September is National Workforce Month, a time to recognize the employers helping build a stronger future for Philadelphia! The City of Philadelphia’s City College for Municipal Employment (CCME) and Workforce Programming team is kicking off the 2027 Employer of Choice Initiative in collaboration with the Workforce Professional Alliance (WPA).
The Employer of Choice Initiative is the Workforce Professional Alliance’s (WPA) effort to recognize, support and celebrate Philadelphia employers that are investing in their workers and creating pathways to economic opportunity.
What is an Employer of Choice
An Employer of Choice engages in employment recruitment, retention, and promotion practices aimed at achieving our ultimate goal: closing the skills gap and advancing equitable economic growth.
The Employer of Choice Initiative strives to recognize the commitment and investment businesses continue to make, in Philadelphia, its economy, and its residents. Read about our 2026 Employer of Choice awardees.
Become an Employer of Choice
Why should your business want to be recognized as an Employer of Choice?
The selected employers for this recognition will:
- Receive recognition as an Employer of Choice from the City of Philadelphia
- Receive recognition as a B2B peer Employer of Choice
- Receive a digital badge to profile on your website or email signature’
- Receive technical assistance to support innovative workforce programming
- Attend a celebration ceremony meeting City officials and local organizations
- Access personalized business services assistance
- Network and learn from like-minded businesses
- Engage with workforce providers to develop and grow your workforce
Application process and timeline
To apply, businesses submit Self-Assessment and Business Profile Narrative related to strategies that support equitable career pathways, opportunities and economic advancement.
The application timeline is as follows:
- September 1, 2026: Employer of Choice application release
- September 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.: Deadline to submit questions
- September 22, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.: Deadline for Submitting Employer of Choice Application: Organization Demographics & Self-Assessment
- October 6, 2026: Invitations to Complete Employer of Choice Application – Business Profile Narrative
- October 27, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.: Deadline for Submitting Employer of Choice Application – Business Profile Narrative
The Power of Partnerships theme for Philadelphia’s workforce strategy echoes strongly as we prepare Philadelphians with the skills employers need. The WPA is excited to recognize you for all your efforts and investments in Philadelphia’s workforce.
The WPA, spearheaded by The City of Philadelphia’s City College for Municipal Employment (CCME) and Workforce Programming team, is a collaborative of high-impact organizations focused on developing and executing talent solutions for Philadelphia. The WPA’s membership is made up of more than 30 workforce development organizations representing more than $70 million in workforce investments in Philadelphia. Alongside partners at The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and Philadelphia Works, we are working to build a more coordinated, innovative and effective workforce system.
Thank you for your partnerships in advancing our economic and workforce strategy. We are excited to celebrate the businesses investing in Philadelphia’s workforce.
Questions? Email workforceprofessionalalliance@phila.gov.
