Welding Training and Certification Services for Returning Citizens

Background

The City of Philadelphia, through its Office of Public Safety (OPS), is seeking proposals for welding training and certification services aimed at returning citizens. The OPS was established to enhance community safety and assist individuals in reintegrating into society post-incarceration. This initiative focuses on providing access to sustainable careers in welding, addressing the unique challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals, particularly those with felony convictions.

Work Details

The selected provider will deliver comprehensive welding training and certification services that include:

1) Recruitment and Enrollment

Accept referrals from the Division of Reentry (DOR) and process eligible participants.

2) Pre-Training Requirement

Participants must complete the Gateway 2 Success Workforce Development Class, which builds essential competencies for success in welding training.

3) Welding Training

Provide hands-on instruction aligned with industry standards covering classroom and shop-based learning, safety practices, blueprint reading, and welding theory. Participants will prepare for certifications such as AWS Welding Certification and OSHA safety certifications.

4) Certification Testing

Prepare participants for certification exams and coordinate testing logistics.

5) Employment Placement

Maintain partnerships with employers willing to hire justice-impacted individuals, guaranteeing job placement for successful participants.

6) Post-Placement Support

Offer retention strategies and support to address barriers faced by participants in their new roles.

7) Data Collection

Maintain accurate records of attendance, training hours, certifications earned, and employment outcomes.

Period of Performance

The contract is expected to commence on August 1, 2026, and conclude on July 31, 2027, with the possibility of four one-year extensions.

Place of Performance

The services will be performed within the City of Philadelphia.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate experience in providing workforce development services specifically tailored for justice-impacted individuals. They should have established partnerships with employers in the welding sector willing to hire individuals with criminal histories.