing.
Comprehensive student support encompasses robust career services such as career pathway counseling, resume writing workshops, job fairs, mock interviews, personal branding through LinkedIn, and the E-Portfolio showcase, all of which connect alumni and students for industry peer mentoring and essential skills building.
Through the Dual Enrollment program, where students earn college credit while still in high school, we encourage students to continue their higher education by earning their degree at LCCC, followed by transferring to a four-year college or university for their bachelor’s degree and then to enter the workforce.
LVB : What types of career development learning opportunities are people seeking your school out for?
Bieber : Career development learning opportunities encompass technical and vocational programs such as Nursing, Medical Office Assisting, and Healthcare Administration. In addition, we offer programs in Information Technology, skilled trades and Advanced Manufacturing, which also encompasses the mobile manufacturing lab. Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships are offered in programs such as Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Maintenance.
Other areas are short-term certificate programs focused on industry certifications and specialized short-term training.
Individualized career counseling helps students identify career goals and pathways. Job placement assistance guides students in finding internships and full-time employment after graduation regardless of the duration of the courses (noncredit for professional career development) and program (certificate or degree). Lastly, throughout high school students are encouraged to earn college credits and get a head start on their career pathways.
LVB : How do you work with area employers to make sure workers are getting the skills that they need?
Bieber : Working with employers involves a few key strategies. We hold regular meetings and industry specific advisory boards and conduct labor market analysis based on High Priority Occupations and Bureau of Labor statistics. Customizable training programs feature tailored curriculum and flexible delivery. And, we offer apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. We elicit employer feedback and stay current on industry-recognized stackable credentials, industry workshops and professional development.
We have a partnership with and a strong presence at the Lehigh Valley Career Link and Workforce Investment Board of the Lehigh Valley. This comprehensive approach ensures that the training provided is relevant, up-to-date and meets the specific needs of both employers and the workforce.
We work with Amazon as one of five Advanced Manufacturing Training Centers in the United States to provide a customized Amazon Mechatronics Training program, which
provides a pathway to careers in industrial automation for people working in Amazon’s next generation of distribution and fulfillment centers.
LVB : How important do you think community college education is in overall career and workforce development in the Lehigh Valley?
Bieber : Community college education is integral to workforce development in the region and is the most accessible and affordable option available to a broader population.
Community colleges are conveniently located, providing local access to education for many students who might not have the means to relocate. For LCCC, we have multiple locations for course offerings including classes offered at all of the 13 sponsoring school districts.
Workforce-oriented programs offer stackable credentials through vocational training, allowing students to earn certificates and associate degrees that stack toward higher-level qualifications. This allows students to seamlessly enter and exit the career path throughout their life.
To accommodate working students, we offer flexible scheduling, including evening, day, online, hybrid and weekend classes, as well as support services such as career counseling, tutoring, success coaches and job placement assistance. In addition, customized training is offered in partnership with local businesses.
Community colleges also cultivate pathways to higher education through transfer opportunities and articulation agreements with four-year institutions.
Certainly not least is the diverse student body. Community colleges serve a diverse student population, including non-traditional students, returning adults, and those from underrepresented backgrounds, helping to bridge educational and economic gaps.
Community colleges are integral to workforce development by providing accessible, flexible, and relevant education that meets the evolving needs of both students and employers.
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