The City’s Infrastructure Solutions Team (IST) was proud to celebrate the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) first ever Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW), which took place May 5 – May 11, 2024. Building off the success of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) each November, YAW highlights the benefits and value of Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship program opportunities for youth ages 16-24.
To meet the workforce demand of BIL-funded projects, Philadelphia’s infrastructure industries will require an additional labor supply for crucial occupations. According to the National Skills Coalition, this demand is likely to be sustained for at least the next 10 years, which is why young people stand to benefit from training that sets them up for career success long term.
These infrastructure projects provide access to good quality, family-sustaining occupations, including union jobs. Transitioning into these infrastructure occupations would require short or moderate-term job training, and in some cases certifications or licensing. Both the City and partners are leveraging existing industry-recognized pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. Many of these programs accept people ages 18 and older, while some, like Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MyWIC), are specifically focused on younger ages.
YAW in Philadelphia
So, what happened locally this past week? Here’s a recap:
- Pre-Apprenticeship Informational Flyer
This week, IST circulated an informational flyer of pre-apprenticeship programs in the Philadelphia region. Intended to serve as a ‘one stop shop’ for students and their families, the flyer was distributed to the School District of Philadelphia’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) counselors, the Office of Children and Families (OCF), and CareerLink Navigators. This information is supplemental to the 2024 Apprenticeship Guidebook recently released by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson guidebook.
- Career Days at Philadelphia Schools
Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and Philadelphia Academies Inc, in partnership with the Philadelphia School District, hosted a series of career days at local schools. Jules Mastbaum High School, Martha Washington Middle School, and Comegys Elementary School hosted interactive discussions and immersive activities to teach students about apprenticeship opportunities in the building and construction trades, culinary arts, sports marketing, STEAM, and many more.
- Pre-Apprenticeship Accelerator
On Tuesday, May 7, members of the IST attended the Pre-Apprenticeship Accelerator hosted by ApprenticeshipPHL. The event took place at the Community College of Philadelphia and welcomed employers and current Registered Apprenticeship programs to learn about effective strategies in using Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programming to prepare and connect high school students to careers through Registered Apprenticeships. APHL developed and launched a brand new webpage to centralize resources for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.
- 2024 MyWIC Camp Fundraiser
Also on Tuesday, members of the IST attended MyWIC’s Charity Beer Tasting Fundraiser at Yards Brewing Company. Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MyWIC) is a summer camp that provides middle and high school-aged girls in Philadelphia with career exploration opportunities in the construction trades. MyWIC is sponsored by the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) Philadelphia Foundation. At the event, three past students spoke about their experience at MyWIC and how exposure to the trades has better prepared them for planning their futures. They also released their 2023 Camper Magazine at the event. The camper magazine features journal entries from the girls that they write throughout the camps duration. New for the camps in 2024 will be exposure to the pre-construction field as well as a facility tour of Citizens Bank Park. Those interested in volunteering can find more information here: NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation – Register (nawicpf.org)
- YAW Acknowledgement Resolution
On Thursday, May 9, Councilmembers Thomas and Gilmore Richardson proposed a resolution acknowledging YAW. This recognition highlights the importance of raising awareness among Philadelphia youth, families, and employers about apprenticeship programs for young people.
- Youth Experiences in Apprenticeship
The Finishing Trades Insititute of the Mid-Atlantic Region hosted an in-person panel discussion on Friday, May 10th. The panel, moderated by the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Office, allowed apprentices to share their lived experiences and how they are working to achieve their own success.
- Elevate Youth Event
On Saturday, May 11, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO is hosting Elevate Youth, an in-person community event for 100-150 youth ages 16-24 and their parents to receive information about apprenticeship programs in a fun and& interactive way with food, music, and games.
- PECO’s Jr. Infrastructure Academy
PECO’s Infrastructure Academies offer job seekers the opportunity to participate in experience sessions that include company overviews, mock interviews, and assessment demos for many apprentice roles. Last year for the first time, PECO expanded their trainings to offer a Jr. Infrastructure Academy to junior and high school students. Pontell Hunter, a 2022 PECO Infrastructure Academy participant and current Underground Line Mechanic apprentice with PECO, was one of the demonstrators at this year’s Jr. Infrastructure Academy.
- Workforce Development Training Opportunities with the City
The City of Philadelphia is working to provide residents, especially women and people of color, new pathways to skilled trade union apprenticeships. If you are interested in pursuing a training and/or career in the skilled trades, please complete our Workforce Development Interest form to learn about emerging opportunities.
