The City of Philadelphia on Aug. 3 announced the launch of the Home Repair Academy, a workforce-development program that supports its Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative.

The program pays participants, prepares them for careers in the skilled trades, and expands the workforce needed to preserve the city’s historic rowhouses. Applications are now open and interested residents can learn more, sign up for an information session, and apply here, or go to phila.gov and search for “home repair academy.” It runs from Sept. 28, 2026, through March 26, 2027.

The city is piloting an inaugural cohort of 15 trainees and around 10 employer partners. Participants will receive paid classroom instruction, hands-on technical training, supportive services, professional development and a paid internship with a local home repair employer partner. The academy is designed to prepare residents for careers as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, HVAC technicians, roofers, weatherization specialists and others. Qualified graduates are supported with career-track employment at an average wage of $18 per hour.

“As we make historic investments to repair and preserve Philadelphia’s homes, we must also invest in the workforce that makes that work possible,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said in a news release.

The program combines technical instruction, professional development and hands-on work experience. Participants will complete three months of paid classroom and hands-on training ($15 per hour); a three-month paid internship ($18 per hour based on performance); training in general construction, HVAC, weatherization, electrical, plumbing, roofing and carpentry; receive OSHA 30 and NCCER Core industry credentials; and have mentorship, guest speakers, field visits and career coaching.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent. No previous skilled trades experience is required.

City officials say they built a coalition of local industry employers and partners to identify existing gaps, shape the curriculum, and develop internship opportunities that provide participants with the skills and experience to meet real-world needs.

“This Home Repair Academy is a unique model that provides trainees with classroom training and on-the-job experience directly in a Philadelphia rowhome,” said Kristie Chin, director of the city’s Innovation Team (i-Team). “Trainees learn essential skills to repair and weatherize homes while building their professional network with leaders throughout the industry.”

“The H.O.M.E. Initiative requires skilled workers at scale. By bringing together city agencies, workforce partners, educators and employers, we’re creating a stronger talent pipeline to support long-term economic opportunities in the residential repair sector,” said Jessie Lawrence, director of the Department of Planning & Development. “This isn’t just about filling jobs today — it’s about making a lasting investment in Philadelphia’s future.”