The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation continues to invest in the future of its workforce through its BRIDGE Initiative. On October 28, five members of its first Apprenticeship Program class graduated from Orleans Technical College in Philadelphia. 

The BRIDGE Initiative is part of the Department of Aviation’s plan to attract, nurture, train, and retain talented workers, both from inside the department and from the community. Launched in February 2024, it helps current employees build new skills and advance their careers. 

The Apprenticeship Program was established to address the shortage of qualified skilled trades professionals. Like many industries nationwide, the aviation sector has had difficulty filling important hands-on roles. To meet this need, the Department launched apprenticeships to recruit new talent from local schools - the Philadelphia School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Orleans Technical College, and the Community College of Philadelphia’s Advanced Manufacturing Program with the offer to provide the mentorship and training through the program. 

“The BRIDGE Program is about nurturing and developing the talent we have within the department. It also focuses on attracting the next generation of skilled professionals to join our team,” said Department of Aviation Director of Workforce Development Chevelle E. Harrison. “It’s truly about building powerful pathways for growth.” 

This first cohort of apprentices began their journey in July 2024. Eleven students were hired by the Department of Aviation after they completed interviews with their prospective units. Apprentices received paid on-the-job training and took part in professional development classes to strengthen their skills. Five of the apprentices attended Orleans Technical College two days a week for extra study to become electricians and electronic technician. The remaining six apprentices focused on hands-on experience onsite at the airports with their mentors. All students received full-time on-the-job training in their respective units - Electrical, Electronics, Sign Shop, Pavement and Grounds, and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). Each apprentice was matched with an experienced mentor who taught them hands-on skills on the job.

After a year of hard work, all 11 apprentices completed their training, graduated from the program, and are now permanent full-time Department of Aviation employees. 

In addition to the apprenticeship graduates, nine current airport employees completed specialized training through the BRIDGE Program to program into new positions. 

“None of this would have been possible without our mentors,” said Harrison. “They are the unsung heroes of the BRIDGE Program. Their guidance, patience, and commitment made this success story possible.” 

Congratulations to the BRIDGE participants: