Workforce Development Programs
PHS connects those seeking training and employment opportunities in the horticultural and landscape industries. We provide training, job placement, and ongoing support throughout the year for Philadelphia residents impacted by underemployment.
Growing Philadelphia’s Workforce
Our green industry workforce development programs offer paid training in the following areas:
- Basic horticulture and ecology
- Landscape maintenance & tree care
- Equipment operation and safety
- Light carpentry and masonry
- Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI)
Training also includes job readiness workshops that cover a number of different topics including conflict resolution, health education, financial literacy, and occupational therapy. Upon graduating, PHS provides continued support services and job placement with partnering employers.
Program Model And Impact
Since 2010, the PHS workforce development program has trained over 250 people. The program offers:
- Hands-on training in horticulture & landscape maintenance
- Job readiness workshops and leadership training
- CPR & First Aid Certifications
- Case management & social support services
- Job placement services for graduates with PHS employment partners
Program success is attributed to the close connection between PHS and its network of employer partners around the Philadelphia region who provide employment opportunities.
Over the past two years, 90% of program participants completed the program. Of those who graduated, 97% have been placed in employment with PHS’s network of employment partners, most of whom are minority-owned local businesses. At least 55% were still employed after 8 months.
Many of our employer partners help clean, green, and maintain vacant lots through the PHS Philadelphia LandCare Program. Through working with this program, graduates are helping to make healthier and more livable neighborhoods for residents.
Same Day Work And Pay
In 2020, in response to the economic effects of the pandemic, PHS expanded its workforce development activities by launching the newly-named “Same Day Work and Pay” program with funding from the City of Philadelphia.
Through this program, PHS partners with community organizations to employ under- and unemployed Philadelphians to perform daily work assignments such as clearing vacant lots, cleaning street corridors, and completing other community improvement tasks. Participants receive $100 per day, and are paid on-site where they can also connect with social services support.
Jabriel Sudan, Same Day Work & Pay ParticipantIt has restored my confidence;
the confidence that a young, Black male needs to survive inside of this world...Personally, I needed this opportunity to reteach me the type of man I know I will be in the future.
Program Results
*As of August 2022
Our communities become cleaner, greener, and more welcoming following a program workday!
Watch our spotlight video and learn about the Same Day Work & Pay Program
Interested in Participating?
Fill in your contact information in the form on the right of this page to be connected to the community organization with upcoming workdays. The community organization will work with you to confirm your commitment.
Please note: Same Day Work & Pay assignments are not PHS positions, and therefore participants are not required to be vaccinated. All participants should follow the health protocols for the location where assigned, including wearing masks as needed.
|
Community Organization |
City Council District |
Location |
Contact Person |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
West Philadelphia |
Matthew LaFronz |
|
|
3 |
(Mill Creek) West Philadelphia |
Movita’ Johnson-Harrell, MSW |
|
|
9 |
Germantown / East Oak Lane |
Cynthia E. Sims |
|
|
2 |
Southwest Philadelphia |
Gregory Thompson / Carole Simmons |
|
|
8 |
Nicetown / Germantown |
Majeedah Rashid |
|
|
5 |
North Philadelphia |
Mel Wells / Latasha Wells |
|
|
8 |
Upper North Philadelphia |
Terrell Brown |
Derrick Joshua, Block Captain, Wayne Avenue“I would like to thank the Nicetown CDC for helping us clean up our block. Our block is primarily senior citizens, so the large pieces of debris we had trouble removing ourselves, but the Same Day Work and Pay participants were very helpful, and we appreciate you all."
