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Global Skills Union Pathways Project (GSUPP)

The Global Skills Union Pathways Project (GSUPP) is a free 21-week program in collaboration with The Welcoming Center, the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO (an organization that supports workers) and the Hanwha Philadelphia Shipyard (one of the biggest shipyards in the United States) that prepares participants to apply for the Shipyard’s paid apprenticeship program. The GSUPP program aims to create a pipeline into high-demand union jobs in the skilled trades – where there can be a lack of applicants to fulfill open positions – and to generate long-term economic mobility for immigrant participants and their families.  

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The GSUPP Program

The GSUPP program is 21 weeks, and the program is divided into four sections. 

We are currently recruiting for a cohort that starts at the end of October 2025 and ends in March 2026. 

Please note: You must attend 80% or more of classes in order to successfully complete the program.  

Program Information: 

  • October 27, 2025 to March 26, 2025 
  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 
  • 10:30 am-1:00 pm 
  • In-person at the BOK Building in South Philadelphia (1901 S 9th Street) on Mondays and Wednesdays, and virtual online on Thursdays 

You Will Learn:

  • English language and communication for the Shipyard
  • Certifications in workplace safety and first aid (OSHA & CPR certification) and other general workplace training
  • Training in skills needed to succeed in the apprenticeship program and the Shipyard job environment
  • Classes to prepare participants to apply and interview for the Shipyard's apprenticeship program
  • Graduation ceremony and job placement

Program Requirements

  • You must live in Philadelphia
  • You must have work authorization in the US
  • Have a high school diploma or GED (a high school equivalency exam)
  • Speak intermediate level of English or above
  • Be able to attend all 21 weeks of the training program from October to March

About Hanwha Philadelphia Shipyard's Apprenticeship Program

During the GSUPP program, you will learn how to apply for the Shipyard’s apprenticeship program, which starts in Spring 2026. You will need to participate in an interview and pass an entrance exam to apply for the apprenticeship.   

The Shipyard’s apprenticeship program is currently recruiting for the following tracks:  

  • Shipbuilders (carpenters) 
  • Outfitters 
  • Welders 

 

The Shipyard’s apprenticeship program is three years long and will train you to build and repair ships as either a shipbuilder (carpenter), outfitter, or welder. The program consists of both classroom and on-the-job training. You are required to complete a minimum of 144 hours of classes per year – these classes are college-level classes and are paid for by the Shipyard. As an apprentice, you are a full-time paid employee – starting salary is $23.10/hour and increases at regularly scheduled intervals to $33/hour by the end of the three years. You will also receive a variety of other benefits, such as:   

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance  
  • 22 paid college credits  
  • Union pension  
  • Retirement savings plan 
  • Vacation time and personal time  
  • Uniform allowance 

 

Requirements of the Shipyard’s Apprenticeship Program 

  • Ability to do hands-on work 
  • Work outside in hot or cold weather, as most of the work building and repairing ships is outdoors  
  • Have reliable transportation to the Hanwha Philadelphia Shipyard at 2100 Kitty Hawk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19112, and have reliable childcare
  • Consistently attend the three-year program  
  • Ability to arrive at work before 6 am (in many positions) 
  • Flexibility for shift changes. Potential shift schedules include: 
    • 1st Shift: Monday – Thursday, 6:00am – 4:30pm 
    • 2nd Shift: Monday – Thursday, 4:45pm – 3:15am 
    • 2nd Shift: Monday – Friday, 2:45pm – 11:15pm 
  • Ability to be clean-shaven (no facial hair) for respirator fit for personal protective equipment  

 

To learn more about the program, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPCC4V8ilwg. 

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*The link above is to apply for The Welcoming Center’s 20-week GSUPP program and not the Shipyard’s apprenticeship program. The GSUPP program is different from the Shipyard’s apprenticeship program. The Shipyard’s apprenticeship program has a separate application process that the GSUPP program will assist you with.