Philadelphia’s rowhomes tell the story of our city. But keeping these homes safe and livable takes skilled workers, and Philadelphia needs more of them.
The City of Philadelphia is launching the Home Repair Academy, a new paid workforce development program that prepares residents for careers in the skilled trades while helping preserve Philadelphia’s historic housing.
Whether you’re starting a new career, looking for a stable job with room to grow, or interested in learning a hands-on trade, the Home Repair Academy offers paid training, industry-recognized certifications, and real-world work experience.
Why the Home Repair Academy?
Philadelphia is making historic investments in repairing and preserving homes through Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Initiative. As more homeowners receive assistance for critical repairs and weatherization, the demand for skilled workers continues to grow.
The Home Repair Academy helps meet that need by preparing local residents for good-paying careers while strengthening the workforce that keeps Philadelphia homes safe, healthy, and affordable.
It’s an investment in both people and neighborhoods.
What You’ll Learn
The six-month program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience to prepare participants for careers in residential construction and home repair.
Participants will receive training in:
- General construction
- Carpentry
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Roofing
- Weatherization
Along the way, participants will also earn valuable industry credentials, including OSHA 30 and NCCER Core certifications.
Get Paid While You Learn
Unlike many training programs, the Home Repair Academy is paid.
Participants will receive:
- Three months of paid classroom and hands-on training at $15 per hour
- A three-month paid internship with a local home repair employer, earning $18 per hour based on performance
- Professional development and career coaching
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Guest speakers and field visits to learn directly from the industry
The internship gives participants the opportunity to build skills, gain experience, and make connections with employers who are actively hiring.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- No previous construction or skilled trades experience is required.
A Partnership Built for Philadelphia
The Home Repair Academy brings together City departments, workforce organizations, educators, and industry partners to create training that reflects the skills employers need today.
The program is led by the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME) in partnership with the Innovation Team (i-Team), the Chief Housing & Urban Development Office, the Department of Planning & Development, the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, PowerCorpsPHL, and Provision Vocational Training Center (PVTC).
Together, these partners have designed a program that helps residents build long-term careers while supporting Philadelphia’s housing future.
Apply Today
The first Home Repair Academy cohort begins at the end of September. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or build skills that make a difference in your community, the Home Repair Academy offers a pathway to meaningful work while helping preserve the homes that make Philadelphia unique.
Applications are now open, but spots are limited and expected to fill up fast! Interested residents must submit an application and attend an information session to qualify.
