Rebuild’s Workforce Development Program adds an Ironworkers Academy to expand opportunities for Philadelphians in the skilled trades
PHILADELPHIA, September 6, 2024 – City officials, Rebuild, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the graduation of nine Philadelphia residents from Rebuild’s inaugural Ironworkers Academy. The Ironworkers Academy is a four-week paid training program hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program in partnership with the Ironworkers Local #401, Local #405, and the PA CareerLink®. The Workforce Development Program seeks to diversify Philadelphia’s trades and provide economic opportunities while renovating city infrastructure.
“Today’s graduation is a testament to our commitment to creating a city with economic opportunity for all. The Ironworkers Academy is not just about building Philadelphia’s infrastructure—it’s about building a future where every Philadelphian, regardless of background, has access to family-sustaining careers,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We are proud of this first class of graduates who are helping to lay the foundation for a stronger, more diverse workforce that will continue to shape the neighborhoods they call home.”
Like all of Rebuild’s Workforce Development Programs, no prior experience in ironworking or construction is needed for participants to join the program. Participants must have a high school diploma, an active driver’s license, a willingness to undergo a background check, and a hunger to learn and succeed.
Historically, skilled trades positions have been occupied by those with connections to the industry. Rebuild’s Workforce Development Program seeks to bridge that gap by recruiting diverse participants, providing hands-on paid training, and ensuring all participants are supported after graduating from the program.
“The City of Philadelphia is building and we want to see a diverse group of Philadelphia residents from neighborhoods across the city on our construction sites,” said Aparna Palantino, Director, Capital Projects Office. “We’re proud of the Rebuild team’s work to create pathways to family-sustaining careers in the trades through pre-apprenticeship programs like the Ironworker’s Academy.”
During the ceremony, Ironworker Academy graduates reflected on their experience in the new program and shared sentiments on how the program has affected them. After gaining hands-on exposure to structural steel erection, rigging, welding, blueprint reading, architectural metal erection, metal window systems, and more, academy participants are equipped with the skills they need to pursue apprenticeships in the union.
“Celebrating the first graduating class of the Ironworkers Academy is a proud moment for all of us at Rebuild,” said Tiffany Smith, Director of Workforce Development, Rebuild Philadelphia. “Across our training programs, we’ve seen that investing in time and offering training is yielding great results. With more than 130 graduates to date, we continue to see strong progress toward our goal of ensuring that anyone who is willing to work and wants to contribute to our city’s growth has the opportunity to do so.”
The Ironworkers Academy would not have been possible without its partners, Ironworkers Local #401, Local #405, and PA CareerLink®. Both Ironworkers Local Union #401 and #405 are chapters of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers. The PA CareerLink®, a state-wide program, works with graduates to find full-time employment opportunities should they decide not to pursue careers in the construction industry or a union apprenticeship.
About Rebuild
Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote economic opportunity through diversity and inclusion.
Posted In Company, Media Relations, Philadelphia