Are you a Philadelphia resident (age 18+) interested in pursuing a career in carpentry or masonry? Apply to be considered for a spot in one of our paid, hands-on job training programs. No experience required!
Our crew members are paid $15 per hour for six weeks of hands-on training (40 hours per week) at Eastern State Penitentiary with the instruction and support of expert craft workers.
While working at Eastern State, crew members learn about the many ways to shape a career in the construction industry, gain the foundational skills needed to kickstart their careers, and network with local contractors and other employers. In addition, program graduates will have the chance to interview for a full-time apprenticeship.
The recruiting window for our spring 2024 trade academies has now passed.
If you would like to receive information about future opportunities, please SIGN UP HERE to be added Rebuild's Workforce Development Training Programs interest list. This link is open year-round and is how we communicate upcoming training programs to Philadelphia residents. Thank you for your interest!
Below you'll find other important dates for applicants, information for prospective employers, and details on who to contact if you have additional questions. We look forward to meeting you!
The Preservation Trades Center (PTC) at Eastern State Penitentiary is a hub for workforce development in the preservation trades. Through paid, on-the-job training, PTC crew members work alongside expert craft workers and prepare for a career in the trades while preserving Eastern State Penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark.
Through specialty trade academies, the PTC connects Philadelphia communities that are underrepresented in the skilled trades — including returning citizens, women, and people of color — to long-term careers in the construction industry.
The PTC currently offers two six-week programs, a Masonry Academy and a Carpentry Academy, both with direct connections to full-time employment and union apprenticeships. We are actively seeking to expand our offerings to include additional preservation trades and employer partners.
The recruiting window for our spring 2024 trade academies has now passed.
If you would like to receive information about future opportunities, please SIGN UP HERE to be added Rebuild's Workforce Development Training Programs interest list. This link is open year-round and is how we communicate upcoming training programs to Philadelphia residents. Thank you for your interest!
Info Sessions:
Choose one to attend. Registration required.
- Wednesday, December 13, 6 pm (Virtual)
- Thursday, January 4, 12 pm (In-Person, 2300 W. Master St.)
- Thursday, January 4, 6 pm (Virtual)
- Tuesday, January 9, 12 pm (Virtual)
Application Closes:
The application link will be shared with all prospective applicants during each info session. All applicants will be considered for both the Carpentry Academy and the Masonry Academy, but are welcome to indicate if they have a preference.
- Tuesday, January 9, 5:00 pm
Demonstration Day:
Attend this mandatory event to learn what to expect during our trade academies. Meet the teams, take skills tests, attend demonstrations, take a worksite visit and mini tour, and participate in a question & answer session.
- January 2023 (In-Person at Eastern State Penitentiary) — Further details will be sent to registrants.
Interviews:
- January 2023 — Further details will be sent to registrants.
Trade Academies:
Selected crew members will be invited to participate in one of the following trade academies.
- Carpentry Academy — March 4 - April 12
- Masonry Academy — March 25 - May 3
For questions about eligibility and the application process, please contact:
Ali Martinez
[email protected] | 215-292-0282
Shaun Guess
[email protected] | 267-240-2010
Tiffany Smith
[email protected] | 215-964-5162
For general questions about the PTC or to learn more about partnership opportunities for employers, please contact:
Liz Trumbull
[email protected] | 215-236-5111 x239
The work of the Preservation Trades Center would not be possible without the tremendous support of our partners.
Rebuild | PowerCorpsPHL | PA CareerLink
Carpenters Joint Apprentice Training Center of Philadelphia & Vicinity
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 PA/DE
