Habitat Philadelphia's Carpentry Fellowship Creates Pathways

In January 2024, Habitat Philadelphia launched our first-ever Carpentry Fellowship program, expanding our community impact beyond housing to workforce development. Over a 12-month term, fellows earn a living-wage while learning the foundational skills needed for a career in residential carpentry. By the end of two years, six individuals will have gained hands-on experience that has prepared them to pursue higher-paying, stable jobs in the construction industry.  

“We really try to cover everything in as much detail as we can, so the fellows have hands-on training and time to build muscle memory,” says Zee Whitmer, Carpentry Fellowship Instructor.  

Zee Whitmer, Carpentry Fellowship Instructor | photo by Emma Lee/WHYY

As the inaugural 2024-2025 Carpentry Fellows moved through the program, Habitat’s new construction sites, home repair locations, rehab homes and warehouse became their classrooms. The cohort got their hands dirty and tackled everything from lead remediation to tiling, scaffolding and leading volunteer groups on various projects. By the end of their term, all three fellows found full-time roles in the construction industry with two fellows staying on at Habitat Philadelphia as staff carpenters.  

Diego Luevano, Kenny Golson, Zee Whitmer, and Sean Krutsick | photo by Habitat Philadelphia

After a successful first year, we recently welcomed our 2025-2026 fellows, Diego, Kenny and Sean. These fellows come from a diverse background of careers and skills and have already begun working on two rehab homes and our Rosalynn’s Way new home development in West Philadelphia. 

Diego, a fellow who previously worked in the food industry, transitioned into various construction jobs before applying to the program. 

“I was looking for more structured training programs when I found this Carpentry Fellowship. I genuinely believe in Habitat’s mission, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” says Diego. 

The Carpentry Fellowship Program is supported by the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) which donated $600,000 to help cover salaries and operating costs for two years. PEA also supports Habitat Philadelphia’s home repairs through the Built to Last program, a “one stop shop” whole home repair program to serve Philadelphia homeowners.  

“There is huge value in having a second training step where folks can work for an employer, get some experience on the ground in the field, doing this actual work,” says PEA president and CEO Emily Schapira. 

Habitat Philadelphia is committed to strengthening our local economy by supporting individuals through sustainable workforce development opportunities like the Carpentry Fellowship Program. We’re excited to see how this year’s Carpentry Fellows become well-equipped professionals who can lean on their experiences to build and repair homes that are safe, warm and dry. 

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Philly program offers aspiring carpenters on-the-job-training
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