Drexel University and University City District’s (UCD) West Philadelphia Skills Initiative have teamed up to create a pipeline for training, mentoring and job opportunities for Certified Medical Assistants who are residents of West Philadelphia. In an effort to build real connections between Drexel and the West Philadelphia community, Drexel and UCD have developed a 14-week program that provides paid technical skills training, professional development training, mentoring by seasoned medical professionals, career development and job coaching services, and job opportunities through Drexel University College of Medicine.

West Philadelphia’s private sector earnings represent an impressive 10 percent of all Philadelphia County earnings, and the neighborhood is home to over 60,000 jobs—many at some of the most prestigious academic and medical institutions in the world. The broader West Philadelphia community, however, is home to thousands of residents lacking the skills and know-how to successfully pursue these jobs. UCD’s WPSI program works to connect these residents seeking opportunity with those major University City institutions, such as Drexel, seeking talent. WPSI is a comprehensive workforce intermediary program with a dual mission to: support specific human capital needs of West Philadelphia’s anchor institutions and mid-sized employers; and connect West Philadelphians to opportunities for employment, advancement and skill-building.

The career-building opportunity is open to individuals who are:

• Unemployed
• A resident of West Philadelphia (as defined by zip codes: 19104, 19131, 19139, 19143, and 19151)
• A currently certified medical assistant

Three, one-hour orientation sessions are scheduled to provide more information about the program. RSVP is required to reserve a space at an orientation session:

• Friday, November 4
• Monday, November 14
• Thursday, November 17

All orientation sessions will be held at 6 p.m. in Campbell Auditorium (Room 113) in Stratton Hall, 3201 Chestnut Street. RSVP online at www.westphiladelphiaskills.org or by calling UCD at 215-243-0555.