Building a Talent Pipeline into City Careers

Key Takeaways:

• On her first day in office, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed an executive order removing unnecessary degree requirements for city jobs.
• The City launched the City College of Municipal Employment (CCME) to train residents for high-need roles in city government.
• CCME combines technical training, foundational skill-building, and work-based learning experience in six priority career areas.
• The program also supports internal mobility by offering upskilling opportunities for current city employees.
• A mobile hiring bus, community partnerships, and wraparound supports help reach underrepresented talent and increase program retention.

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Case Summary:

Philadelphia’s workforce challenges—including over 6,000 vacant city positions—demanded bold, inclusive solutions. In 2024, Mayor Cherelle Parker took immediate action, removing degree requirements for many city jobs and launching the City College of Municipal Employment (CCME) to create new, skills-based career pathways into municipal service.

CCME focuses on six critical areas—including skilled trades, technology, public safety, and healthcare—and combines technical instruction with career readiness and real-world experience. Courses are led by city employees who act as mentors and ambassadors, while students receive paid job experience, certification support, and career coaching to boost completion and job placement rates.

The initiative also supports internal advancement by helping current employees—especially those in middle-skill roles—develop the competencies needed to move up. With early signs of success, including a 62% participant retention rate and a 20% wage increase for promoted CCME graduates, Philadelphia is setting a new standard for how local government can invest in its workforce and its communities.