New York City, a hub of innovation and opportunity, offers a wealth of career programs designed to equip you with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re looking to pivot your career, gain new skills, or enter a new industry, NYC’s diverse landscape of training programs has something for everyone. This guide highlights some of the top career programs in NYC, spanning various sectors and catering to different needs and interests.
Launch Your Automotive Career with Electric Vehicle Training
The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the charge. For those keen on entering this burgeoning field, the Electric Vehicle Safety & Service course offered by CWE, in partnership with CALSTART and Bronx Community College, presents an excellent opportunity. This free, 25-hour online course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. It covers essential skills for EV maintenance and safety, preparing you for industry certification tests. No prior automotive experience is necessary, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned mechanics looking to upgrade their skills for the electric age.
Complete the registration form for the course.
Elevate Your Career Readiness with MESA’s Alumni Lab
For recent high school graduates seeking direction and confidence in their career paths, MESA’s Alumni Lab offers invaluable support. This free, 6-week in-person workshop series focuses on career-readiness skills. Participants gain practical knowledge in areas like email etiquette, personal finance, resume building, and interview techniques. MESA’s Alumni Lab has a proven track record of helping alumni secure job training in diverse fields such as banking, healthcare, and technology. Successful completion of the program even comes with a stipend of up to $500, providing both skills and financial support for your next steps.
Take the next step by completing the Alumni Lab Interest form.
Master Digital Marketing and Social Media Skills
In today’s digital age, social media and marketing skills are highly sought after. The Digital Marketing Career Lab, a collaboration between MESA Charter High School and Full Funnel Growth, provides a comprehensive 10-week hybrid program designed to equip you with real-world marketing skills. Taught by industry professionals, this free program focuses on social media and email marketing roles, pathways to careers with average starting salaries of $50K – $60K. Ideal for high school graduates looking to enter the digital marketing landscape, this program provides practical experience for entry-level roles in companies and non-profits.
Learn more and express your interest here.
Empowering Women Through Administrative Training at Grace Institute
For women in NYC aged 18-64, Grace Institute offers a transformative tuition-free 12-week administrative workforce training & job placement program. This program provides comprehensive workplace training, alongside wraparound services and job placement assistance, ensuring women have the tools and confidence to launch successful administrative careers. Grace Institute’s extensive alumnae network further supports graduates in their professional journeys.
Learn more and apply for the Grace Institute’s next cohort.
Tech Career Pathways with Per Scholas: Salesforce, IT Support, Cybersecurity, and More
Per Scholas is a leading organization providing tuition-free tech training in NYC. They are currently accepting applications for various courses, including the in-demand Salesforce Administrator Certification Training. Beyond Salesforce, Per Scholas also offers training in IT Support, Cyber Security, AWS re/Start, and Software Engineering. With both in-person and virtual class options across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and satellite locations throughout NYC, Per Scholas makes tech education accessible. They are also approved for the Post-911 GI Bill and DOD Skills Bridge for Veterans at their Bronx location, demonstrating a commitment to serving the veteran community.
Learn more about the start dates for Per Scholas’ in-person courses and Per Scholas’ remote courses.
Enter the Growing Cannabis Industry with Budtender Training
The cannabis industry in NYC is rapidly expanding, creating new job opportunities. Hospitality Pathways offers a Cannabis Budtender training program starting March 3rd to help you capitalize on this growth. This program provides comprehensive training for retail cannabis roles, covering cannabis knowledge, dispensary operations, and certifications like the Green Flower Dispensary Associate Badge and Sell-SMaRT Certification. Participants also receive a stipend, metrocard, and daily meals, making this program accessible and supportive for career changers.
Apply for the Cannabis Budtender training.
Fashion Your Future with Custom Collaborative’s Training Institute
If you’re passionate about fashion, Custom Collaborative Training Institute program offers a transformative 15-week program for women aged 21 and older who are SNAP eligible. This program empowers women from low-income and immigrant communities to develop mastery in fashion design, sewing, and entrepreneurship. The program culminates in skills to launch a career in the fashion industry or start their own fashion businesses. Attending an open house session is required for application consideration.
Register to attend an open house.
IdeaSpark Program: Fueling Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities
The Viscardi Center and Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation are partnering to offer the IdeaSpark program, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities. This virtual program provides guidance and resources to develop business ideas, culminating in a Pitchfest with equity-free cash grants. If you have a disability and a business idea, IdeaSpark can provide the launchpad you need.
Queens EOC: Healthcare, Construction, and Security Guard Training
Queens Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) provides tuition-free academic preparation and career training programs in high-demand fields. Programs include Certified Professional Healthcare Coder/Biller, Home Health Aide, OSHA safety certifications for construction, and Security Guard Certification, along with GED and college preparation. With in-person enrollment hours, Queens EOC provides accessible pathways to careers in healthcare, construction, and security within Queens.
Visit the Queens EOC at 158-29 Archer Ave, Jamaica, NY 11433 during admission hours to enroll.
Flyer showcasing Queens EOC program offerings and contact information
Guardian Group Services: Online and In-Person Safety and Security Trainings
Guardian Group Services offers a range of fee-based online certifications and job placement services to advance your career in safety and security. Their offerings include Security Training approved by NY DCJS, FDNY Training, OSHA and Site Safety Training, and Red Cross Courses like CPR/AED and First Aid. With online and in-person options available, Guardian Group Services provides flexible training solutions for various safety and security roles.
For more information and to apply, visit the Guardian Group Services website.
Project Renewal: Diverse Training Programs in Human Services, Culinary Arts, and More
Project Renewal offers a wide array of programs designed to help individuals re-enter the workforce and build sustainable careers. Their programs include Employment Training Program, Human Services Training, Next Step Internship Training Program in homeless services, Culinary Arts Training Program, and Assisted Competitive Employment Program for adults with mental health diagnoses. With information sessions held weekly and diverse program options, Project Renewal is a vital resource for career development in NYC.
To make a referral please email [email protected]
LaGuardia Community College’s Correctional Education Partnership: Education for Second Chances
LaGuardia Community College’s Correctional Education Partnership (CEP) supports formerly incarcerated individuals and those impacted by mass incarceration in achieving their educational and career goals. CEP provides access to high-quality education and training courses in a supportive environment at LaGuardia Community College, creating equitable career pathways for a population often facing significant barriers to employment.
Find more information on this program on LaGuardia Community College’s website.
St. Nicks Alliance: Workforce Development in Brooklyn
St. Nicks Alliance offers comprehensive workforce development services in Brooklyn, focusing on in-demand fields like construction, HVAC, and environmental remediation. Their services include skills training, job placement, adult education, and career guidance for youth and adults. Helping over 1,000 individuals annually secure quality jobs, St. Nicks Alliance is a key player in Brooklyn’s workforce development landscape.
For more information, please visit their website.
Jericho Project: Career Services for Veterans
Jericho Project’s Veteran Employment Program provides specialized career services for Veterans, their spouses, and adult children. Services include career counseling, resume development, training exploration, job coaching, and job placement assistance. Jericho Project offers tailored support to help veterans achieve their employment goals after their service.
Reach out or make a referral today!
Building Skills NY (BSNY): Construction Job Opportunities and Training
Building Skills NY (BSNY) connects individuals to full-time entry-level construction jobs throughout NYC. They offer ongoing virtual recruitment and Construction Career Accelerator classes in partnership with training providers and employers. For those interested in a construction career, BSNY provides pathways to both immediate job placement and skill enhancement opportunities.
Complete an application online.
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI): Training in Film, Driving, Woodworking, and More
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) offers free training programs in diverse sectors, including Film and TV Production, Commercial Driving, Woodworking, and Low-Voltage Cabling. BWI provides accessible pathways to careers in creative industries and skilled trades through their free training sessions.
View the upcoming offered training sessions through their calendar.
NPower: Launch Your Tech Career in Under 6 Months
NPower provides tuition-free technology training for young adults aged 18-26, offering in-demand IT certifications, mentorship, paid internships, and career placement in the tech industry. With a fast-track 6-month program combining classroom learning and career placement, NPower makes tech careers accessible even without prior experience.
This overview of career programs in NYC is just a starting point. Exploring these and other resources can unlock your potential and pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career in the vibrant landscape of New York City.
