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!
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
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
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!
