Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has partnered with GSK to offer two unique apprenticeship opportunities for students pursuing technical careers. The program allows students to work full-time while earning an associate degree in their chosen field, providing hands-on, real-world experience alongside their classroom learning, while earning a well-rounded degree.
One of the apprenticeships is designed for students in the Electronic Engineering Technology program, who will join GSK as Instrumentation Technician Apprentices. The second is for students in the Electro-Mechanical Technology program, who will serve as Utilities Technician Apprentices. Both apprenticeships combine full-time employment with part-time enrollment at Thaddeus Stevens College, allowing students to complete their degrees over three to four years.
GSK will support the apprentices by covering the cost of tuition, books, and necessary tools, ensuring that financial barriers do not interfere with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience. Students who maintain a minimum GPA of 1.5 and remain in good academic standing while enrolled remain in the program. Offers of employment are not guaranteed, but apprentices might have the possibility to continue into a full-time position with GSK after completing the apprenticeship and required Department of Labor hours – and will do so with Journeyperson status and an associate degree!
The program is open to high school seniors, first-year students at Thaddeus Stevens College in those two academic majors, or individuals who have not yet completed more than 30 college credits. Apprentices must live within an hour of GSK’s Marietta, Pa. site and have access to transportation; housing on campus is not available with part-time credits.
Applicants begin the apprenticeship process by submitting applications through GSK’s online career portal and completing a pass/fail assessment. Selected candidates are invited to a half-day on-site assessment, which includes technical exercises, a tour of the facility, and interviews. Successful candidates will begin their apprenticeships in the summer, with enrollment in Thaddeus Stevens College programs proceeding through standard admissions processes for new students. Enrollment is only available to those who have a 2.8 high school GPA or higher. For existing students, no enrollment process is needed.
This partnership reflects Thaddeus Stevens College’s commitment to access to opportunity and real-world results, giving students a direct pathway to hands-on technical experience while earning their degrees. By combining industry training with academic achievement, the degree and apprenticeship program equips graduates to be in high demand for technical roles in a competitive, evolving workforce.
Through initiatives like the GSK apprenticeship, Thaddeus Stevens College continues to transform lives, strengthen communities, and prepare students for careers that support families and drive economic impact.