Building the Future of Work: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Apprenti National Apprenticeship & Workforce Summit
By Dean Miller, President & CEO, Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT)
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining leaders from across the country at the 2025 Apprenti National Apprenticeship & Workforce Summit in Atlanta, GA. The energy in the room confirmed what we already know here in Philadelphia: registered apprenticeships are one of the most powerful tools we have to expand access to high-quality careers, close talent gaps, and future-proof our workforce.
As the nation’s leading registered apprenticeship organization focused on non-traditional roles, Apprenti is proving that apprenticeships aren’t just for the trades anymore. They are fueling opportunity and innovation in technology, life sciences, and human resources—fields that are at the heart of Philadelphia’s economy and PACT’s mission.
Pictured: PACT’s Apprenti PHL team (right to left: Dan Weagle, Zoe Carrillo, Dean Miller, and Becky DeMatteis).
6 Key Takeaways from the 2025 Apprenti Summit
1. Momentum is Growing for Registered Apprenticeships
From tech to biotech, employers are turning to apprenticeships as a scalable, cost-effective strategy to fill critical roles. Apprenti is leading this movement, placing over 6,500 apprentices with a few hundred employers across all 50 states in just the past decade.
2. PACT & Boomi are Leading the Way Locally
Here in our region, Boomi is setting a strong example as a local employer championing the apprenticeship model. Their investment is paving new pathways for diverse talent to enter the tech sector.
3. Apprenticeships Deliver for Employers
Apprenti’s retention rate speaks for itself: more than 80% of apprentices stay with their employer post-program—significantly higher than the industry average. For companies navigating constant talent churn, apprenticeships are proving to be good business.
4. Apprenticeships Change Lives
The average Apprenti apprentice is 32 years old, and each can expect to see a lifetime earnings improvement of more than $1.5 million. Collectively, that’s over $4.5 billion in added earnings across all participants. Apprenticeships don’t just create jobs—they create upward mobility.
5. Industry Leaders Are Committed
The summit featured insights from major employers including Amazon, Capital One, Accenture, Merck, CGI, and more. Their involvement demonstrates the growing cross-industry confidence in the apprenticeship model.
6. AI Skills Are Built Into the Curriculum
Recognizing the rapid pace of change, Apprenti has integrated artificial intelligence training into all apprenticeship pathways, ensuring participants graduate with future-ready skills.
Spotlight: Boomi Apprentices Share Their Journeys
In Philadelphia, we’re especially proud of the apprentices building their careers at Boomi through Apprenti and PACT. Their stories highlight the power of apprenticeships to create meaningful, lasting change:
- Abrar Jaigirdar: “This experience has given me both confidence and a clear direction for my future in tech.”
- Jessica Clay: “The RTI portion of the apprenticeship allowed me to build foundational skills, and now I’m ready to contribute as a software developer.”
- Davonta Wallace: “Working as a DevOps Apprentice has challenged me to grow, set goals, and apply new knowledge in real-world settings.”
These voices remind us that apprenticeships aren’t abstract workforce strategies—they are life-changing opportunities.
Why Apprenticeships Matter for Philadelphia’s Tech Ecosystem
At PACT, our mission is to connect capital, technology, and talent to drive growth in the Philadelphia region. Apprenticeships are central to that mission. By partnering with organizations like Apprenti, we’re helping ensure our companies have the skilled workforce they need while giving individuals equitable access to careers in STEM, life sciences, and healthcare technology.
Looking Ahead
The future of work will demand flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Apprenticeships are at the intersection of all three. PACT is proud to champion this model and to work alongside Apprenti, Boomi, and our community partners to ensure Philadelphia continues to grow as a hub for talent development and workforce innovation.
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