PHILADELPHIA — Today, City officials, representatives from the Ironworkers Union, families, and community members celebrated the graduation of 10 Philadelphia residents from Rebuild’s 2025 Ironworkers Academy. The Ironworkers Academy is a paid, four-week, hands-on training program hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program in partnership with Ironworkers Local #401, Local #405, and PA CareerLink®. This transformative program connects Philadelphians directly with union apprenticeships and career advancement support, ensuring city residents build the infrastructure they rely on.
“Today’s graduation represents our ongoing commitment to delivering access to economic opportunity for every Philadelphia resident,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The Ironworkers Academy breaks barriers by localizing the trade and providing pathways to careers where graduates can earn competitive, family-sustaining wages. With programs like this one we are creating a city where residents don’t just live in their communities; they build them.”
“We, at Ironworkers Local #401, are proud to once again partner with Ironworkers Local #405, Rebuild, and the City of Philadelphia to sponsor the Ironworkers Academy for 2025,” said Michael (Mickey) McGrogan, Apprentice Coordinator, Ironworkers Local #401. “Now in our second year, we’re thrilled to see growing interest from Philadelphia residents. This program opens doors for individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to explore the trades—and discover the rewarding careers and strong livelihoods they offer.”
The Ironworkers Academy is a key component of the Capital Program Office’s strategy to broaden access to the trades for Philadelphia residents. The application requires only a high school diploma, a driver’s license, Philadelphia residency, and a willingness to learn, and the program itself is designed to remove barriers to success. Participants are given tools, boots, SEPTA passes for transportation, along with career coaching and their initial union dues when they are accepted into union apprenticeship.
“The City of Philadelphia is building and so are its people,” said Aparna Palantino, Deputy Managing Director, Capital Program Office. “Through workforce development programs like the Ironworkers Academy, we’re ensuring that Philadelphia residents have the opportunity to help build the recreation centers, libraries, and parks in their city and their neighborhoods. This increases economic opportunity and the impact of our investment in public spaces and facilities.”
During the ceremony, Ironworker Academy graduates reflected on their experience in the program and the bonds they formed with their fellow academy participants and instructors. Participants gained hands-on exposure to structural steel erection, rigging, welding, blueprint reading, architectural metal erection, metal window systems, and are equipped with the skills they need to pursue union apprenticeships.
“I’m proud to serve Philadelphia’s communities through workforce development that leads to family-sustaining careers,” said Tiffany Smith, Director of Workforce Development, Capital Program Office. “This work is about more than jobs—it’s about empowering people to build futures they can be proud of and strengthening the fabric of our city in the process.”
The Ironworkers Academy’s success is made possible through strong partnerships with Ironworkers Local #401, Local #405, and PA CareerLink®. Both Ironworkers Local Union #401 and #405 are chapters of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers. PA CareerLink®, a statewide program, provides additional career advancement support and employment opportunities for graduates exploring various career paths.
The City of Philadelphia’s Capital Program Office (CPO) oversees the engineering, architectural, and project management functions for more than 200 active construction projects across the city. This includes upgrades to parks and recreation centers, libraries, fire and police stations, health centers, and other City-owned facilities. Through cross-departmental coordination and a commitment to continuous improvement, CPO works to improve public facilities to better serve Philadelphia residents.
Rebuild is the City’s historic investment of over $500 million in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. Rebuild promises to acknowledge history, engage the community, and invest intentionally to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote access to economic opportunity for all.