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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, 95% 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!
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.
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

Start Your New Job!

Current Programs
There are no programs at this time. Sign up for our email list below to hear about future opportunities!
WPSI currently has two open programs:
- Access Services Associate in partnership with Penn Medicine
- The Shipyard Apprentice Program in partnership with Philly Shipyard, the Navy Yard, and PIDC
See below for more information on both!

What is the Production Associate Program?
Who should apply?
Goal-oriented, motivated individuals with a desire to obtain full-time permanent employment in the advanced manufacturing food production industry. Successful candidates must thrive in a labor-intensive, fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail and a safety-first mindset.
What is WPSI and the NYSI?
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative and PIDC’s Navy Yard Skills Initiatives (NYSI) is a partnership to design and run 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 98% of graduates finding employment.
- A $150 weekly stipend while in training at WPSI.
- The opportunity to interview for part-time Production Associate positions at Tasty Baking Company starting at $14.60/hour.
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
- Be a current resident of Philadelphia
- Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Commit to the full training schedule from June 6th through June 24th
- Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and high-speed internet
- Candidates for this program must provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-10 by May 27th
Deadline is Friday, May 20th, 2022 at 5pm.
Questions?
Email workforce@pidcphila.com or register for one of two virtual information sessions:
Upcoming Programs
Please sign up for our email list below to hear about the latest programs!
Sign up to hear about job opportunities!
What Alumni Say
-Tyler, Brightview, Landscape Technician, 2019
-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