Philadelphia professionals who want to pursue high-wage, full-time careers in the skilled trades can now take advantage of a new Welder B training program in partnership with the Hanwha Philly Shipyard. The effort is a collaboration between PIDC and the University City District’s Skills Initiative at the Navy Yard.
Since 2020, the Skills Initiative at the Navy Yard has operated 17 cohorts and helped 252 Philadelphians start new careers. According to Philly Voice, the new partnership with Hanwha Philly Shipyard builds on previous collaborations that connected applicants to shipbuilding training through an apprenticeship model. This new program enables applicants who have already obtained welding certification or experience to connect directly with training to become full-performance welders.
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The 14-week curriculum includes two weeks of professional development, four weeks of classroom instruction on ship orientation and shop math, and eight weeks of hands-on welding training. Stipends are $150 per week for professional development and coursework, and $300 per week for welding training. Participants will also have the opportunity to interview for a Welder B position with benefits at Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
“This new partnership with Hanwha Philly Shipyard offers real pathways to economic mobility for Philadelphians,” said Cait Garozzo, executive director of The Skills Initiative, in a statement shared with the PhillyVoice. “Hanwha is committed to hiring from the community, and this program will help talented Philadelphians connect to stable, high-quality jobs in an industry that has the potential to define our region for decades.”
“As Hanwha Philly Shipyard continues to grow its operations at the Shipyard, we’re grateful for their investment in building a pipeline of skilled talent and creating new opportunities for Philadelphians,” said Kate McNamara, executive vice president of PIDC at the Navy Yard. “Programs like this not only strengthen our campus partnerships but also create clear pathways to quality jobs, where graduates can apply their new skills and earn competitive wages and benefits — a testament to the intentional, employer-driven work of the Skills Initiative team.”