The Philadelphia Workforce Hub is a local initiative designed to connect residents with training and career opportunities in high-demand sectors, especially those related to the city’s major infrastructure projects. Launched in April 2024 with support from the City of Philadelphia and key federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation, the Workforce Hub aims to create pathways to good-paying jobs for individuals across the city, with a focus on economically disadvantaged communities. By partnering with nonprofits, employers, unions, and educational institutions, the Hub helps ensure that the benefits of public infrastructure investments reach all Philadelphians.
The Workforce Hub is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen workforce development and infrastructure through landmark legislation such as the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act. Philadelphia is among several cities selected for workforce-focused investments, supported by federal and local funding dedicated to city public works projects and workforce training. The Hub focuses on infrastructure and construction jobs and is co-led by the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency.
The City has announced new policies and investments to create more pathways into well-paying jobs, including a commitment to support the City College for Municipal Employment. The Geographic and Economic Hiring Preferences (GEHP) program sets hiring goals intended to expand access to apprentices and persons from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and applies to a large share of city public works projects. GEHP is designed to provide contractors with a trained and ready workforce for in-demand construction roles.
The Hub also offers services to support basic skills such as reading, math, and ESL, free online job skills training through SkillUp™ PA, and free training for city jobs through the City College for Municipal Employment. The Fair Chance Hiring Initiative (FCHI) supports justice-impacted individuals with training and retention grants.
OIC Philadelphia plays a central role in the Workforce Hub by offering whole-person support that goes beyond traditional job training. We help you map a plan, stay enrolled, and handle common barriers like transportation and childcare. OIC collaborates with business leaders, human services organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to provide comprehensive assistance. Nonprofit organizations are essential partners in delivering workforce training and supportive services that promote economic mobility and community development.
This includes career pathways leading to family-sustaining wages, supportive services such as transportation and childcare assistance, and connections to community resources that promote economic mobility. OIC’s partnerships with employers, unions, and community colleges ensure practical support aligned with local labor market demands.
OIC’s programs are designed to help individuals overcome barriers to employment and build lasting careers. Supportive services include:
Through these services, OIC empowers jobseekers to not only find employment but also to sustain and grow their careers.
OIC offers training options that change throughout the year. Right now, one of the newest opportunities is an Information Technology training program developed in partnership with Per Scholas. This hands-on program prepares participants for in-demand IT roles by teaching skills such as:
OIC's programs also support the development of new apprentices in high-demand fields like infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, helping to expand access to well-paying jobs through modernized apprenticeship pathways. Participants can also earn industry-recognized certifications that improve job prospects. Residents can also access free online job skills training through the SkillUp™ PA program.
If you are interested in exploring OIC’s programs, here are some specific steps and what you can expect:
OIC collaborates with employers, unions, contractors, and community organizations to create workforce development opportunities that meet local industry needs. In city public works projects and construction, contractors play a key role in implementing hiring preferences and geographic and economic hiring policies to promote equitable workforce development. Through partnerships, OIC helps connect workers with employers and supports initiatives such as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. These collaborations are vital to diversifying Philadelphia’s construction industry and ensuring that infrastructure projects have access to skilled labor. The workforce initiatives include expanding pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs to increase the number of skilled workers.
Whether you are just starting to explore career options or ready to enroll in training, OIC Philadelphia encourages you to reach out. Support is available to help you overcome challenges and access resources at every step. OIC’s team is ready to listen and assist whenever you need.
OIC Philadelphia’s mission is to empower individuals and families through education, training, and supportive services that lead to good jobs and economic mobility. The Workforce Hub in Philadelphia is part of a broader effort to leverage federal and local investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and public works to create equitable employment opportunities. The William Penn Foundation recently announced millions in funding to support workforce training for individuals across the Greater Philadelphia region. By working together with Philadelphia Works, employers, community partners, and the City, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Philadelphia, one career at a time.
Visit OIC Philadelphia to learn more about programs, enrollment, partnerships, and supportive services.
