National Apprenticeship Week 2026: “Apprentice Voices”

As Philadelphia celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (April 26 - May 2), the Infrastructure Solutions Team (IST) is excited to highlight the stories behind the work. This year's theme is "Apprentice Voices".

Apprenticeships are more than job opportunities. They provide paths to careers and economic growth. Their hands-on training creates real opportunities for workers while strengthening Philadelphia's workforce. This year, IST highlights eight Philadelphians sharing the real experiences of apprentices in construction across the region. This National Apprenticeship Week, we invite you to listen, learn, and be inspired. Discover the voices that are shaping our city's future, one project and one career at a time.

Why Apprentice Voices Matter

Every construction project includes a team of skilled workers. They learn, grow, and build their careers together. IST is centering the voices of apprentices to show what it means to work in the trades. These interviews show their paths to apprenticeship, daily life on the job, and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Classroom to Careers

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeship programs help prepare Philadelphians for construction careers. These programs help people get paid while they learn the skills needed for their careers. They offer hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and mentorship. This Construction Career Map shows a clear visual of these pathways. It includes helpful resources, like City Council's 2026 Apprenticeship Guidebook. This guide helps residents find available opportunities.

Apprentice Voices

Pedro Rodriguez

Equipment Operator Apprentice, Carpenters' Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate

Background:

Pedro completed the CARP Pre-Apprenticeship Program to prepare for a skilled trades career. He enjoys seeing plans become reality and emphasizes that unity and communication are key in this career.

Pedro's Perspective: "Just do it! This is a career that has plenty of transferable skills, interpersonal as well as on the worksite."

Karen Pagan

Industrial Hygienist, Beyond Literacy Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate

Background:

Karen is an Industrial Hygienist. She began her career with Beyond Literacy's Pre-Apprenticeship Program. There, she earned several certifications, including OSHA-30 and Hazwoper 40. Today, she monitors job site conditions. She tests for hazards like silica, lead, and asbestos. Her work is vital for protecting the health of workers and the community, including projects with the School District of Philadelphia.

Karen's Knowledge: "Do it. Do it. Do it. An apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship, whichever one you decide to follow, does require sacrifice and space and time, but it's going to change your life. It's going to have lasting effects, and it's going to open doors for opportunities that you never thought were even available to you."

Jahkai Moses

Drywall Finisher Apprentice, YOACAP Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate

Background:

Jahkai attended Mastery Charter - Pickett Campus. He learned about the trades through YOACAP- a pre-apprenticeship program that offers hands-on training and career exploration. After exploring different trades, he found his fit in drywall. Then, he was accepted into a registered apprenticeship program at the Finishing Trades Institute.

Jahkai's Joy: "It's like art, and I like seeing my work when I'm finished. Be open to talking to people and learning beyond what you know."

Mya

Electrical Apprentice, IBEW Local 98

Background:

Mya is an electrical apprentice with IBEW Local 98. Mya is nearly two years into her apprenticeship. She works on major job sites in Philadelphia, such as the CHOP patient tower. On a typical day, she lays out switch gear, bends running pipe, and installs battery banks, which she loves. She began in the trades with no construction experience. Through hands-on work and mentorship, she gained direction, structure, and confidence. Mya recently worked on a project in the Flyers' locker room, shown above. Her team finished electrical upgrades there. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, "It was meaningful for our city, and I loved playing with the colors."

Mya's Message: "Keep showing up on time because it sets a precedent on how people see you. Have confidence. Create connections. Learn as much as you can."

Aliah Harris

Pre-Apprentice, YOACAP Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Background:

Aliah is a pre-apprentice with YOACAP. She moved from working as a teacher assistant to the building trades in search of a sustainable career. She discovered carpentry through a family link. Through the program, she has gained hands-on skills in many areas. This helped her build confidence and a strong sense of purpose.

Aliah's Advice: "Don't be afraid. You are deserving of this, especially young women. I was scared to take this risk. It's too hard and heavy. I put the thoughts in the back of my mind, and I realized I was letting fear override… Everything is hard. I believe things that are hard are good for you."

Dante Rutledge

Seeking Apprenticeship, YOACAP Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate

Background:

Dante is training to be a trades worker at the Philadelphia Technician Training Institute (PTTI). He is developing key skills in drywall and carpentry. He is focused on long-term growth, making intentional sacrifices now for a stable and rewarding career.

Dante's Direction: "Just go for it. You've been through difficulties already. This is nothing. I'm so grateful for this program [YOACAP]. It helps you develop skills for trades and life-apprenticeships are the perfect opportunity to do so."

Patrick Jones

Electrical Apprentice, IBEW Local 98, YOACAP Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate

Background:

Patrick Jones is in his 5th year as an electrical apprentice and works at the Philadelphia International Airport. Patrick's responsibilities change daily, but recently he has been pulling wires, putting up pipework, and installing devices. After graduating from YOACAP, Patrick began studying Construction Management at Rowan University, where he received tuition discounts because he completed a pre-apprenticeship program like YOACAP.

Patrick's Philosophy: "Pick something you like to do that supports your lifestyle. Building Trades gives you the life you want to live as long as you apply yourself and take advantage of the opportunities. Put in the work, and you'll see the results."

Terrell McLean

Assistant Project Manager, Construction Apprentice Preparatory Program (CAPP) Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduate

Background:

Terrell began his journey in the trades in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program at A. Philip Randolph High School. Then, he gained more experience through hands-on service work with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia. After finishing the CAPP Pre-apprenticeship Program, he joined TN Ward Company. Now, he works as an Assistant Project Manager and keeps advancing his career in construction.

Terrell's Take: "I grew up always wanting to work in construction… and I watched how the contractors turned my mother's old house into a new home. I love and appreciate my CAPP family for all of the work they put in to get me in this position, and I don't know where I would be without them."

Motivating the Next Workforce

Philadelphia's future depends on a strong, skilled, and inclusive workforce. By investing in quality training programs and uplifting the voices of those already on their journey, access and opportunity to the local construction industry can be expanded and strengthened.

National Apprenticeship Week Resources

- Construction Career Map

- Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson's 2026 Apprenticeship Guidebook

- National Apprenticeship Week Events 2026

- U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship

- ApprenticeshipPHL