Overview
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) designs and runs programs which connect you to the tools and supports needed to build a career that is meaningful to you. Upon completing one of WPSI’s training programs, participants have an opportunity to interview for a job with our employer partners. Although WPSI does not guarantee job placements, 93% of our participants secure a position upon graduation.
To join WPSI’s career development program, you must be unemployed, live in Philadelphia and have a high school diploma or GED. Certain programs require that you be a resident of West Philadelphia, or have additional education, work, or residential requirements. Please read each program description carefully!
How To Apply
Want to know how our application process works? Here’s a brief explanation:
Please note that because requirements differ for each program, applicants need to complete a separate application for every open WPSI program. Each program is targeted toward one job with a specific employer.
Qualified applicants are invited to interview with a WPSI team member.
All applicants are notified if they are accepted to the WPSI program.
If you are accepted into a program, you will work on your application for the target job during your training. Each program is tailored to prepare you for success in any future role, but WPSI’s program will specifically prepare you for the employer partner, maximizing your chances of success. WPSI’s coaching reinforces your existing transferrable job skills and teaches new ways to apply them to help reach your career goals. You will interview for the job during the program. 95% of our graduates have received a job offer after graduating from our program.
WPSI provides extensive interview preparation during its training program. Final hiring decisions will be made by individual employers.
Please note that because requirements differ for each program, applicants need to complete a separate application for every open WPSI program. Each program is targeted toward one job with a specific employer.
Qualified applicants are invited to interview with a WPSI team member.
All applicants are notified if they are accepted to the WPSI program.
If you are accepted into a program, you will work on your application for the target job during your training. Each program is tailored to prepare you for success in any future role, but WPSI’s program will specifically prepare you for the employer partner, maximizing your chances of success. WPSI’s coaching reinforces your existing transferrable job skills and teaches new ways to apply them to help reach your career goals. You will interview for the job during the program. 95% of our graduates have received a job offer after graduating from our program.
WPSI provides extensive interview preparation during its training program. Final hiring decisions will be made by individual employers.
Complete Online Application
Please note that because requirements differ for each program, applicants need to complete a separate application for every open WPSI program. Each program is targeted toward one job with a specific employer.
In-Person or Virtual Interview
Qualified applicants are invited to interview with a WPSI team member.
All applicants are notified if they are accepted to the WPSI program.
Complete Training Program
If you are accepted into a program, you will work on your application for the target job during your training. Each program is tailored to prepare you for success in any future role, but WPSI’s program will specifically prepare you for the employer partner, maximizing your chances of success. WPSI’s coaching reinforces your existing transferrable job skills and teaches new ways to apply them to help reach your career goals. You will interview for the job during the program. 95% of our graduates have received a job offer after graduating from our program.
Interview for Target Job
WPSI provides extensive interview preparation during its training program. Final hiring decisions will be made by individual employers.
Start Your New Job!
Application Process
Complete Online Application
Please note that because requirements differ for each program, applicants need to complete a separate application for every open WPSI program. Each program is targeted toward one job with a specific employer.
In-Person or Virtual Interview
Qualified applicants are invited to interview with a WPSI team member.
All applicants are notified if they are accepted to the WPSI program.
Complete WPSI Training Program
If you are accepted into a program, you will work on your application for the target job during your training. Each program is tailored to prepare you for success in any future role, but WPSI’s program will specifically prepare you for the employer partner, maximizing your chances of success. WPSI’s coaching reinforces your existing transferrable job skills and teaches new ways to apply them to help reach your career goals. You will interview for the job during the program. 95% of our graduates have received a job offer after graduating from our program.
Interview for Target Job
Current Programs
There are currently no open programs. Please sign up for our email list below to learn about future opportunities!
WPSI currently has two open programs:
- Access Services Associate at Penn Medicine
- Custodial Services at University of Pennsylvania
See below for more information on both!
Who should apply?
Compassionate customer service professionals that are comfortable speaking on the phone for long periods of time and using a computer for data entry. Experience working in a call center is a plus. Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is required:
- In person sessions, Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 7/15 – 7/19 and 7/29 – 8/2
- Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 7/22 – 7/26
- Additional one-on-one and small group virtual meetings several times a week between 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Approximately 2 hours of daily reading and reflection exercises
- One self-scheduled 30-minute Career Coaching session per week via Zoom
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program. Consistent access to a laptop or desktop computer, broadband internet, a webcam, and a word processing program like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar are required to complete the training.
What is WPSI?
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) designs and runs programs which connect you to the tools and supports needed to build a career that is meaningful to you.
In this program, we offer:
- Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 93% of graduates finding employment.
- A $150 weekly stipend while in training at WPSI.
- The opportunity to interview for open, full-time remote Access Services Associate positions at a Penn Medicine call center starting at $18.58/hour.
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
- Be a resident of Philadelphia
- Commit to the full training schedule
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Be unemployed
- Be tobacco-free
- Be computer savvy
- Provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccine by Tuesday, July 2, 2024 to be considered; employment at Penn Medicine requires an annual influenza (flu) shot and other vaccines
All applications are due on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
- Watch an information session.
- Attend an information session on Tuesday, June 18 at 3 p.m. • Register here
Who should apply?
Customer service-oriented individuals who are comfortable working a physically demanding job and have a minimum of 1 year experience working in environmental services. Must be available to work any of five shifts, as assigned.
Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is a must:
- In-person sessions Mon-Fri 7/22/2024 – 8/9/2024, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Additional one on one and small group virtual meetings several times a week between 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Approximately 2 hours of daily reading and reflection exercises
- One self-scheduled 30-minute Career Coaching session per week on Zoom
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program. Consistent access to a laptop or desktop computer, broadband internet, a webcam, and a word processing program like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar are required to complete the training.
What is WPSI?
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) designs and runs programs which connect you to the tools and supports needed to build a meaningful career.
In this program, we offer:
Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 93% of graduates finding employment.
A $150 weekly stipend during WPSI program participation.
The opportunity to interview for Custodial Services openings with University of Pennsylvania starting at $21.62/hr.
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
Be a resident of Philadelphia
Commit to the full training schedule
Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency
Be unemployed
Be available to work any of five, full-time shifts as assigned upon hire
Have a minimum of 1-year verifiable experience working in housekeeping, custodial, environmental services, or professional cleaning services
Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by July 2nd, 2024
Deadline is Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
The Biomedical Technician Training Program prepares graduates with the workplace and technical skills to be successful in the life sciences industry.
Through this Program, graduates will be prepared to connect to Research Technician or Aseptic Manufacturing Technician roles where they will support the development and/or production of therapies to treat diseases.
In this program, we offer:
A $150 weekly stipend during the first 11 weeks of the program
12-14 weeks of on-the-job training with compensation at $14/hr
College-adapted course to provide participants with a foundation in the life sciences
For select candidates, the opportunity to interview for open roles starting at $21/hr with Integral Molecular or Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Eligibility requirements:
To be considered, all applicants for the Biomedical Technician Training Program must provide proof of having received full COVID-19 vaccination by June 12; be a resident of Philadelphia; possess a high school diploma or GED; and commit to the full training schedule below:
- 11 weeks of In-person sessions, Mondays and Thursdays (6:30 – 8:00 P.M.), (6/24 – 9/5)
- Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Tuesdays (6:30 – 8:30 P.M.), (6/25 – 8/27)
- 2 weeks of in-person lab sessions, Monday – Friday (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.) (9/9 – 9/20)
- 10-12 weeks of externship
- Approximately (5) hours of weekly reading and reflection exercises
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program, so broadband internet is required to complete the training.
Learn more:
Attend the virtual information session:
- Thursday, May 23 at 11 a.m. • Register here
Deadline is Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 5 p.m.
The Biomedical Technician Training Program: Lab Technician prepares graduates with the workplace and technical skills to be successful in the life sciences industry.
Through this program, graduates will be prepared to connect to Lab Technician roles where they will support the development and manufacturing of gene therapies for diseases by processing molecules and cells, maintaining an aseptic environment, and documenting procedures using good laboratory practices and care.
In this program, we offer:
A $150 weekly stipend during the first 10 weeks of the program
12 weeks of on-the-job training with compensation at $14/hr
College-adapted classroom training to prepare participants for a career in the Life Sciences Industry
For select candidates, the opportunity to interview for open Lab Technician positions at VintaBio starting at $25/hr
Eligibility requirements:
To be considered, all applicants for the Biomedical Technician Training Program: Lab Technician must be a resident of Philadelphia; possess a high school diploma or GED; provide proof of having received full COVID-19 vaccination by February 9; and commit to the full training schedule below:
- 10 weeks of In-person classes, Mondays and Thursdays (6:30 – 8 PM), (Feb. 15 – April 25)
- Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Tuesdays (6:30 – 8:30 PM), (Feb. 13 – April 23)
- 2 weeks of in-person laboratory training, Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5 PM) (April 29 – May 10)
- 10 weeks of externship, Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5PM) (May 13 – July 19)
- Approximately (5) hours of weekly reading and reflection exercises
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program, so broadband internet is required to complete the training.
Learn more:
Deadline is Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Upcoming Programs
- More info coming soon!
Sign up to hear about job opportunities!
What Alumni Say
- Jorgi, Biomedical Technician Training: Research Technician
- Hakim, CHOP Clinical Lab Assistant
- Monique, Penn Medicine Medical Assistant Program
-Aquanette, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2018
-Collin, Allied Universal, 2019
-Dom, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019
-Alex, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019