The Consortium for Worker Education (CWE) is a private, non-profit agency that provides a wide array of employment, training, and education services to 60,000 New York City workers annually, including union members, New Americans and dislocated workers.

CWE comprises 46 major New York City Central Labor Council affiliated unions, representing over 1.4 million New York City workers, providing them with education and skills specific training programs to support and enhance their career growth.

CWE’s Worker Service Center Program offers New Yorkers free courses in adult basic education, computer literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and other programs in neighborhood-based locations throughout the five boroughs. The programs are funded by the New York City Council, the New York State Department of Education and the New York State Legislature. In partnership with the New York City Central Labor Council, the NYC Building and Construction Trades Council, the NYC Building Trades Employers Association, Bakers Union Local 3, and baking industry employers, CWE also operates the a multi-purpose training center in Long Island City, Queens which offers programs in artisan baking, culinary skills, pre-apprentice construction skills and a range of basic education courses

From 2001 to 2004, CWE managed a special $32 million federally funded Emergency Employment Clearinghouse (EEC) program, providing laid-off 9-11 workers and struggling small businesses with employment services and worker wage subsidies. As a result of the program, approximately 7000 New Yorkers were placed in new employment; another 3000 jobs were stabilized with wage subsidy support to more than 300 businesses; and more than 8000 men and women were provided with training and education assistance.

CWE was established in 1985 and is headquartered at 275 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.

CWE can be reached by calling 212 647–1900.