The I-LEAD Registered Behavior Technician Apprenticeship
Pennsylvania faces a critical shortage of qualified behavioral health professionals, especially in underserved areas of the Greater Philadelphia region. The demand is rapidly outpacing supply, creating a critical workforce need that this program directly addresses.
High Barrier to Entry
Cost and time of traditional education pathways limit new talent.
Industry Need for Experience
Significant demand for professionals with verified, hands-on experience.
Workforce Attrition
High turnover rates necessitate a sustainable talent pipeline.
Building the Next Generation of Registered Behavioral Health Professionals
I-LEAD's state-approved Registered Apprenticeship offers a structured, debt-free pathway for new talent to enter the field and for employers to build a skilled, dedicated workforce.
A Comprehensive, State-Approved Framework
Our program integrates paid work experience with expert-led instruction, based on standards registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, following a proven "Earn While You Learn" model.
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Occupation
Behavior Health Field (O*NET Code: 21-1094.00)
Register Behavior Technician
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Program Length
1 Year (2,000 Hours of On-the-Job Training)
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Instruction
184 Hours of Related Technical Instruction with Harcum College
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Program Type
Time-Based Registered Apprenticeship
📊 RBT Wage Progression
Pennsylvania Standards Compliant:
Key Credentials
RBT Certification Eligibility
CPR/First Aid Certification
A Supported Pathway from Recruitment to Career
We guide apprentices through every step, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and support to achieve professional certification and long-term success.
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Recruitment & Selection
Targeted community outreach and non-discriminatory qualification standards.
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Onboarding & OJT
Paid, on-the-job training with an employer partner under supervision.
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Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
College-level coursework delivered by Harcum College.
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Assessment & Certification
Ongoing competency assessments and RBT board certification exam preparation.
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Completion & Career
Achieve Journeyworker status and nationally recognized credential for career advancement.
2,000 Hours of Structured, Supervised Experience
Apprentices learn by doing, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The curriculum ensures comprehensive skill development through specific competencies.
Data Collection & Assessment Support
450 hrs: Observing behaviors, recording data using ABA methods, assisting with functional assessments.
Skill Acquisition & Behavior Reduction
1,000 hrs: Implementing skill acquisition plans, using discrete trial teaching (DTT), applying de-escalation techniques.
Documentation, Ethics & Crisis Management
550 hrs: Maintaining HIPAA-compliant records, applying ethical standards, and implementing crisis intervention techniques.
Expert-Led Instruction from Harcum College
Our academic partner, Harcum College, delivers 184 hours of comprehensive coursework covering theoretical, ethical, and safety foundations of behavioral health.
- Introduction to Behavioral Health & Substance Use Disorders
- Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis Intervention (*Safety)
- Professional Ethics & Mandated Reporting (*Safety)
- 40-Hour RBT Certification Training (fulfills BACB requirement)
- CPR and First Aid Certification (*Safety)
Pathway to an Associate's Degree in Sciences for Human Behavior.
Earn a Wage, College Credits, and a Career
Apprentices gain invaluable experience and nationally recognized credentials without incurring student loan debt, positioning them for immediate and long-term career success.
Build Your Talent Pipeline and Reduce Turnover
Partnering with the I-LEAD Apprenticeship provides a reliable source of trained, motivated, and pre-qualified technicians who are trained to your standards and committed to the field.
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Skilled Workforce
Apprentices learn your systems and culture from day one, trained by your experienced journeyworkers.
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Increased Retention
Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model for increasing employee loyalty and reducing the high costs of turnover.
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Reduced Recruitment Costs
Gain access to a pre-screened, diverse pool of candidates passionate about behavioral health.
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Proven ROI
Benefit from a productive employee who contributes to your team while they learn.
A Powerful Ecosystem of Partners
Our success is built on a strategic partnership between industry, education, and government, all working together to meet a critical community need.
A Multi-Channel Strategy to Attract a Diverse Talent Pool
We employ a comprehensive marketing and outreach strategy to connect with qualified and passionate candidates from across the community.
Digital Marketing
Dedicated program webpage, online application portal, targeted social media campaigns, and email marketing.
Community Engagement
In-person and virtual information sessions, career fairs, and direct partnerships with community organizations.
Employer Engagement
Co-branded marketing materials and direct outreach to leverage our employer partners' networks.
Built on State-Approved Standards of Excellence
Our program operates in full compliance with the rigorous standards set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, ensuring quality, safety, and accountability for all stakeholders.
- Formal Apprenticeship Agreements: Written agreement outlining terms and responsibilities.
- Strict Supervision Ratios: Required ratio of apprentices to journeyworkers (1 to 1-4).
- Equal Opportunity Pledge: Commitment to non-discrimination and affirmative action.
- Rigorous Record-Keeping: Meticulous maintenance of records for all applicants and apprentices.
A Data-Driven Approach to Measuring Impact
We track key performance indicators to ensure program effectiveness, drive continuous improvement, and deliver positive, measurable outcomes for apprentices, employers, and the community.
Apprentice Outcomes
Program Growth
Workforce Impact
Recruitment Effectiveness
Join Us in Building the Future of Behavioral Health
We are seeking strategic partners to help us expand this vital program, create career pathways, and strengthen the behavioral health workforce across our region.
For Employers
Become a training site for our apprentices. Hire a dedicated, skilled technician and invest in your future workforce.
For Community Organizations
Refer qualified candidates from your network. Partner with us to host an information session.
For Funders & Workforce Boards
Invest in a proven, state-approved model with measurable community impact. Support apprentice training costs.
Let's Build the Future Together
I-LEAD WORKFORCE
Hector Torres, Program Contact
484-709-2331
Empowering Futures, Transforming Lives.