COUDERSPORT – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) Director of Workforce Development Nicole Zaun was recently selected to participate in the Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Navigator Program under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and sponsored by the Keystone Development Partnership. This apprenticeship program is an opportunity to learn how to train others to develop and manage apprenticeship programs. Zaun was selected to be one of several students taking part in this program over the next year. Support staff from Keystone Development Partnership and The Pennsylvania Apprenticeship & Training Office will guide Zaun and her classmates through this program that began in November 2024 and will conclude in October 2025.

The curriculum is designed to provide participants, called navigators, with the knowledge and skills needed to support all aspects of registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship, from program design and registration to managing programs and supporting apprentices. Advanced apprenticeship knowledge around project management; mentorship; diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA); and policy and advocacy are taught to attendees. More than 100 individuals have completed the program since its inception in 2018.

Zaun’s participation in this program will consist of 144 virtual classroom training hours for related technical instruction (RTI) comprised of 10 modules and 2000 on-the-job learning hours (OJL), which will be coordinated within the workplace at NPRC and supported by her assigned mentor, Vice President of Workforce Development at the College, Adam Johnson. Upon completion of the program, students are issued a credential from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as Training & Development Specialists and Registered Apprenticeship Navigator. Additional certificates are also issued for Project Management and Leadership as well as Organizational Development.

“The prospect of developing apprenticeships at NPRC is truly exciting,” shared Zaun. “This opportunity positions us to potentially sponsor our own programs while continuing to serve as an education provider for existing apprenticeship initiatives. Our goal is to support employers in upskilling their workforce and to help employees enhance their skills, leading to better opportunities and higher-paying jobs. NPRC has been incredibly supportive of my involvement in this effort. While it requires a significant commitment of time both at work and beyond, it’s a meaningful program that will benefit our institution and region. Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships are vital tools for fostering thriving communities, both now and in the future.”

Zaun joined NPRC in 2022 and, in nearly three years, advanced from Workforce Development Specialist to her current role as Director of Workforce Development. In this position, she fulfills what she considers the most meaningful career purpose: making a difference in people’s lives. Rather than focusing on individual impact, she has embraced the opportunity to create change on a larger scale by influencing many through education. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to shift my focus to the big picture — helping not just individuals but entire communities. I’ve truly enjoyed expanding our reach and delivering opportunities through NPRC to a broader population.”

Adam Johnson shared a statement of support about Zaun sharing, “Since her start as a Workforce Development Specialist, Nicole’s journey at NPRC is a testament to her dedication and professional growth. Her acceptance into the Apprenticeship Navigator Program is just one example of that commitment. I look forward to Nicole’s continued success and growth within NPRC.” 

For more about the Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Navigator Program, visit kdpworks.org/navigator-program. About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the residents of northern Pennsylvania. NPRC brings affordable education to a 10-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations as well as remote, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home or who need flexibility in their educational journey. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. NPRC is a candidate for accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). https://regionalcollegepa.org.