Christopher Ray

Strategic expert in apprenticeships and skilled workforce solutions, building innovative programs to help companies overcome challenges related to the skills gap and skilled worker shortage.

Washington DC-Baltimore Area

About

I've found a passion working with industry to address skills gap challenges, particularly through apprenticeship. Having worked in several private sector industries, I understand the need to be nimble and adaptable. These experiences also gave me an appreciation for the challenges faced by companies related to a skilled workforce. Since 2014, I've tackled the skills gap through apprenticeship training, developing innovative approaches focused on industry needs and schedules. That successful approach led to an $8M USDOL grant award to scale apprenticeships nationally. I've worked with small companies striving to train an apprentice or two at a time. I've worked with multi-national companies, building multiple-occupation structures serving fifty or more new apprentices at a time. And I've worked across industries, registering and delivering apprenticeships of all shapes and sizes. Throughout it all, I learned what it takes to build vibrant and sustainable apprenticeships. And I've studied extensively to learn why the skills gap and related skilled worker shortage aren't going away any time soon. This enormous challenge has led me to where I am today. At Phillips Corporation, we are developing cutting-edge solutions to skilled worker challenges. This includes innovative programs that employ highly industry-focused curriculum built by industry experts. Our WARP program is something I've never encountered, but something nearly every manufacturer has asked for - pre-trained technicians, able to fully contribute on Day 1. This has the potential to be a game changer. Reach out for details!

Experience

  • Director of Mechatronics and Apprenticeship Programs at Phillips Corporation
    Nov 2025 - Jun 2026 · 8 mos

  • Apprenticeship Supervisor at STIHL USA
    Feb 2024 - Dec 2025 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Chief Executive Officer at PERITEX Solutions LLC
    Aug 2022 - Mar 2024 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Assisting companies with analysis of skill development needs and the development and implementation of apprenticeship programs to meet them. Coordinating a network of workforce professionals with diverse expertise to help develop, implement, and improve industry apprenticeship efforts.

  • Pennsylvania College of Technology (8 yrs 7 mos)
    • Executive Director
      2017 - Jul 2022 · 5 yrs 7 mos

      Led company engagement initiatives and program development for workforce development. Created innovative, nationally recognized apprenticeship programs for companies across multiple industries. Directed company-centered USDOL Scaling Apprenticeship initiatives. Developed a proprietary system to help companies assess and prioritize competency development needs.

    • Client Development Director
      2014 - 2017 · 3 yrs

      Sales Management, Program & Business Development, and Strategic Planning for Penn College's Workforce Development.

  • Director, Referral Development at Susquehanna Health
    2012 - 2014 · 2 yrs

    Created liaison outreach team and implemented new initiative to drive business into a four hospital health system resulting in substantial increase in high priority specialty referrals.