Skills Center Opening Ceremony - 10/09/2026

On Friday, October 9, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons held a ribbon‑cutting ceremony to officially open the Skills Center, a new initiative designed to teach incarcerated individuals hands-on trade skills and help create pathways to meaningful, employment opportunities upon returning to their communities. The Skills Center launches with a Welding Program operated in partnership with PTTI and supported by the Green Family Foundation, that combines technical instruction, industry certifications, workplace safety, hands-on practical experience, and career readiness workshops. About 40 participants are expected in the first year, with outcomes tracked post‑release. City and state leaders joined PDP staff and partners for the event, including the City’s First Deputy Managing Director Crystal Yates‑Gale, City Councilmember Jim Harrity, State Senator Sharif Street, PTTI CEO Sherman McLeod, and the PDP’s Commissioner Michael R. Resnick and Deputy Commissioner Morgen Jaco. Nicole Powers, S.T.A.R.T. Program Director at PTTI, served as master of ceremonies. After the ribbon-cutting, a tour of the Skills Center and demonstration of virtual reality training equipment were conducted. The Welding Program is the first training initiative offered through the new Skills Center, with PDP planning to explore additional skilled-trades opportunities in the future. #Philadelphia #PDP #SkillsCenter #WorkforceDevelopment #ReentryPrograms #SecondChance #TradeSkills #WeldingTraining #CareerReadiness #EducationAndTraining #CommunityPartners @pttiedu