Are you a Philadelphia resident (age 18+) interested in pursuing a career in carpentry, masonry or plastering? 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 four to 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.
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 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.
Info Sessions:
Attending one info session is mandatory.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 6pm. Virtual via Zoom. Register here.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 12pm. In person at 2300 Master Street. Register here.
Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 12pm. Virtual via Zoom. Register here.
Demonstration Day and Q&A:
Attend this event to learn what to expect during our trade academies. Learn about each trade, see your future worksite, and take a skills test.
January 14, 2025 at 9:30am – Demonstration Day. Mandatory, in-person at Eastern State Penitentiary. Registration is required and will be shared with all info session attendees.
January 14, 2025 at 4pm – Q&A Session. Optional, virtual via Zoom. Registration is not required. Zoom link will be shared with all Demonstration Day attendees.
Application Closes:
The application link will be shared with all demonstration day attendees. All applicants will be considered for all three trade academies, but are welcome to indicate if they have a preference.
Wednesday, January 15, 5:00 pm
Interviews:
January 22 – 24, 2025. Further details will be sent to registrants.
Trade Academies:
Selected crew members will be invited to participate in one of the following trade academies.
Dates subject to change.
- Carpentry Academy — March 3 to April 17, 2025
- Cement Masons & Plasterers Academy – March 10 to April 4, 2025
- Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Academy — March 24 to May 2, 2025
For questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 215-309-4883. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
To learn more about partnership opportunities for industry experts and employers, please contact Liz Trumbull, Senior Director of Preservation & Operations, at [email protected]
Not ready to apply yet? Sign up here to be added to 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.
The work of the Preservation Trades Center would not be possible without the tremendous support of our partners.
Rebuild | PowerCorpsPHL | PA CareerLink
Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 PA/DE
Cement Masons & Plasterers Union Local 592
