Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The Construction Apprentice Preparatory Program (CAPP) is a state-registered construction pre-apprenticeship program. We are dedicated to creating career pathways for residents who have limited education, little to no work experience, or are currently under/unemployed. Our program is a vital link to existing apprenticeship programs, providing the instruction, preparation, and support necessary to advance participants into stable, high-wage careers.

CAPP is bridging access gaps in the union trades, one hard hat at a time. As a registered pre-apprenticeship program, CAPP is directly linked with established apprenticeship programs, providing the instruction, preparation, and support to advance participants to apprenticeship programs or other careers. This ultimately strengthens the social and economic impact for communities in Philadelphia.

The pandemic of 2020 gave CAPP the opportunity to go virtual, significantly expanding our reach and ability to service more participants. By utilizing a virtual platform, CAPP can host multiple classes simultaneously, enhancing our capacity for broad impact.

Walter McGill, the visionary behind CAPP, was a dynamic force in the building trades industry. With unwavering passion, decades of experience, and unmatched dedication to workforce development, he made it his mission to introduce individuals to life-changing careers in the construction trades.

Known affectionately as “Uncle Walt,” he believed that learning a trade was not just a career path but a gateway to financial stability, top wages, full benefits, pensions, and retirement security. For over 40 years, he built relationships, mentored aspiring tradespeople, and championed opportunities for those who might not have otherwise considered a future in the building trades.

Although Walter McGill passed in 2019, his legacy remains the foundation of our work. To honor his memory and continue his mission, we established the Walt McGill Foundation in 2024—a tribute to his lifelong commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of the construction industry.

The Construction Apprentice Preparatory Program (CAPP) is an education program addressing the employment disparity existing in the construction industry. CAPP focuses on enhancing the scholastic aptitude of minorities interested in pursuing a career in the Construction and Building Trades Unions. The Program is designed to actively explore the area’s specific challenges and develop a comprehensive solution to secure meaningful and lasting employment. CAPP immerses itself into the community and establishes relationships with the students, local unions and sponsoring agencies. Many cities in the region are spending billions of dollars, subsidized by local and federal fund, to compete for an increased market share of the hospitality industry by building hotels, casinos, and stadiums. Over the years many citizens have not participated in the economic growth and have remained observers. CAPP has developed a systematic solution by collaboration with stakeholders to combine resources and produce holistic results contributing to an overall improved quality of life.

The instruction takes place in a classroom setting with the students being lectured on various levels of mathematics, reading comprehension and life skills. All students are required to complete homework assignments and oftentimes, participate in field trips to construction sites in various stages of development. Throughout the course of the program tests are given to measure the student’s progress and adjustments are implemented when and where necessary. Periodically, guest speakers are scheduled to provide a practical approach to tackling some of the psychological conditions that have historically supported today’s disparity. Guest speakers have included current male and female apprentices, journey people from various trades, local union representatives and retirees, as well as CAPP Alumni.

CAPP maintains a hands-on approach during and after the program has ended. Helping with the student’s confidence, which allows for better classroom comprehension, as well as, fostering personal dialogues involving their life’s challenges and goals. This partnership existing between the sponsoring agency, the students and CAPP is only fulfilled when every student gains entrance into the trade of their choice.