The Preservation Trades Center

The Preservation Trades Center, powered by the Eastern State Center for Justice Education, is a hub for workforce development in the preservation trades.

A photo of a LEAD fellow at Eastern State Penitentiary. They are wearing a hard hat, a safety vest, and marking off a board for cutting. A large stone building and the exterior wall are visible in the background.

Through paid, on-the-job training, Preservation Trades Center (PTC) crew members work alongside expert craft workers and prepare for a career in the trades while preserving Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, 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 three programs with direct connections to full-time employment and union apprenticeships: a six-week carpentry academy, a six-week bricklaying & stone masonry academy, and a four-week cement masonry and plastering academy. We are actively seeking to expand our offerings to include additional preservation trades and employer partners. 

A photo of a LEAD Fellow working at Eastern State Penitentiary. He is wearing a hard hat and completing masonry work on an old stone wall.

All Philadelphia residents (aged 18+) interested in pursuing a career in the preservation trades are welcome to apply for these paid, hands-on job training programs. No prior experience is required. 

While working at the historic site, 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 have the chance to interview for a full-time apprenticeship.  

PTC crew members are paid $15 per hour for four to six weeks of hands-on training (40 hours per week) at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site with the instruction and support of expert craft workers. T-shirts, steel-toed boots, and SEPTA passes are provided.

How to Apply

Our 2025 PTC trade academies have concluded. Information on how to apply to our 2026 academies including a hiring timeline and program schedule will be available soon. Want to be among the first to know when applications go live? Join our applicant interest list to receive regular hiring updates by email. 


 

Meaningful change for individuals, industries, and communities

Skill Development
Participants receive paid, hands-on training in preservation trades such as masonry, carpentry, and plastering, equipping them with in-demand skills for sustainable careers.

Inclusive Opportunities
The program actively engages underrepresented communities—including returning citizens, women, and people of color—addressing barriers to employment and promoting diversity in the skilled trades.

Community Impact
By restoring a National Historic Landmark and fostering personal growth, our programs contribute to both the preservation of cultural heritage and the revitalization of local communities.

Be part of the transformation.

Your support helps provide hands-on training, mentorship, and a fresh start at life. Whether you give, hire, or partner with us, you're investing in a more just future.

Partner With Us

Collaborate with us to provide essential training, resources, and support to our participants.

CONTACT US

Hire Our Graduates

Employ PTC graduates to bring dedicated and skilled team members to your job site or apprenticeship program.

CONTACT US

Make a Gift

Your donation funds paid training and support services for people working to build a new future for themselves and their families.

DONATE

Stay Connected

Want to receive regular updates about the activities of the Preservation Trades Center by email? Sign up for our PTC newsletter list below. 


 

Questions?

Contact Liz

Contact Liz Trumbull, Senior Director of Preservation and Operations, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 215-236-5111 x239.

Contact Brandon

Contact Brandon Flood, Associate Director of Workforce Development, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 215-236-5111 x233.

The work of the Preservation Trades Center would not be possible without the tremendous support of our partners.

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