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Press Release: Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild Launches Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Philadelphia, PA - [11/21/24] – The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild (PSPG), a 501c3 nonprofit, is proud to announce the launch of its Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program, thanks to a generous challenge grant from the Brook J. Lenfest Foundation with administrative support from the Philadelphia Foundation. This innovative program aims to provide young adults with essential job skills and career pathways in the marine trades.


Program Details

Over the next six months, three young adults from the Philadelphia area will have the opportunity to participate in an paid training program aboard PSPG's historic vessels. The program includes:


  • Hands-On Training: Participants will engage in vital repair and maintenance projects, gaining practical experience in key areas such as carpentry, engineering, and rigging.

  • Targeted Instruction: Trainees will receive specialized instruction from experienced staff and guest experts to learn the latest safety protocols, and develop critical trade skills.

  • Site Visits: Participants will visit potential maritime employers and educational institutions to learn about the rich maritime history, gain insights into various career paths and establish valuable industry connections.


Building on PSPG’s decades of success in teaching trade skills and maritime preservation, this program targets young Philadelphians aged 18-26, offering them a unique opportunity to discover their passion as they develop transferable skills and potentially build a career in the marine trades.


"We are thrilled to launch our Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program and provide young adults with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the maritime industry," said Melissa Black-Simmons, Board President of the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. "This program not only helps preserve our maritime heritage but also creates pathways to rewarding careers."


1-to1 Challenge Grant Match 

Community support is crucial to ensuring the program's success and sustainability. Recommended by Brook Lenfest, and administrated by the Philadelphia Foundation, the program’s start is funded by a challenge grant. This enables PSPG to raise additional funds to continue the program based on a 1-to-1 match from additional supporters. 

PSPG invites readers to support this initiative and help meet the challenge grant. Contributions will directly impact the lives of the trainees and the future of the maritime industry.


Contact Information

For more information about the Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program or to make a donation, please visit www.philashipguild.org or contact Gina Pickton at gpickton@philashipguild.org or 267-496-5524.


About Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild

The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic ships and teaching traditional maritime skills. Through hands-on education and community engagement, PSPG fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of maritime heritage.

About the Brook J. Lenfest Foundation

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation is a charitable foundation established by Brook J. Lenfest in 2000, whose trustees include Brook and his mother Marguerite. It is dedicated to making people aware of positive life choices and providing support and opportunities for those motivated to pursue them. Its grants focus mainly on education, job training and mentoring programs.

Philadelphia Foundation provides administrative and management support services for the Brook J. Lenfest Foundation. It receives grant applications and distributes grants approved by the Brook J. Lenfest Foundation Board of Directors.


About Philadelphia Foundation

Founded in 1918, Philadelphia Foundation strengthens the economic, social and civic vitality of Greater Philadelphia. Philadelphia Foundation grows effective philanthropic investment, connects individuals and institutions across sectors and geography, and advances civic initiatives through partnerships and collaboration. A publicly supported foundation, the Philadelphia Foundation manages more than 1,000 charitable funds established by its donors and makes over 1,000 grants and scholarship awards each year. To learn more visit www.philafound.org.


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