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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

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

WPSI provides extensive interview preparation during its training program. Final hiring decisions will be made by individual employers.

Start Your New Job!

See FAQ for more info

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?

The Production Associate Program is designed to connect participants to the professional and technical training, tools, and supports needed to build a meaningful career at Tastykake. This program is a blend of virtual courses/in-person sessions and graduates will have the opportunity to interview for part-time production positions.

Part-time Production Associates can bid for extra hours creating a full-time schedule after a two-week training period and can transition to full-time employment within a year of employment. Full-time Production Associates earn $17.00/hr. and become members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers’ (BCTGM) International Union.

We get results! At the conclusion of our first collaboration with Tastykake in January of 2022, all 14 of our program graduates were offered positions.

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.

Download the flyer

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

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative has changed my life. When I came here, I knew I had the skills to land a job, but working closely with the staff, they brought out my potential to build a future career and to pull out my best self. I know that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to because I have a phenomenal group of people behind me.

-Tyler, Brightview, Landscape Technician, 2019

My experience at WPSI was life changing. I finally found a way to use my skills and an opportunity to gain the experience that I desperately needed in the medical field. Along with gaining connections, I also gained relationships with an amazingly supportive group of people. I now have a career that I’ve been working towards since I got my certification and I am excited to see what the future holds

-Aquanette, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2018

The program will not only help you in regards to your career path, it will help you in your everyday life as well. Whether it’s communication, mindfulness, or just coming out of your shell, WPSI will aid in your progress in all areas.

-Collin, Allied Universal, 2019

WPSI is not just a place that helps you find a ‘job’. It helps you find yourself, life time friends, goals, financial intelligence, and they help you organize your goals.

-Dom, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019

This program had more to offer than I expected. I learned how to network, engage with others, set goals, be on time, and save money. WPSI wasn’t just job placement, it was the tools you need to get through life challenges.

-Alex, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019