OIC & ACANA Launch Free Construction Training Program in Africatown
OIC of America and ACANA have partnered through the Delaware Valley Alliance Training Program to offer a free 10-week NCCER CORE Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program that launched on November 2, 2026.
Residents of Southwest Philadelphia are gaining access to new career opportunities through a partnership between OIC of America and ACANA under the Delaware Valley Alliance Training Program. On November 2, 2026, the organizations launched a free 10-week NCCER CORE Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the Africatown Workforce Development Center, located at 5521 Chester Avenue.
The program provides participants with hands-on training in essential construction industry skills, including workplace safety, construction mathematics, material handling, employability skills, and the proper use of hand and power tools. Designed to prepare residents for success in the skilled trades, the training serves as a critical first step toward advanced craft instruction and entry into registered apprenticeship programs throughout the region. By bringing industry-recognized training directly into the community, the program is helping create pathways to stable, family-sustaining careers while addressing workforce needs across the construction sector. The NCCER CORE program operates on a cohort model, with the next group of participants expected to begin training in Winter 2027. For many residents, the program represents more than just training. It is a gateway to long-term career growth, economic mobility, and new opportunities in the skilled trades.
The October 16, 2026 Open House gave prospective students a firsthand look at the Africatown Workforce Development Center, including tours of the training center and practical learning lab. Attendees included State Senators Anthony William and Sharif Street, the Office of Chairman Jordan Harris, State Representative Regina Young, OIC leadership Team, Local 332, HRP Group and community members. With more than 250 applications received for only 20 available positions per cohort, the event underscored the tremendous community interest in free construction training and the need for accessible career pathways in Southwest Philadelphia as one participant noted “It’s encouraging to see a program like this offered in our community. For a long time, many of us have been searching for quality construction training without having to travel far. NCCER is opening doors that weren’t accessible before.”
Interested to join the program? Click the button to apply.
The program provides participants with hands-on training in essential construction industry skills, including workplace safety, construction mathematics, material handling, employability skills, and the proper use of hand and power tools. Designed to prepare residents for success in the skilled trades, the training serves as a critical first step toward advanced craft instruction and entry into registered apprenticeship programs throughout the region. By bringing industry-recognized training directly into the community, the program is helping create pathways to stable, family-sustaining careers while addressing workforce needs across the construction sector. The NCCER CORE program operates on a cohort model, with the next group of participants expected to begin training in Winter 2027. For many residents, the program represents more than just training. It is a gateway to long-term career growth, economic mobility, and new opportunities in the skilled trades.
The October 16, 2026 Open House gave prospective students a firsthand look at the Africatown Workforce Development Center, including tours of the training center and practical learning lab. Attendees included State Senators Anthony William and Sharif Street, the Office of Chairman Jordan Harris, State Representative Regina Young, OIC leadership Team, Local 332, HRP Group and community members. With more than 250 applications received for only 20 available positions per cohort, the event underscored the tremendous community interest in free construction training and the need for accessible career pathways in Southwest Philadelphia as one participant noted “It’s encouraging to see a program like this offered in our community. For a long time, many of us have been searching for quality construction training without having to travel far. NCCER is opening doors that weren’t accessible before.”
Interested to join the program? Click the button to apply.
