The Philadelphia Department of Commerce announced on Tuesday that it had awarded three organizations more than $700,000 to develop innovative workforce training programs.
The grant funding, provided by the new Fair Chance Hiring Workforce Solutions program, will invest in training justice impacted individuals to prepare for and connect to sustainable career pathways that pay a living wage. The organizations will provide participants with training in fashion manufacturing, building trade and green economy industries, officials said.
“Developing Philadelphia’s workforce and talent pipelines are crucial to our business growth and retention strategy. The Department of Commerce continues to collaborate with external partners and City departments to expand employer partnerships and resources,” Anne Nadol, Commerce Director, said. “Together, we envision a workforce system that is more coordinated in its inclusive and innovative growth strategies. Commerce leads the Workforce Professional Alliance committed to increasing access to career readiness programs for Philadelphians. Our work aims to address the talent needs of employers, help businesses thrive and advance economic opportunities for all.”
The Fair Chance Hiring Workforce Solutions Grant program invests in programs that work to address challenges faced by the justice impacted when preparing for and entering the workforce. Accepted programs must be implemented and evaluated for impact over a 12-month period.
“The City envisions a globally competitive economy that benefits all people who live, work and do business in Philadelphia. We are seeing companies within world-class sectors selecting Philadelphia and the region for our talent, our location and proximity to so many assets. Philadelphia’s continued growth can provide Philadelphians with more sustainable career pathways that pay a living wage,” Mayor Jim Kenney said. “Our Administration is increasing equitable access to workforce training opportunities for residents and growing quality jobs. Fair chance hiring is a vital priority for the City of Philadelphia to build a thriving economy that benefits everyone.”
The program awarded $250,000 to the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative and Grant Blvd to launch “Fashion to the Future,” that will be used to train justice-impacted women to work in the fashion industry. The program also awarded $233,662 to the Educational Data Systems, Inc. to use for a construction pre-apprenticeship program, and $226,316.33 for Solar States, LLC for a program to provide mentorship, education and job training for those interested in green collar jobs.