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, 93% 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!
WPSI currently has two open programs:
- Fashion The Future Forward program in partnership with Grant Blvd
- Nursing Assistant Training Program in partnership with Penn Medicine
See below for more information on both!
Fashion the Future Forward combines the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) professional development program and foundational industrial sewing training with the Grant Blvd team to prepare women who are justice-impacted for the textile manufacturing industry.
Who should apply?
Detail-oriented individuals who are open to feedback and understand that making mistakes is a part of the learning process.
Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is a must:
- Professional development sessions at WPSI in West Philadelphia: Mon – Fri, 9 A.M. – 12 P.M from Aug 12 – Aug 30 • The office is a 2-minute walk from the 40th St. Stop on the Market-Frankford line and accessible by bus routes 21,30, and 40.
- Technical Training at the Grant Blvd studio in Kensington: Mon – Weds, 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. from Sep 3 – Oct 17
- Externship at the Grant Blvd studio in Kensington: Mon – Weds, 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. from Oct 21 – Nov 14 • The studio is a 6-minute walk from the Tioga stop on the Market-Frankford line and accessible by bus routes 3, 56, and 89.
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program. 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 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 for the first 10 weeks of training
4 weeks of training with compensation at $15/hr
Are you eligible?
All applicants must:
Past involvement with the justice system
Philadelphia-county residency
Commitment to the full training schedule
Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency
All applications are due on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
- Attend an information session on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 3 P.M. • Register here
Program Details:
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) created this program with Community College of Philadelphia to provide you with the certification and workplace skills to build a career in health care. Program completion requires in-person attendance at several locations, consistent online participation and passing all certification requirements.
This Program Offers You:
- Cutting-edge job connection strategies, resulting in 93% of graduates finding employment
- A $150 weekly stipend while in training
- Free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and testing
- The opportunity to interview for open Patient Care Technician positions, starting at $20/hour, across all shifts, including overnight with a pay differential, at Penn Medicine
Who Should Apply?
- Strong written and verbal communicators who are comfortable managing their own time and working with patients in a clinical context
- Individuals who can commit to overnight shifts
- Those able to commit to the full training schedule:
- Professional development sessions, Mondays, Sept. 9–Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Certified Nursing Assistant Training, Tuesdays to Thursdays, Sept. 10–26, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Certified Nursing Assistant Training Clinicals, Tuesdays to Thursdays, Oct. 1–15, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- One self-scheduled 30-minute Career Coaching session per month via Zoom
- This program requires assignments, studying, and meetings online, so 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.
Program Eligibility:
All Applicants Must:
- Be a resident of Philadelphia
- Be tobacco free
- Commit to the full training schedule
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Be currently unemployed or underemployed
- Candidates for the Patient Care Technician Program must provide proof of having received the full COVID-19 vaccine by Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to be considered.
Learn more in a virtual information session:
Thursday, July 25 at 10 a.m. • Register here
The deadline is Tuesday, July 30th at 5 p.m.
Who should apply?
Customer service-oriented individuals who are comfortable working a physically demanding job and have a minimum of 1 year experience working in environmental services. Must be available to work any of five shifts, as assigned.
Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is a must:
- In-person sessions Mon-Fri 7/22/2024 – 8/9/2024, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 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
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual program. 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 WPSI?
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) designs and runs programs which connect you to the tools and supports needed to build a meaningful career.
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 Custodial Services openings with University of Pennsylvania starting at $21.62/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
Be available to work any of five, full-time shifts as assigned upon hire
Have a minimum of 1-year verifiable experience working in housekeeping, custodial, environmental services, or professional cleaning services
Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by July 2nd, 2024
Deadline is Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Learn more:
The Biomedical Technician Training Program 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 Research Technician or Aseptic Manufacturing Technician roles where they will support the development and/or production of therapies to treat diseases.
In this program, we offer:
A $150 weekly stipend during the first 11 weeks of the program
12-14 weeks of on-the-job training with compensation at $14/hr
College-adapted course to provide participants with a foundation in the life sciences
For select candidates, the opportunity to interview for open roles starting at $21/hr with Integral Molecular or Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Eligibility requirements:
To be considered, all applicants for the Biomedical Technician Training Program must provide proof of having received full COVID-19 vaccination by June 12; be a resident of Philadelphia; possess a high school diploma or GED; and commit to the full training schedule below:
- 11 weeks of In-person sessions, Mondays and Thursdays (6:30 – 8:00 P.M.), (6/24 – 9/5)
- Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Tuesdays (6:30 – 8:30 P.M.), (6/25 – 8/27)
- 2 weeks of in-person lab sessions, Monday – Friday (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.) (9/9 – 9/20)
- 10-12 weeks of externship
- 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:
Attend the virtual information session:
- Thursday, May 23 at 11 a.m. • Register here
Deadline is Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Upcoming Programs
- More info coming soon!
