About this event
While many organizations discuss the apprenticeship model in theory, few have mastered the transition to full-scale adoption. This session is designed to bridge that gap. We are bypassing the slides to bring you the "front-line" reality of strategic talent development through the eyes of those living it: the mentors who guide the growth and the former apprentices who are now driving the industry.
Join us for a deep dive into how leading partners like Merck are navigating the shift from short-term fixes to long-term talent pipelines in Cybersecurity, Healthcare, and IT.
What We’ll Cover:
- Operationalizing the Philosophy: We’re moving past the "what" and into the "how." Our panel of mentors and alumni will share the internal mechanics of how the model functions within their day-to-day operations.
- The Pivot to ROI: Discover the "aha!" moments that led organizations to embrace apprenticeships. We’ll analyze the tangible ROI difference between transient internships and high-retention apprenticeship programs.
- The Structural Edge: Learn how applying "trade-school rigor" to the digital and clinical worlds creates a more resilient workforce and accelerates project delivery.
- Navigating the Landscape: A candid look at the regulatory environment. We’ll discuss why the perceived "red tape" is actually a "green light" for quality and standardization.
Hosted by
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External speaker
Pat Burt Campaign Development Lead @ MerckE
Pat Burt has been with Merck for over three years working in commercial operations as a customer engagement architect and campaign development lead. Prior to Merck, he started his career in broadcast television working as a weather and traffic producer for Good Day Philadelphia on FOX29 and Action News on 6ABC. Later he moved into the advertising space working for various Philadelphia based media agencies. He is a Temple alumni, go owls! Currently residing in Springfield Delaware County with his wife, Kathleen, and three children Ryan, Audrey, and Owen.
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External speaker
Beth Myles Field Enablement Specialist / Project Manager @ MerckE
After 25+ years in healthcare, the Skills-First apprenticeship program gave me the chance to pivot. Following a data analytics bootcamp, I joined Merck as a Data Analyst. I developed the US Field Communications team’s first Bulletin readership report, using SQL to integrate data from six sources into Power BI. Despite the learning curve, Merck’s culture of support and global collaboration helped me thrive. Now, as a Field Enablement Specialist on the STREAM Team, I manage strategy and execution for sales force restructures and product launches. I translate HQ strategy into actionable field readiness, ensuring alignment and clarity across functions. Supporting teams through change and bringing complex strategies to life has been incredibly rewarding. I'm deeply grateful for this opportunity. This journey has taught me that it’s never too late to learn something new. Growth begins the moment you decide not to give up, and I’m proud to contribute to Merck’s mission every day.
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External speaker
Tamia Mack Central Planner Specialist @ MerckE
Tamia Mack is a Central Planning Support Specialist in US CE&I, supporting the review of educational and marketing materials. A former Skills-First/OpenClassrooms Digital Marketing Apprentice, she completed the program six months early and earned a U.S. Department of Labor–registered certification. Named OpenClassrooms Student of the Year (2022) and a U.S. Department of Labor Trailblazer, she advocates for apprenticeships through panels and conference speaking, including a White House opportunity.
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External speaker
Beverly Miller Sr. Specialist, Global Talent Acquisition @ MerckE
Beverly Miller is a seasoned talent acquisition professional with 20 years’ experience. She began as a recruiting coordinator and advanced to senior roles. She currently leads the Skills First, Diversity & Inclusion Future Talent Partnership. She holds a B.S. in Advertising from NYIT and an MBA in Human Resources Management from LaSalle University. Beverly and her husband, Chris, are active parents to Emma and Luke, supporting their sports and family vacations to places like Disney and national parks.
OpenClassrooms
OpenClassrooms is an online education platform for vocational training, providing courses in IT, technology, entrepreneurship, and digital skills.
