by Navy Yard
January 26, 2026
Categories: Workforce Development,
The Skills Initiative at the Navy Yard continues to prove what’s possible when workforce development, employer partnership, and community investment come together. Our mission is simple but powerful: connect Philadelphia residents to permanent, career-launching jobs while helping Navy Yard businesses access the skilled local talent they need to grow.
Through targeted, stipend-supported training programs, The Skills Initiative prepares residents for in-demand roles across industries such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Since 2020, the program has supported 17 cohorts, more than 160 Philadelphians have secured full-time employment at an average starting wage of $22 per hour. These outcomes reflect not only high-quality training, but intentional alignment with employer needs and long-term career pathways.
17
Cohorts
160+
Secured Full-time Employment
$22
Average Starting Wage
In fiscal year 2025, The Skills Initiative at the Navy Yard served 53 Philadelphians with starting wages at $28.87. This year marked an exciting evolution of our training model through a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), expanding our network of technical training partners and directly addressing growing employer demand for the highly skilled aseptic manufacturing technicians. Notably, this was the first program in which graduates earned college credit upon completion. This added educational attainment that strengthens long-term career mobility and reinforces our commitment to expanding opportunities for career advancement.
On Friday, December 12, representatives from The Skills Initiative, Iovance Biotherapeutics, and TJU came together to celebrate graduates who completed the inaugural partnership program at the Navy Yard. The program included three weeks of professional development led by The Skills Initiative, six weeks of technical training through the Jefferson Biotechnology Program, and 12 weeks of on-the-job training hosted by
Iovance.
Aseptic Manufacturing Training Program graduates. Photo Credit: Ben Tran.
After months of intensive biology coursework and hands-on experience, these graduates crossed the finish line equipped with the technical skills, professional confidence, and industry knowledge needed to step into critical roles within Philadelphia’s growing life sciences sector. Their resilience, tenacity, and commitment to learning were inspiring, and their success underscores what’s possible when talent is met with opportunity.
Takethe first step in your career
Learn more about upcoming training opportunities and how The Skills Initiative can help you take the next step toward a stable, well-paying career.