Innovative Alvernia program provides 'brain retain' to region

Apprenticeship to Degree allows students to work with employers for multiple years, positioning them for future success while retaining talent long term in the region.

While the education received in the university classroom is an important step toward landing a career in one’s desired field post-graduation, there’s nothing like hands-on experience. That’s at the heart of Alvernia University’s Apprenticeship to Degree Program, which gives students the opportunity to earn, learn and intern with businesses in the Greater Reading area.

Unlike an internship, students in the program can work with the same employer for multiple years, gaining a more thorough understanding of the organization and developing a broader skillset, positioning them for future success.

“One of the biggest components and goals of the program is to have a brain retain,” said past Director of Career Development Marc Goldman, who helped launch the program. “To retain talent long term in the region is a big gain for the employers in the area.”

Students interested in participating in the program’s internships must apply through the Office of Career Development on Handshake and be in good academic standing with the university. Additional benefits for Apprenticeship to Degree participants include:

• Free housing on Alvernia’s campus during the summer months, invaluable for students who would otherwise return home instead of continuing in their roles.
• Getting paid at an internship while exploring a career path they are considering in a longer-term way.

Kayla Moriarty ’26 transitioned into the program from her internship with Entech Engineering Inc. in Reading. During her year with the program, the mechanical engineering major handled a variety of tasks, including designing a building renovation, performing calculations for its HVAC systems, installing new plumbing, and doing computer-aided design for the new ducting and piping, all while earning a competitive wage.

“It taught me the importance of technical precision, cross-disciplinary collaboration, how to communicate with others and, most importantly, to ask questions when I’m unsure about how to do something,” she said.

Kirsten Deysher, director of strategic partnerships and business development at Entech, asserts that the Apprenticeship to Degree Program is a win-win for businesses and students.

“It connects us with students who are prepared to contribute in a professional environment,” Deysher said. “In Kayla’s case, what stood out immediately was how ready she was to jump in. Compared to many interns, she required minimal ramp-up time and demonstrated a strong ability to adapt quickly, take direction and begin contributing right away.”

One of the first students in the program was offered and accepted a full-time position with the County of Berks Controller’s Office, while another secured a permanent part-time position at Custom Processing Services. Moriarty landed a position with a different employer in the area, but Deysher said she is looking forward to welcoming additional Alvernia apprentices.

“Our experience has reinforced the value of building strong partnerships with local universities, and we see this as an important way to invest in developing talent within our region,” she said. “We want students to see the opportunities that exist here in Greater Reading and to envision themselves building a life here. When done well, these experiences don’t just support students, they strengthen the broader business community.”

'Success Breeds More Success'

Alexa Ullrich ’26 hadn’t heard of the program when she spotted a listing for an information-technology department opening at the County of Berks on Handshake. It couldn’t have come at a better time. With one semester remaining before graduation, she had no idea what she wanted to do post-graduation. She worked about 22 hours a week for the county from January through May, earning all six of her internship credits through the experience. Most importantly, she discovered her long-sought-after career path.

“Working in this department, seeing their day-to-day operations, the company culture, it made me realize I could see myself working within IT because I’ve always wanted to go into a department or vocation where I wanted to help people,” she said. “And I really do like interacting with so many people in different departments.”

What would Ullrich tell other students possibly interested in this program?

“Do it, 100%,” she said. “Take the opportunity, especially at the county, because I have government work experience now. I feel like that’s a very hard thing to come by, especially during undergrad. And the experience you get is so important on a resume or even to talk about with someone, whether that be a family member, a professor or recruiter.”

Additional host employers in the program include Bayada Home Healthcare, B. Braun and Tompkins Financial. Engineering firm Traffic Planning and Design joined the roster in the fall.

“Success breeds more success,” Goldman said.