Vocational Programs and Alternative Pathways
Co-op Tech Vocational Program
The School of Cooperative Technical Education is a half-day vocational program that offers students hands on training in a variety of in demand and cutting edge trade areas. Coop Tech serves approximately 1,500 students who are 17 to 21 years of age and who represent a wide variety of ethic and cultural backgrounds, disabilities and educational histories. Coop Tech students join us as either shared instruction students who also attend over 130 traditional high schools and Pathways to Graduation programs or as post-graduates who have already obtained a diploma. Many students in Coop Tech are given the opportunity to take part in the Department of Education's Work Based Learning Program (WBL) which provides job readiness skills knowledge of basic safety and OSHA procedures, CPR, and real world of work exposure. Upon recommendation from program faculty, each student can be matched with one of Coop Tech's intern partnership sites. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of internship opportunities as they build their portfolios and expand their skills for future employment. Eligible students who participate in paid internships receive minimum wage in addition to real work experience.
NPower Technology Career Training
NPower creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities. With two locations within the city, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, NPower New York provides tuition-FREE technology training and certifications to young adult job seekers, offering an alternative fast-track to tech jobs with employers committed to hiring diverse IT talent.
Year Up Job Training
Year Up's mission is to close the opportunity divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education. They offer a free job training program, as well as the opportunity to earn an educational stipend throughout the program. Their training focuses on 5 key areas: Business Operations, Financial Operations, Information Technology, Sales & Customer Support, and Software Development.
Job Corps
The largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16-24. Students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. Students can earn a high school diploma or the equivalent, and college credits. Job Corps also offers tuition-free housing, meals, basic health care, a living allowance, and career transition assistance. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps offers career technical skills training in 10 high-growth industry sectors:
Advanced Manufacturing
Automotive and Machine Repair
Construction
Finance and Business
Healthcare
Homeland Security
Hospitality
Information Technology
Renewable Resources and Energy
Transportation
An online program is also available.
Henry Street Settlement
PROS Vocational Services
The PROS Employment component provides services related to employment; such as Basic Living Skills (e.g. time management, budgeting, learning to use transportation, how to communicate or socialize on the job), Coping Skills (e.g. learning to manage on-the-job-stress) and Community Living Exploration (e.g. develop an understanding of specific job opportunities and demands).
Unlimited Computer Training Program (ACCES-VR)
The Unlimited Computer Training Program is available for individuals with disabilities and is sponsored by ACCES-VR. The program is designed for individuals who demonstrate an interest, potential and ability to complete a three-to-four-month training program in Microsoft Office that includes volunteer internships and employment preparation groups with an ultimate goal of successful long-term employment. Also in that time, students develop a resume, participate in practice interviews, learn job-seeking skills and clarify work values and preferences.
Career Counseling - one-on-one sessions helping you prepare for the workplace
Interview & resume prep
Job coaching
Career planning & advancement support
Skills development
Trainings & certifications
Professional Development - specialized workshops and trainings
Networking
Prioritizing your job search
Social media & professional communications
Navigating online job boards
Vibrant Emotional Health - Adolescent Skills Center
Comprehensive vocational training and educational programs with supportive mental health services for young people ages 16-21 who have emotional and behavioral challenges. Participants receive individually tailored vocational plans that explore their interests, strengths, and job readiness. These plans include vocational skills development, individual job coaching, internship placement, and more. There are three locations in Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
Youth Employment Services (Y.E.S) - program for NYC youth ages 16-21 with emotional challenges or behavioral issues to develop the skills and attitudes they need to find and retain employment, develop positive interpersonal skills, and obtain and maintain independent living skills in order to make a successful transition from school to work. Include the following services:
Educational Services
Remedial Education (individual and group) Classes
High School Equivalency Exam preparation (TASC)
Vocational Services
Paid Internships and job placement assistance
Vocational/Pre-Employment (Individual and Group Counseling)
Job Coaching and Career Club (WORC)
Assistance with VESID/ACCES-VR Application Process
Volunteer Program to develop job-readiness skills with monetary stipends
Emotional Support Services
Wellness Self-Management (KEY) Group
Life Skills/Transition to Independence (TIP) group
Healthy Living Group
Case Management Services
Bronx Works
EXCEL Program
Offers career training that exposes youth ages 16-24 to a variety of employment options so that they can choose the area that most interests them. Services prepare young adults for the world of work, helping them to create resumes, prepare for job interviews, gain computer skills, and learn how to manage money.
Participants preferably must reside in NDA 4 in the Bronx.
Neighborhood Development Area (NDA) Opportunity Youth Program
Provides training, work readiness, counseling, and paid 14-week work internship experience to youth 16-24 years old who are out of school and unemployed.
Participants must reside in NDA 4 or 5 in the Bronx
Work, Learn, & Grow Employment Program
An initiative designed to build off the experiences gained in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). WLG provides enrolled participants of SYEP ages 16-21 and currently in school with career readiness training and paid employment opportunities for up to twenty-five weeks (25) from October to March.
Futures and Options
Internship Program
Provides paid, mentored internships and career readiness workshops to high school juniors and seniors. Students acquire hands-on experience, gain entry to small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and multinational corporations and earn needed money.
Urban Leadership Fellows Program
Six-week, paid, virtual program aimed to enable New York City high school seniors to gain valuable hands-on work experience and training in the Municipal Finance industry
Career Essentials Program
13 supervised workshops that focus on communication, presentation and workplace etiquette skills. Career Essentials is open to any high school student who resides in the five boroughs of New York City. Students have the opportunity to network with and learn from fellow peers from different boroughs and schools.
The Door - Job and Internship Programs
EPOCH
The Door’s comprehensive career and education program to help you finish your education and gain job and life skills for your future. This program features two different paths – one for young people who want to get their high school equivalency and a job, and one for young people who have completed their HSE or degree and need help getting into college or finding a job. The two options are:
Infused HSE: This option will teach you the skills you need to pass your HSE test while preparing you for a career at the same time. Infused HSE students can also apply for in-house, paid internships and receive other stipends and incentives for participating.
CITE (College, Internships, Training, and Employment): Coaches will help you get a job or internship, or get you enrolled in a college or vocational program. We’ll also help you develop an action plan – a must-have strategy for lasting success – and stay with you while you get settled into your new job or school.
Advance and Earn – Woodlawn Preservation Training Program
This program is for young adults interested in a career in masonry, landscaping, or construction. Those enrolled in the program receive specialized hands-on training under the guidance of expert instructors from the Davey Tree Expert Company and the International Masonry Institute.
20-week training program offers a 10-week paid internship, MetroCards for transportation, certifications (OSHA, Site Safety, Manlift, and More), incentives for benchmarks throughout the program, and job placement assistance.
Bridge Programs (EMT, IT)
Free EMT training in partnership with Hostos Community College, EMT-B certification, CPR certification, driver’s license, job assistance, and additional incentives.
TechBridge Program
For 18-24 year olds that are interested in pursuing a career in information technology (IT). This bridge program offers: free IT training in partnership with Per Scholas, CompTIA A+ certification, Network+ certification, job assistance, and incentives.
Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP)
An additional layer of support for young people, 16-24 who self-disclose having contact with the justice system, foster care system or experienced homelessness and are interested in one of our post-secondary programs. Young people are connected to LEAP services if they have completed their High School Equivalency with The Door and are interested in enrolling in one of our post-secondary programs, or they already have their HSE and are currently enrolled in one of our post-secondary programs. As a member of LEAP participants receive:
Extra one-on-one support
Additional monetary incentives
Leadership opportunities
The Academy
A unique program designed to prepare foster care youth for adulthood. It offers one-on-one academic and employment services together with supportive counseling for young people who are participating in either The Door’s supportive housing / runaway homeless youth services and / or our career and education programming and self-disclose having experience with ACS / the foster care system.
This Way ONward
A training program for young people ages 16-24 who want to gain job and leadership skills or currently advance their existing skills, whether they are in, or out of school. With a coaching program and the partnership of retail company Old Navy, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. This program entails an 8 week training and those who participate will develop new career and life skills. Young people who successfully complete the training will have the opportunity to interview for a paid 10-week Internship at an Old Navy store.
Train NYC Program
A program with work readiness and sector base training workshops that runs for 6-8 weeks. The Train NYC program provides entry-level training skills in four sectors:
Culinary arts
Certified medical administrative assistance (CMAA)
IT support
Construction safety.
All four focused training tracks will afford participants the opportunity to gain an industry-recognized certification with on-the-job training internship opportunities.
All participants receive a full year of incentives and retention services including check-ins from a Train NYC program Job Placement Specialists and/or Career Advancement Coach to ensure success in the workplace and career aspiration goals.
Per Scholas Technical Training
Program dedicated to providing skills training and access to employer networks to individuals often excluded from tech careers. Per Scholas offers tuition free technical training combining business professional skills development with hands-on technical instruction for high demand jobs.
Offers courses in Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, Information Technology (IT), and Software Engineering
Offers certifications in AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA A+, CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Construction Skills
Construction Skills recruits and trains youth and adult New York City residents for careers in the unionized building and construction industry. The training curriculum is designed to include “soft skills” such as professionalism and job readiness, “basic skills” such as math and industry overview, and “technical skills” such as aptitude or physical exam preparation.
Most importantly, the training curriculum includes “essential skills” such as an understanding of industry, employer, and apprenticeship program expectations, unionism, layoff practice and apprenticeship rules, proper work attire and safety equipment, break time and lunch time, and employer timesheets and overtime. Unionized apprenticeship offers training, education, certification, high wages, health benefits, and retirement security paid for by union contractors, while simultaneously being employed on construction projects throughout New York City.
Building Skills NY
Building Skills NY (BSNY) provides opportunities for New York City residents to enter and build a career in the construction industry. Through our network of employers and partners, BSNY recruits, places in employment, and provides training opportunities for community residents interested in developing a career in the industry. Candidates for employment are identified through community partners and schools that prepare individuals for employment in the industry. Our focus is two-fold. First, we seek to attract qualified, motivated men and women who are ready, willing, and able to work in the industry. We provide candidates access to jobs in the industry, and opportunities to grow into a successful, well-paying career. Second, we aim to identity, support and train the highest performing candidates to become productive employees of our member companies.
Building Works
BuildingWorks is a pre-apprenticeship training program housed at the NYC Carpenters Training Center. Since 1995, the program has served over 1,000 residents from low-income communities in the New York City and surrounding communities. The free training prepares individuals for careers in the skilled trades, and includes technical coursework preparing candidates for a union apprenticeship. The training is conducted on site at the Carpenters Training Center. Students have access to the same state-of-the-art facility and instructional staff as apprentices and journeypersons. During the training, students gain experience from classes in four main categories: career guidance, introduction to apprenticeship, worker health & safety, and environmental worker training. Ideally, successful graduates enroll in unionized apprenticeship programs. Participants may also receive a variety of formal certifications specific to the industry, such as: OSHA construction safety, scaffold awareness, and hazardous waste worker training.
Aveda Institutes - Cosmetology & Esthiology School
Cosmetology Training Program - Classes and certifications offered in hair styling, nail care, makeup application, business development, and working with clients.
Prepares for potential careers as Salon Stylist, Salon Owner or Manager, Bridal Specialist, Hotel or Cruise Ship Stylist, Personal Stylist, Makeup Artist, Lash or Brow Specialist, Fashion Show Stylist, Film / Theater / Television Stylist, Editorial / Advertising Stylist, Brand Educator / Platform Artist, Artistic / Creative Director, Beauty Blogger / Influencer, Style Consultant, Manufacturer / Product Inventor
Esthiology Training Program - Classes in skin care, facials, body treatments, hair removal, makeup application, business development, wellness, and retail knowledge.
Prepares for potential careers as Day or Salon Spa Esthetician / Manager / Owner, Eyelash and Brow Specialist, Waxing Specialist, Hair Removal Specialist, Makeup Artist, Cosmetic Counter, Esthetician Educator, Medical Esthetician, Beauty Blogger / Influencer, Manufacturer / Product Inventor
Grace Institute
Employer-focused administrative training for women aged 18-64 - two workforce training programs that provide training in best administrative practices, customer-centric approaches, and workplace technical skills:
Administrative Professional Program - training to gain an administrative office position in any field.
Consists of core professional skills like resume and cover letter writing, office administration, budgeting, professionalism, interview preparation, Microsoft Office Suite, CRM management, and teleconferencing.
Prepares for jobs as an administrative assistant, executive assistant, virtual assistant, call center representative, customer service representative, office manager, or data entry clerk.
Patient Service Representative Program - advanced training to gain skills needed to work as an administrative professional in the healthcare sector.
Consists of topics such as medical terminology, professional communication, scheduling, ethics and confidentiality, electronic medical record management, EPIC, resume writing, interview skills, and Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Well suited for any potential Grace Institute participant who has a year of administrative experience and would like to pursue a career in patient services in a medical office, hospital, or care center.
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
Brooklyn Networks - A free 6-week, full-time Low Voltage Cable Installation Training and Job Placement Assistance. Students learn how to install the lines that run behind walls and ceilings that are hooked up to computers, telephones, broadcast cable and more.
Brooklyn Woods - A free, full-time training program in woodworking skills, cabinetmaking and fabrication. In only seven weeks, trainees learn how to safely and properly care for hand tools, power tools and woodworking machinery; shop production, finishing techniques and cabinet installation; shop math, measurement and mechanical drawing. We also provide comprehensive safety training, including the 30 hour OSHA General Construction Safety and Health class.
“Made in NY” PA Training Program - Free 5-week training program for low-income New Yorkers to work on film and television sets
Participants who successfully complete the program receive 2 years of job placement assistance, career counseling, and support as they work their way up the ladder.
Graduates work as Production Assistants (PAs) on set and on location for film, television, commercial, and music video productions, where they provide support to the rest of the crew.
“Made in NY” Post Production - Trains New Yorkers for careers in post production. The five-week program combines a thorough introduction to the post production industry with hands-on skills training in five commonly-used software applications for video editing and visual effects. After completing the program, trainees will receive two years of career guidance and support.
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Resident Training Academy - Provides skills training and placement for NYCHA residents, helping them to access various careers with NYCHA and its contractors. The Academy most frequently offers training for positions as Housing Caretakers and for construction positions. In the past, they have also trained for Pest Control Technician, Painter’s Apprentice and Maintenance positions.
Red Hook on the Road - Program offering classroom-based and behind-the-wheel training leading to a NYS Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). We then help hundreds of graduates each year access jobs as drivers of school buses, trucks, paratransit vehicles and other commercial vehicles that move people and products throughout the city.
Special Training Opportunities - BWI develops customized training opportunities in partnership with local employers and other community-based organizations. We work with key partners including the Brooklyn Navy Yard Employment Center, the Industry City Innovation Lab, and others to match a skilled-up labor force with employers at the Navy Yard, Industry City, and the surrounding communities.
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
Provides customizable training sequences, one-on-one coaching, and other career development services. Members gain educational and economic success and develop leadership skills to transform their lives and community with career training programs offered in the following areas:
CHAMPION - Provides everything young adults need to start their journey. This foundational sequence focuses exclusively on out-of-school / out-of-work, 16-24 year olds. Members gain a strong start through individualized assessment, work readiness training, and even earn an introductory credential in customer service and sales. Some members may qualify for a 175-hour paid internship ($15/hr.) before moving on to one of the C&E Network’s advanced training options described below. Members have support from a career advisor, mental health specialist and job developer, so they are fully prepared to start the career pathway of their dreams.
Healthcare Advanced Training - Successful graduates from CHAMPION can receive a scholarship to enter the health sector through Careers That Care. Graduates typically become part of a union, get access to even more advanced training and excellent benefits making Careers that Care an excellent stepping stone into the healthcare sector. Careers that Care is for young adults between the ages of 18-24. Training takes place at the Royal Learning Institute, CUNY Kingsborough or 1199SEIU Training & Employment Funds. Graduates become licensed in one of these high-demand, entry-level health professions:
EKG Technician
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Medical Billing and Coding
Pharmacy Assistant
Phlebotomy Technician
Transportation Advanced Training
TE@CH is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program with job placement with an Access-A-Ride company. Participants will obtain their CDLClass C Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement. This is the entry level CDL that gets you started in the profession of driving and it does not even require a road test.
Construction Advanced Training
The advanced construction skills training streamlines the hiring process of local residents to sites in the area. From entry level candidates to skilled tradesmen, all are encouraged to apply. Individuals who live in Cypress Hills / East New York that are 18+ years old are eligible to receive their OSHA 30 and 10 hr SST and direct introduction to local contractors who need workers. 18-24 year olds that live outside of the neighborhood are still encouraged to apply. Qualified CHAMPION graduates are assured a spot.
Work Learn Grow
Work, Learn and Grow Program is a youth program designed to extend student's skills and experiences gained through CCM's Summer Youth Program (SYEP). WLG provides career readiness training and paid employment opportunities for up to 25 weeks from October to April. Participants work in a variety of entry-level jobs including:
Government Agencies
Hospitals
Non-Profits
Small Businesses
Law Firms
Museums
Sports Enterprises
Retail Organizations
WLG career readiness training focuses on topics that include career exploration, financial literacy, conflict resolution, resume/cover letter development and opportunities to continue education and social growth.
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow
Industry-certified trainings in healthcare, technology, and construction:
Medical Administrative Assistant Program
Cloud Support Engineering Program
Digital Marketing
Bridges to Craft Careers: Masonry Restoration Training
FedCap
Career Design Schools - Program teaching students of diverse abilities the technical skills required to perform the tasks of a specific job. Students gain real-world experience in their field of training through community-based internships, ensuring that they arrive at work prepared to succeed.
Training offered in the following areas:
Culinary Arts And Food Trades
Customer Service
Security Operations
Total Facilities Management
Technology Training
Neighborhood Development Area (NDA) Programs
Opportunity Youth (OY): Supported Work Experience - A 14-week program that engages low-income New York City young adults aged 16-24 who are disconnected from school and work through educational workshops and advanced training, counseling, short-term paid worksites, placement into jobs, and follow-up services.
In order to participate in the Opportunity Youth: Supported Work Experience you must meet all of the following requirements:
Must be between the ages 16-24
Must not be attending school
Must not be working
Must reside in the following zip codes: 11207, 11208, or 11239
AmeriCorps Programs
AmeriCorps is a federal agency which brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities.
Areas of focus include education, economic development, disaster relief, environmental protection, food security, and housing to alleviate social problems and strengthen communities
AmeriCorps members a stipend which varies depending on type of program and location of service
Upon successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps alums receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to be used toward education expenses such as college tuition and student loans
$6,495 as of 2022
Types of AmeriCorps programs:
AmeriCorps NCCC
A full-time, team-based, residential program for 18-24-year-olds. Whether clearing trails for a national park or building homes for families in need, AmeriCorps members engage in a variety of projects in multiple communities while developing leadership and teamwork skills. AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps serves communities, in coordination with FEMA, through disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
AmeriCorps State and National
Matches individuals with organizations that see service as solution to local, regional, and national challenges. There are thousands of opportunities in locations across the country to serve with nonprofits, schools, public agencies, tribes, and community and faith-based groups.
AmeriCorps VISTA
Places individuals with organizations that fight poverty, to build capacity and make sustainable change. Through fundraising, grant writing, volunteer recruitment, and so much more, AmeriCorps VISTA members gain experience and leadership skills that put them on track for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.
Supports NYC government agencies to lift New Yorkers out of poverty by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of each agency.
VISTA members serve at New York City government agencies (known as host sites) full-time for approximately one year to address critical city issues related to poverty by engaging in capacity building work - tasks and activities that create, expand, or strengthen the systems and processes that help an organization carry out its anti-poverty work. These tasks and activities include the transfer of knowledge/skills, products, and relationships.
An education nonprofit organization and member of the AmeriCorps national service network. The organization partners with public schools in under-resourced schools in many cities across the country.
AmeriCorps members serve on teams made up of 18 to 24 year olds who provide student, classroom, and whole school support, intended to help students stay in school and on track to graduate high school.
