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
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
Interview for Target Job
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!
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:
Who should apply?
- Professional development sessions on Zoom, Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m., from 6/5 – 8/7
- Certified Nursing Assistant Training (lectures, labs, and clinicals) in-person, Tuesday – Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., from 6/6 – 8/16
- One self-scheduled, 30-minute Career Coaching session per month via Zoom
What is the Patient Care Technician Program?
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) built this program with Community College of Philadelphia to provide candidates with the certification and workplace skills to build a career in healthcare. Program completion requires in-person attendance at several locations, consistent online participation, and passing all certification requirements.
In this program, we offer:
Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 96% of graduates finding employment.
A $150 weekly stipend while enrolled in the program.
- No-cost Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and testing.
- The opportunity to interview for open overnight Patient Care Technician positions at Penn Medicine starting at $20/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
- No-cost Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and testing.
- The opportunity to interview for open overnight Patient Care Technician positions at Penn Medicine starting at $20/hour.
Deadline is Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
- Friday, April 21st from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. • Click here to register
- Tuesday, May 2nd from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. • Click here to register
Who should apply?
Customer service professionals with the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment. Clinic Aides will receive the supervised training, experience, and support to register for the Medical Assistant Certification exam without enrolling in a certification training program so the desire to grow professionally at CHOP is a plus.
Commitment to the following full training schedule is a must:
- In-person facilitated sessions, Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm, 5/1/2023 – 5/19/2023
- Additional one-on-one and small group virtual meetings several times a week between 1pm – 3pm
- Approximately 2 hours of daily reading and reflection exercises
- One self-scheduled 30-minute Career Coaching session per week on Zoom
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 96% of graduates finding employment.
- A $150 weekly stipend while in training at WPSI.
- The opportunity to interview for open, full-time Clinic Aide positions at CHOP’s West Philadelphia campus starting at $15.75/hour
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
- Be a resident of Philadelphia
- Commit to the full training schedule
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be unemployed
- Be tobacco-free
- Provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination by April 21st, 2023
Deadline is Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at 5pm.
Learn more:
- Thursday, March 30th at 2pm • Register here
- Tuesday, April 4th at 1pm: • Register here
WPSI currently has two open programs:
- No-cost Medical Assistant Certification in partnership with Penn Medicine
- Union Apprentice Program in partnership with Philly Shipyard, the Navy Yard, and PIDC
See below for more information on both!
Upcoming Programs
- More info coming soon!
