Navy Yard Skills Initiative

Program Basics  

Navy Yard Skills Initiative training programs are designed for individuals who have been disconnected from the workforce or who have limited professional experience to strengthen the skills and abilities that employers need.

Program participants are expected to participate in all aspects of the program including classroom training and technical coursework. The goal of each program is to connect participants to the tools and supports needed to build a meaningful career, and to offer the opportunity to interview with the employer partner.

Current Recruitment

Who should apply?

Goal-oriented, motivated individuals with a desire to obtain full-time permanent employment in the advanced manufacturing food production industry at Tastykake. Successful candidates must thrive in a labor-intensive, fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail and a safety-first mindset.

What is the Production Associate Program?

The Production Associate Program is designed to connect participants to the professional and technical training, tools, and supports needed to build a meaningful career at Tastykake. This program is a blend of virtual courses and in-person sessions. Graduates will have the opportunity to interview for part-time production positions with Tastykake, with the opportunity to transition to full-time employment.

In this program, we offer:

• Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 95% of graduates finding employment
• A $150 weekly stipend while enrolled in the program
• The opportunity to interview for part-time Production Associate positions at Tastykake starting at $14.60/hr.
  • Part-time Production Associates can bid for extra hours creating a full-time schedule after a two-week training/onboarding period and can transition to full-time employment within a year
  • Full-time Production Associates earn $17.00/hr. and become members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers’ (BCTGM) International Union

Full training schedule for Production Associate Program:

Participants must commit to the full training schedule on January 10 through January 28 and be willing to travel to the Navy Yard for in-person trainings. *Face coverings/masks are required for in-person trainings and will be provided.

• Facilitated group conversations in-person at the Navy Yard, Mon – Fri, 9 AM – 12 PM
• Additional one-on-one and small group virtual meetings several times a week between 2 PM – 4 PM
• Approximately 2 hours of daily reading and reflection exercises

Are you eligible for this program?

• Be a current resident of Philadelphia
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency
• Access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and high-speed internet
• Commit to the full training schedule listed above
• Have a strong desire to attain and retain full-time, permanent employment
• Have reliable transportation to-and-from the worksite and classroom (public transit, car, or another form of transport) at the Philadelphia Navy Yard
• Capable of completing a physically rigorous routine, occasionally in extreme heat or cold
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen
• Provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 6

How to apply:

The deadline to apply for the Tastykake Production Associate Program has passed. 

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Upcoming Recruitments

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EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER: Positions with employers are not guaranteed and each graduating program participant will go through the same interview process as all other individuals that apply for open positions. Successful completion of the program will prepare graduates to perform well on the employers’ interview and new hire assessments as a result of the training they receive. NYWDI’s will facilitate this process and support graduates’ transition to other private sector positions when opportunities arise. *Eligibility requirements may vary by program