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!
How To Apply
Want to know how our application process works? Here’s a brief explanation:
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!
Who should apply?
Strong written and verbal communicators that are comfortable managing their own time and working with patients in a clinical context. Complete schedule flexibility and the ability to commit to overnight shifts are a must. Commitment to the full training schedule (below with additional dates to follow) is required for program completion:
- Professional development sessions, Mondays from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., from 6/3 – 8/5
- Certified Nursing Assistant Training (lectures & labs) Tuesdays – Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., from 6/4 – 6/20
- Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical Sessions, Tuesdays – Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., from 6/25 – 7/11
- One self-scheduled, 30-minute Career Coaching session per month via Zoom
This is a hybrid program that meets in-person and virtually. Consistent access to a laptop or desktop computer, broadband internet, a webcam, and a word processing program like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar are required to complete the training.
What is the Certified Nursing Assistant 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 93% of WPSI graduates finding employment.
No-cost Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and testing.
A $150 weekly stipend while enrolled in the program.
The opportunity to interview for open CNA positions at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) starting at $20/hr.
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
Be a resident of Philadelphia
Commit to the full training schedule
Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency
Be unemployed
Provide proof of having received the full COVID-19 vaccine by Friday, May 3rd, 2024 to be considered
All applications are due on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
Attend an information session:
- Thursday, April 18 at 1pm • Register here
WPSI currently has two open programs:
- Access Services Associate at Penn Medicine
- No-cost Medical Assistant Certification at Penn Medicine
See below for more information on both!
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 $20.99/hr with Penn Medicine. This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program, so broadband internet is required to complete the training.
In this program, we offer:
A $150 weekly stipend while in training
No-cost Medical Assistant training and testing
The opportunity to earn $20.99/hour with benefits as Medical Assistants with Penn Medicine after externship completion
Eligibility requirements:
To be considered, all applicants for the Medical Assistant Program must be a resident of Philadelphia; possess 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 January 26, 2024 to be considered; and commit to the full training schedule below:
- In-person sessions at WPSI Mon – Fri, 9AM-12PM, Feb 12 – March 1
- 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 4 – April 26
- 4 weeks of externship at Penn Medicine, Mon-Fri, May 20 – June 14
- Approximately 2 hours of daily reading and reflection exercises
Learn more:
Attend the virtual information session:
- Friday, January 12 at 10 a.m. • Register here
Deadline is Friday, January 19, 2024 at 5 p.m.
The Biomedical Technician Training Program: Lab Technician prepares graduates with the workplace and technical skills to be successful in the life sciences industry.
Through this program, graduates will be prepared to connect to Lab Technician roles where they will support the development and manufacturing of gene therapies for diseases by processing molecules and cells, maintaining an aseptic environment, and documenting procedures using good laboratory practices and care.
In this program, we offer:
A $150 weekly stipend during the first 10 weeks of the program
12 weeks of on-the-job training with compensation at $14/hr
College-adapted classroom training to prepare participants for a career in the Life Sciences Industry
For select candidates, the opportunity to interview for open Lab Technician positions at VintaBio starting at $25/hr
Eligibility requirements:
To be considered, all applicants for the Biomedical Technician Training Program: Lab Technician must be a resident of Philadelphia; possess a high school diploma or GED; provide proof of having received full COVID-19 vaccination by February 9; and commit to the full training schedule below:
- 10 weeks of In-person classes, Mondays and Thursdays (6:30 – 8 PM), (Feb. 15 – April 25)
- Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Tuesdays (6:30 – 8:30 PM), (Feb. 13 – April 23)
- 2 weeks of in-person laboratory training, Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5 PM) (April 29 – May 10)
- 10 weeks of externship, Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5PM) (May 13 – July 19)
- Approximately (5) hours of weekly reading and reflection exercises
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program, so broadband internet is required to complete the training.
Learn more:
Deadline is Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 5 p.m.
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
Upcoming Programs
- More info coming soon!
Sign up to hear about job opportunities!
What Alumni Say
- Jorgi, Biomedical Technician Training: Research Technician
- Hakim, CHOP Clinical Lab Assistant
- Monique, Penn Medicine Medical Assistant Program
-Aquanette, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2018
-Collin, Allied Universal, 2019
-Dom, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019
-Alex, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019