Lockheed Martin Management & Data Systems (M&DS) today announced the launch of the state's first registered Information Technology (IT) apprenticeship program, in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia. Students selected for the program will begin training today.

"Giving back to the community is an important part of our company values and I am proud that our employees took the initiative to develop this program," said M&DS president Marc Hansen. "We are excited to work with Gov. Schweiker, the Commonwealth's outstanding apprenticeship team and the Philadelphia School District in what is the first youth IT apprenticeship program in the state."

In order to attract and retain businesses, Pennsylvania must provide a skilled workforce for employers. The ability to offer attractive career opportunities to its residents improves the Commonwealth's chances of retaining workers and attracting talented individuals.

To help the Commonwealth achieve these goals, M&DS is offering the registered IT apprenticeship program to link students in Philadelphia to business leaders, employers, and post graduation full-time employment within the IT market. Lockheed Martin M&DS has been developing the program since early 2001 and received its certification from the Commonwealth on November 8.

"In these times of educational challenges, this opportunity to train area young people for skilled technological careers in the growing IT field acknowledges Pennsylvania's historical position as an arsenal of democracy," said Labor and Industry Secretary Johnny J. Butler. "Apprenticeship programs are a key part of my priority workforce development goal. This Lockheed Martin program is a practical way to give Pennsylvanians high-tech skills for high-tech, well-paying jobs."

M&DS will train the students in the newest technologies available to support a wide range of products and services. Training will be focused on math, communications, science, information technology, software systems, engineering and professional development. Program components include mentoring, job shadowing, rotational assignments, projects, and hands-on training.

After completing the IT apprenticeship program, Philadelphia High School students will be nationally recognized as Information Technology Technicians -- a title equal to a post-secondary or associate level degree. The students will be offered a full-time position with Lockheed Martin upon graduation.

The special three-year program will focus on giving students who express an interest in IT an opportunity to pursue their dreams. Currently, 18 students in their junior years at Mastbaum Tech and Kensington High School have been selected and will begin training this month.

The students are required to work eight hours a week during the first year of the program. During their senior year they will be expected to work 16 hours per week, and 32 hours per week during summer vacation months.

M&DS will receive a $100,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for the program's transportation and material costs, but the corporation is funding the bulk of the program. The Philadelphia Youth Network, a non-profit organization that connects the education and business worlds in Philadelphia, has also assisted the effort by preparing the students and organizing transportation arrangements.

Management & Data Systems (http://mds.external.lmco.com/), headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, has been a leader in systems integration, systems engineering, software development and program management in support of vital national systems for more than 30 years. M&DS is unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation with approximately 8,200 employees at facilities in Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, Colorado and the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin (http://www.lockheedmartin.com) is a highly diversified global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's core businesses span space and telecommunications, electronics, information and services, aeronautics, energy and systems integration. Lockheed Martin had 2000 sales surpassing $25 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Management & Data Systems