WPSI graduate on the Job at Allied Universal

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!

How To Apply

Want to know how our application process works? Here’s a brief explanation:

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | Job Seekers

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.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | Job Seekers

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.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | Job Seekers
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | application icon

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.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | interview icon

In-Person or Virtual Interview

Qualified applicants are invited to interview with a WPSI team member.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | notification icon

All applicants are notified if they are accepted to the WPSI program.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | training icon

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.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | interview icon

Interview for Target Job

WPSI provides extensive interview preparation during its training program. Final hiring decisions will be made by individual employers.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | network icon

Start Your New Job!

Application Process

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | Job Seekers
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | application icon

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.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | interview icon

In-Person or Virtual Interview

Qualified applicants are invited to interview with a WPSI team member.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | notification icon

All applicants are notified if they are accepted to the WPSI program.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | training icon

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.

The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | interview icon

Interview for Target Job

WPSI provides extensive interview preparation during its training program. Final hiring decisions will be made by individual employers.
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) | network icon

Start Your New 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 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:

Deadline is Friday, January 19, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Penn Medicine Logo

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:

Attend the virtual information session:

 

Deadline is Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 5 p.m.

WPSI IS RECRUITING ACROSS PHILADELPHIA for training and remote job opportunities as an Access Services Associate earning $17.69/hour in partnership with Penn Medicine!

Who should apply?

Compassionate customer service professionals that are comfortable speaking on the phone for long periods of time and using a computer for data entry. Experience working in a call center is a plus. Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is required:

  • Facilitated group conversations via Zoom, Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1/22 – 2/9
  • 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 via Zoom

This is a virtual program hosted on Zoom. 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 96% of graduates finding employment.

  • A $150 weekly stipend while enrolled in the program. 

  • The opportunity to interview for open, full-time remote Access Services Associate positions at a Penn Medicine call center starting at $17.69/hour.

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 unemployed

  • Be tobacco-free

  • Be computer savvy

  • Provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccine by Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 to be considered; employment at Penn Medicine requires an annual influenza (flu) shot and other vaccines

Deadline is Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Learn more:

Attend the virtual information session:

Who should apply?

Problem-solvers with a safety-first mindset who enjoy working with their hands and performing physical labor. Commitment to the full training schedule (below) is required:  
  • 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:

Watch a virtual information session, or attend a virtual information session:

 

Upcoming Programs

  • More info coming soon!

Sign up to hear about job opportunities!

What Alumni Say

Thank you for this opportunity WPSI! From the initial interview to completion at the Wistar Institute, you guys have provided an ample amount of useful resources! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to participate in the BTT program. I started with 0 experience, besides a science course in high school, everything was taught to me without having to return to school! Now being employed with one of the best in the nation hospitals, I will forever be grateful!

- Jorgi, Biomedical Technician Training: Research Technician
I throughly enjoyed this program and honestly feel blessed to be apart of it. The opportunities that are presented to me through the program are far beyond anything I could have imagined and are truly wonderful for anyone who wants to apply. WPSI gave me the chance to grow as a person and embrace new experiences I probably wouldn’t have been exposed to. Once again I’m blessed to have WPSI support me.

- Hakim, CHOP Clinical Lab Assistant
My experience with WPSI was inspirational, motivating, & definitely worth the commitment. Coming from the Medical Assistant program, I learned so much from WPSI not only about professional development, but also about personal growth & self awareness. When it comes to compassion, communication, & dedication, WPSI made sure to help their students in all aspects. WPSI was involved in helping us learn, come together, support one another & succeed in our career & personal goals.

- Monique, Penn Medicine Medical Assistant Program
My experience at WPSI was life changing. I finally found a way to use my skills and an opportunity to gain the experience that I desperately needed in the medical field. Along with gaining connections, I also gained relationships with an amazingly supportive group of people. I now have a career that I’ve been working towards since I got my certification and I am excited to see what the future holds

-Aquanette, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2018
The program will not only help you in regards to your career path, it will help you in your everyday life as well. Whether it’s communication, mindfulness, or just coming out of your shell, WPSI will aid in your progress in all areas.

-Collin, Allied Universal, 2019
WPSI is not just a place that helps you find a ‘job’. It helps you find yourself, life time friends, goals, financial intelligence, and they help you organize your goals.

-Dom, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019
This program had more to offer than I expected. I learned how to network, engage with others, set goals, be on time, and save money. WPSI wasn’t just job placement, it was the tools you need to get through life challenges.

-Alex, University of Pennsylvania's Facilities and Real Estate Services, 2019