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!
WPSI currently has two open programs:
- Access Services Associate 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!
Who should apply?
Customer service professionals that are comfortable working on a computer and using skills that require close clinical contact with patients.
Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is required:
- In-person sessions at WPSI Mon – Fri, 9am-12pm, March 14 – March 17 and May 17 – May 26
- One self-scheduled 30-minute Career Coaching session per month via Zoom
- Additional one-on-one and small group virtual meetings several times a week between 1pm – 3pm
- 8 weeks of in-person Medical Assistant coursework at Congreso, Mon – Fri, 9am-2pm, March 20 – May 16
- Approximately 2 hours of daily reading and reflection exercises
What is WPSI?
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) designs and runs programs that connect you to the tools and supports needed to build a career that is meaningful to you.
In the Medical Assistant Program, Medical Assistant students will actively engage in professional development and career coaching with WPSI before completing 8-weeks of Medical Assistant coursework at Congreso. After program and certification completion, students complete a 4-week externship at Penn Medicine to become full-time Medical Assistants with a starting salary of $18.80/hr with Penn Medicine.
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 Medical Assistant training and testing
- The opportunity to earn $18.80/hour with benefits as Medical Assistants with Penn Medicine after externship completion
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
- Candidates for WPSI’s Medical Assistant Program must provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccine by March 3rd, 2023 to be considered
Deadline is Friday, February 24th, 2023 at 5pm.
Learn more:
- Thursday, February 9th at 10 AM • Click here to register
- Tuesday February 21st at 1 PM • Click here to register
Who should apply?
Goal-oriented, motivated individuals with a desire to obtain full-time permanent employment in the government and commercial shipbuilding industry. Successful candidates must thrive in a labor-intensive, fast-paced environment that operates in all-weather conditions. Attention to detail and a safety-first mindset are a must.Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is required:
- Facilitated group conversations, Mon – Fri, 9am – 12pm, 9/19 – 10/11
- 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
What is the Shipyard Apprentice Program?
The Shipyard Apprentice Program is designed to connect participants to the professional and technical training, tools, and support needed to build a meaningful career at Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI). This program consists of in-person sessions at the Navy Yard, which will maintain high standards of safety compliance in the face of COVID-19. Graduates will have the opportunity to interview for full-time Apprentice positions at PSI.
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 full-time Union Apprentice positions at Philly Shipyard, Inc. starting at $17.13/hour.
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
- Be a resident of Philadelphia
- Commit to the full training schedule from 9/19 to 10/11
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Be unemployed
- Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and high speed internet
- Candidates for the Shipyard Apprentice Program must provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccine by Tues, Sept. 9th, 2022
Deadline is Friday, September 2nd, 2022 at 5pm.
Learn more:
Upcoming Programs
- More info coming soon!
