Liguori Academy Students Explore Skilled Trades Careers at Citizens Bank Park
Philadelphia, PA, June 15, 2026 - Liguori Academy
Last week, Liguori Academy students had the unique opportunity to participate in the Skilled Trades All-Star Program, an immersive hands-on experience hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies and NEST, a pioneer in integrated facilities management.
Designed to introduce Philadelphia students to career opportunities in the skilled trades, the program provided an inside look at the people, planning, and expertise that keep one of the city’s most iconic venues operating year-round.
As the school selected to participate in this year’s program, Liguori Academy students spent the day at Citizens Bank Park, gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective on the work that goes into preparing the ballpark for Phillies games, concerts, and major events, including the 2026 MLB All-Star Week.
Throughout the experience, students learned about the planning, coordination, and skilled labor required to maintain and operate a world-class sports and entertainment venue. They met professionals working in a variety of trades, including electricians, carpenters, groundskeepers, and building service specialists, and heard firsthand about the pathways that led them to their careers.
Students also toured key operational areas of Citizens Bank Park, including the HVAC controls room, mechanical spaces, carpentry shop, and grounds crew facilities. While a baseball stadium may not be the first workplace that comes to mind when thinking about the skilled trades, the visit highlighted the wide range of opportunities available within the industry and introduced students to career paths they may not have previously considered.
The experience left a lasting impression on Liguori Academy students, who reflected on what they learned throughout the day.
“We loved being at the ballpark, but we also learned that Citizens Bank Park is more than just a baseball stadium. It takes skilled workers, teamwork, planning, and maintenance to make everything happen and run the right way.” - Jace
“This experience showed us that success can come through many different paths. It helped us think about our futures in a new way.” - Rafael
“We appreciated the chance to learn about the trades, meet professionals, and see the behind-the-scenes work that helps make Phillies games and events possible.” - Jeancarlos
Experiences like the Skilled Trades All-Star Program are especially meaningful as Liguori Academy continues to expand its Construction Cohort and Skilled Trades programming. By connecting students with industry professionals and real-world environments, these opportunities help bridge classroom learning with career exploration while strengthening partnerships throughout the Philadelphia community.
Most importantly, programs like this help students see the possibilities that exist within the skilled trades and the important role they can play in shaping the future of Philadelphia’s workforce. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and exposure to diverse career pathways, Liguori Academy students are discovering that the skilled trades not only offer rewarding careers, but opportunities to build, create, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
To learn more about the Construction Cohort at Liguori Academy and how to get involved, please reach out to advancement@liguoriacademy.org.
