University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, the program that connects unemployed West Philly residents with local employers, is teaming up with SEPTA for Bus Operator training. The program includes no-cost Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and testing.

This is the Initiative’s first recruitment open to Philadelphians of all zip codes, not just West Philadelphia residents. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED and be currently unemployed and must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record for at least the last three years. Successful program graduates will have the opportunity to apply for Operator positions with SEPTA. The program also offers a performance-based stipend during the training.  Continue Reading

Unemployed West Philly residents are invited to participate in a job training program with University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative.

The nationally-recognized program is partnering with Brightview Landscapes to offer positions as landscape crew members. Goal-oriented and motivated individuals who have experience working in landscaping, labor, outdoor work, and related fields are welcome to apply for the program.

Program participants will receive a generous, performance-based stipend and an opportunity to interview for open positions in the area. Over 90 percent of program graduates find employment.  Continue Reading

University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, the program that connects unemployed West Philly residents with local employers, is recruiting Certified Medical Assistants for a training program with the Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM).

The program is seeking applicants who possess a high school diploma or GED; are currently unemployed; and live in the West Philadelphia zip-codes of 19104, 19131, 19139, 19143, or 19151. Applicants should be goal-oriented, motivated Certified Medical Assistants with a history of providing quality patient care and high-level customer service, and should have computer confidence. Program participants will earn a performance-based stipend while in training at WPSI.  Continue Reading

West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, the program that connects unemployed West Philadelphia residents with local employers, is partnering with Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Drexel University to recruit individuals for a new job training opportunity. The program participants will be trained to be Preschool Lead Teachers and Preschool Assistant Teachers.

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool is part of a national network of more than 180 private schools offering preschool through 12th grade education. This is the second cohort that the Skills Initiative is running in partnership with Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Drexel University.  Continue Reading

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative is recruiting West Philadelphia residents for a new job training opportunity with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The program will prepare individuals to be Patient Sitters with the nationally renowned hospital.

Program graduates will have the opportunity to interview with CHOP, receive a performance-based stipend during the training, and learn the skills needed to successfully connect to employment and a fulfilling career path. Since its launch seven years ago, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative has served over 800 individuals, and last year, 93 percent of its participants connected to employment.  Continue Reading

University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative is offering a new job training opportunity for local residents. Applications are being accepted through March 29 for a training program with University of Pennsylvania that will prepare individuals for entry-level, Science Lab Helper jobs.

The program is recruiting individuals with a wide range of prior experiences in janitorial work, housekeeping, labor and science labs. Program graduates will have the opportunity to earn a stipend while in training and receive on-the-job training at the University of Pennsylvania, earning $15/hour.  Continue Reading