Since 2016, Reignite Philly has educated and trained the next generation of metal fabricators and welders to the benefit of the individual, the class, and the community. We offer affordable welding training in a challenging yet supportive environment, giving welding opportunities to folks who wouldn’t otherwise have them.

Growing out of a group of like-minded welders in North Philly who recognized a need for affordable and welcoming welding training, we provide hands-on, practical training to folks looking to advance their careers or learn a new skill. Of our students, 49% are Latino, 27% are black, 19% are white, and 5% are Native American.

We keep classes small so students develop a sense of community among themselves and good relationships with instructors. Our student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1. We provide a sliding scale tuition rate so that finances don’t limit participants. We have completed 13 cohorts and served 62 students. We have awarded over 75 welding qualifications, and 95% of our students have graduated with at least one qualification.

We believe that training done as a team, with others who are working towards the same goals, makes all the difference. Our training revolves around teamwork and collaboration – the same skills required to succeed on the job.

Meet The Instructors

James Blocker: James has been welding for about 35-40 years. What he enjoys most about teaching welding is helping people better understand the craft of welding and seeing someone when they get it. The reason James went into welding is because he enjoyed it and because his high school teacher got him into it. Another reason was that it was one of those jobs you could make a lot of money. James brings knowledge of the four processes; MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core. James also brings the skills of blueprint reading and fabrication. All these things he can pass on. One of his favorite memories is when someone gets a job in the field of welding because he loves to see the expression on their face.

Aly Schell: Aly has been welding for 22 years. The thing she enjoys most about teaching welding is that she gets to help people and it is always different. The reason she became a welder is because she always wanted to learn a trade and she was allowed to do it. A skill that she brings to the program is that she teaches students how to measure. Another skill that she brings is that she can find creative ways to do things differently. Her favorite memory from welding is the look on their face when they finally get it and watching the students help each other.

Mike Quinones: Mike has been welding for 12 years. One of the things he enjoys about teaching welding is that he can give people a skill that can change their lives when it comes to elevating yourself and making yourself better. He became a welder because he was kind of lost on jobs so he became a welder to have a professional identity. The skill that he brings to the program is the knowledge of all processes because he has done it for work. His favorite memory is for the first he brought guys from “the street” and brought them into class and it became something that he never though he would do.

Our Key Values

Education

We believe in lifelong learning and that the right training can change your life. There’s always something new to learn, and no one has it all figured out.

Rooted in North Philly

Our classes grew out of a need recognized by residents and are led by local welders. We teach classes here because we live here. Our students reflect the diversity of life and experiences that you can’t find anywhere else.

Community

Our classes not only seek to train community members, but to build community between our students. No one has ever done anything on their own, and what we build, we build together.

Opportunity

We seek to tear down barriers that keep people from training for a better future. Maybe you think you don’t look like a welder, or make enough money to afford the class, or aren’t cut out for school. We see you and have space for you.

Work

We believe all of us can and should have meaningful work. Whether you want a path to find a new job, or get skills that will take you to the next level at your current one, we’re here for you.

Excellence

We strive to be the best, and expect the same from our students. Each of our classes builds on the last one and we’re constantly making tweaks to make things work better.

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