Philadelphia Works

In this episode, listeners will explore how the Good Jobs Challenge is reshaping workforce development across Southeastern Pennsylvania by building strong, coordinated partnerships between employers, training providers, and community organizations. Ashlee Phillips, Manager of Workforce Partnerships at Philadelphia Works, explains how the model aligns job training with real labor market needs, while Stephanie Korber, Director of Opportunity Development at Episcopal Community Services, highlights the supportive services that remove barriers like food insecurity, childcare, and mental health challenges. Through powerful stories and practical examples, this conversation reveals why the Good Jobs Challenge is more than just a job training program—it's a blueprint for economic mobility and long-term success.

In this episode, we talk with Ebony Joyner, Program Director of YOACAP, and Joan Lamar, Assistant at YOACAP, about their work supporting youth interns. They discuss their portfolio-building methods, tools they've developed, challenges they've faced, and success stories from their program. Our guests share strategies for helping young people document their skills and experiences, how they incorporate feedback from interns, the importance of employer partnerships, and advice for organizations wanting to implement similar initiatives. This conversation explores how YOACAP prepares youth for career success through portfolio development.

Join us for a conversation with Dan Lasalle, founder and executive director of the Niche Clinic, as we explore the transformative C2L-PHL workforce development program. In this episode, Dan shares his perspective on youth empowerment, discusses common misconceptions about workforce programs, and offers valuable guidance on how young people can maximize their experience and build lasting career success. From practical tips on self-advocacy to the crucial role of mentorship, this discussion provides essential insights for anyone looking to navigate the transition from education to meaningful employment. Whether you're a young person considering a workforce development program or an educator interested in youth career pathways, this episode offers actionable advice and inspiring stories of personal growth and professional achievement. 

Join us as Kaila Shannon, Manager of Apprenticeships for Philadelphia Works, breaks down what you need to know about getting paid to learn on the job. Want to earn money while working toward your future? Shannon shows you how apprenticeships go far beyond what you might think - from tech to healthcare to teaching. In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, she shares the events, opportunities, and success stories that make this career path worth celebrating. Whether you're finishing school, switching careers, or serving in the military, this episode walks you through the steps to find your path. Learn how you can earn college credits while working, discover events in Philadelphia where you can connect with programs, and hear why apprenticeships create success for workers and businesses. 

In this episode you'll hear from Fred Randall, Senior Manager of Data Systems & Quality at Philadelphia Works. They dive into the crucial but often overlooked role that data plays in workforce development. Fred explains how Philadelphia Works, PA CareerLink Centers, and the state's CWDS system work together to support job seekers while ensuring compliance with changing regulations tied to federal funding streams like WIOA and TANF. He discusses the challenges and importance of data quality, the benefits of developing custom applications and automated real-time dashboards, and how all of this ultimately enables data-driven decision making to improve workforce programs and outcomes in the Philadelphia region. 

This episode explores the expanding role of apprenticeships for both employers and career-seekers. Tune in to discover how paid on-the-job training programs benefit businesses through increased retention and return on investment. You'll also hear about how various industries beyond construction trades are leveraging apprenticeships to build talent pipelines and enhance workforce diversity. Guest Kaila Shannon from Philadelphia Works reveals the range of resources available locally and nationally to engage with apprenticeship programs. 

Philadelphia Works' Research Analyst Sam Fraley joins the program to define the phenomenon of the "benefits cliff", a public policy dynamic that keeps individuals trapped in poverty when small increases in household income lead to larger losses in public benefits. Sam reveals the efforts underway to gather local data about the benefits cliff and discusses a new interactive dashboard that Philadelphia Works is creating that will highlight the benefits cliff. He also discusses how the researching this topic can lead to positive change. Links referenced in the episode:  -Cincinnati Foundation research on "The Cliff Effect" -University of Washington Self Sufficiency Standard

This episode features a conversation with Shawn Mott, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant for Philadelphia Works. Shawn reveals the efforts that Philadelphia Works has made to keep the focus on DEI on a year-round basis. You'll also learn what organizations can do to center diversity, equity, and inclusion, and make it an integral part of their workplace culture. Discover how to measure progress when it comes to DEI and how to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and included. 

In this episode, you'll hear about how Philadelphia Works is investing in recovery occupations. These are occupations that are experiencing employer demand, show promise for future growth, pay livable wages and are accessible to workers with diverse educational and employment backgrounds. You'll also learn about the Recovery Occupations Planning Guide and how the guide provides detailed information on each recovery occupation, including wages, required skills and certifications, top industries of employment, and more.   To access the Recovery Occupations Planning Guide, visit:  https://philaworks.org/recovery-occupations-2/ 

Philadelphia Works was recently awarded a $4.7 million dollar Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant to expand registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships across Southeastern Pennsylvania. In this episode, Rebecca Ambrose, Director of Training and Apprenticeship at Philadelphia Works, joins the program to discuss the details of the grant and provide an overview of the importance of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. You'll hear about the various industries that are using the apprenticeship model and how the Apprenticeship PHL website is making apprenticeships more accessible to industries in Southeastern Pennsylvania.