New bilingual workforce training center open in Hunting Park
Rep. Jose Giral October 16, 2026 | 2:55 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 16 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., today celebrated the opening of Esperanza Tec Centro Philadelphia, a new bilingual workforce training center in the city’s Hunting Park neighborhood, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Operated in partnership with Lancaster’s Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Esperanza Tec Centro Philadelphia supports unemployed, underemployed and dislocated adults in obtaining free basic education and career training.
“Esperanza has long supported the people of Hunting Park, especially our Hispanic community, in dynamic and practical ways,” said Giral. “The addition of the Tec Centro workforce training center is another example of their dedication to uplifting our residents, improving our neighborhoods and truly providing people with pathways out of poverty and adversity.”
The new training center welcomed its first cohort of students in July. Programs offered include metals fabrication and welding technology, commercial/industrial HVAC, commercial/industrial plumbing and facility maintenance technology. English as a Second Language and GED classes are also available.
“Gaining new skills can feel impossible when you’re trying to learn them in a second language, especially in fields with many technical terms to learn,” said Giral. “Tec Centro’s focus on providing bilingual education and training removes a significant barrier for its participants. When we make things like career development more accessible, we more readily see positive impacts on our communities.”
Esperanza Tec Centro Philadelphia is open to adults 18 and older living in the Philadelphia area and is free of charge. People interested in learning more about the programs and application process can find information at esperanzateccentro.org.