WPSI connects neighborhood residents to neighborhood jobs. We work with employers to identify positions of high need, positions of high turnover, or positions where under-employed workers can transition to full-time when provided with appropriate training and support. Then, we develop training programs designed specifically for each targeted position. Often, these programs lead to a recognized degree of credential that provides permanent advantage for the participant as their career develops.

Many career paths have been identified with the assistance of WPSI’s employer-partners, including certified medical assistant, health information technology, and animal technician. These are benefited, full-time jobs with real potential for advancement that pay wages that can support a family and include employer-subsidized tuition.

Adults

Pipeline Programs

Medical Assistant

WPSI and Drexel College of Medicine are working together to build a pipeline for Certified Medical Assistants, an area of high need and high turnover. Drexel is recruiting West Philadelphia residents for this program, and WPSI is providing intensive support services, including top-of-the-line professional development and career coaching. Participants in this program earn while they learn; they’re paid to participate in the professional development they need to succeed in the workplace.

Health Information Technology

Health Information Technology is a fast-growing field with a great future. The Health Information Technology Training Program was developed by WPSI and the Information Technology Department at Penn Medicine to meet a need for workers with skills in electronic medical records. Another “earn and learn” program, participants receive a full-time salary and build skills, creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Animal Care

This “earn and learn” program helps under-employed workers transition to benefited full-time positions by providing the training they need to achieve industry-recognized certification.

The initial results showed dramatic impact: 90% satisfaction with the program, 43% improvement in productivity and 36% return on investments for the employer partner.

For information about the pipeline programs Contact Sheila Ireland: Sheila@universitycity.org

WPSI’s Pipeline Programs are supported by our employer-partners, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Social Innovation Fund.

Apprenticeships

With the support of the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, cohorts of West Philadelphia high school student are graduating from the Penn Medicine High School Pipeline into employment at Penn Medicine. These young adults work part-time in trainee positions while pursuing studies at Community College of Philadelphia. WPSI matches their wages, so the trainees are eligible for employer-funded tuition benefits. WPSI also provides career coaching and professional development, beginning before students graduate from high school.

Based on employer needs and funding availability, additional apprenticeship programs will be developed.

For more information, visit the Penn Medicine Academy.

Funding for the Healthcare Apprenticeship Program is provided by:

Apprenticeship Funders

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation/SCI West
State Farm
The Fels Fund
The Claneil Foundation