The news these days is filled with stories about the economy ramping up as businesses reopen and people return to work after a year and a half of pandemic-imposed shutdown. The best news is there are a record number of job openings, making this an interesting time to think about your career journey. If you’ve experienced job disruption over the past year, are feeling stuck in a low-paying job, or are just wanting a new or better employment situation—then Philly Career Launch is for you!
Philly Career Launch adheres to the value that no one has to settle for a job and that everyone has the potential to have a career. To advance this vision, we have rolled out new online resources for career seekers and piloted not-your-typical programming. Here’s a quick overview of what Philly Career Launch offers and what’s on deck in the coming months.
Piloted virtually this past spring and to be offered at various Free Library locations in person in the fall, the Philly Career Launch Career Exploration Sessions uniquely combine self-reflection, small group discussion, and information sharing. As a participant in these sessions, you can take stock of your skills, strengths, and interests, while thinking about how they might point you toward a career pathway. The sessions also introduce you to four industries that are ripe with opportunities for career seekers—Health Care, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Construction and Skilled Trades—and familiarize you with library tools and resources that can help you launch your career.
In addition to the Career Exploration sessions are Career Fairs. These are intended to be a meaningful and engaging experience for all participants, whether it is connecting with prospective employers, learning more about an industry, or hearing from training providers about programs that can lead to careers with family sustaining wages. We are planning for in-person Career Fairs in the fall.
Details on the Philly Career Launch Fall Career Exploration Sessions and the Fall Career Fairs will be coming out shortly. Sign up for the Job Seekers newsletter to get all the details.
Search for career-launching training programs
Speaking of training opportunities, check out the brand new Career Training Database, which introduces job seekers to new career pathways. Job seekers can connect with over 200 Philadelphia training programs in key industries, including:
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Business
- Food/Hospitality
- Transportation
- Education and Arts
Training programs in the database require at most a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent. You’re one search away from your future!
You can find a complete schedule of upcoming Philly Career Launch programs and related events on our calendar.
Philly Career Launch is made possible by PECO and Citizens Charitable Foundation. The Career Training Database is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.