Job Seekers
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
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:
- Dialysis Patient Care Technician at DaVita
- Industrial Trades Program with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division
See below for more information on both!
Who should apply?
- Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Mon – Fri, 9 A.M. – 12 P.M., October 9 – October 27
- 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
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 enrolled in the program.
- The opportunity to interview for open Patient Care Technician roles starting at $20/hour with benefits at various DaVita locations.
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
- Provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccine by September 28, 2023 to be considered
Deadline is Friday, September 22, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
- Monday, Sept. 18 at 11 am • Click here to register
Who should apply?
- In-Person Sessions, Mon-Fri, 9 A.M. – 12 P.M., (October 30 – November 17)
- 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
What is the Industrial Trades Program?
The Industrial Trades Program was built to prepare and connect graduates for a two-year opportunity as union trainees with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) at the Navy Yard. Trainees learn theory instruction and complete hands-on training to become either Marine Machinery Mechanics or Electricians to support naval machinery functionality.
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 $25/hour with benefits as Union Trainees with NSWCPD.
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 able to pass a physical
Deadline is Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
- Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 1:30 pm • Click here to register
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) and The Wistar Institute built the Biomedical Technician Training: Research Technician Program to provide candidates with the workplace and technical skills required to build a meaningful career in the Life Sciences industry. Program completion requires in-person attendance at The Wistar Institute and consistent online participation.
Through this program, graduates will be prepared to connect to Research Technician roles where they will support research procedures through care and maintenance of equipment, performing calculations while maintaining electronic databases, and checking records/results.
In this program, we offer:
- Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 96% of WPSI graduates finding employment
- A $150 weekly stipend during the first 10 weeks of the program
- 2 weeks of on-the-job training compensation at $14 per hour
- College-adapted classroom training to prepare participants for a career in the Life Sciences Industry
- The opportunity to interview for open Research Technician positions at CHOP starting at $17/hour
Commitment to the full training schedule is required:
- 10 weeks of In-person sessions, Mondays and Thursdays (6:30 – 8:00 P.M.), (June 26 – Sept 7)
- Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Tuesdays (6:30 – 8:30 P.M.), (June 20 – Sept 5)
- 2 weeks of in-person lab sessions, Monday – Friday (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.) (Sept 11 – Sept 22)
- Approximately (5) hours of weekly reading and reflection exercises
Who should apply?
Detail-oriented, science-curious individuals that enjoy working with their hands and have an interest in working alongside scientists in a research lab.
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
- Be detail-oriented and science curious
- Be a resident of Philadelphia
- Possess a high school diploma or GED;
- Provide proof of having received full COVID-19 vaccination by June 9th, 2023
Deadline is Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
Upcoming Programs
- More info coming soon!
