Congratulations to Saulih Khalifah, an apprentice at the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP), for being named Champion of the Week for his dedication and hard work in advancing his carpentry skills.
Saulih Khalifah, a former high school basketball player who continued his passion for basketball at the collegiate level, never anticipated a career as a carpenter. Soon after graduating from the Academy of Palumbo in 2022, Khalifah began his journey as a labor-intensive worker at the Wells Fargo Center. Khalifah’s initial responsibilities included event changeovers and trash duty. During his time in this role, he developed an interest in the hands-on construction side of things. Recognizing his potential after just a few months, the Wells Fargo Center acknowledged Khalifah’s abilities and introduced him to the Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP), a joint program by the Carpenters Joint Apprentice Committee of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and the General Building Contractors Association.
After the 10-week course, Khalifah needed hands-on work experience to complete the program. Already being a pre-apprentice at the Wells Fargo Center, they sponsored him and two others to complete their work experience requirement. Being a part of the apprenticeship program has allowed Khalifah to contribute to the final leg of a 7-year-long $400 million transformation project at the Wells Fargo Center, including the construction of brand new locker rooms for the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers.
Introduced by: Council Member Isaiah Thomas and Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson on November 16, 2023
