Welcome to Work in Progress!

We're bringing you a straight list of worker education opportunities. Every class featured in this newsletter is free, based in NYC, and offered directly through CWE or a trusted union or community partner.

This month we have a ton of free classes, from a union construction pre-apprenticeship, to training in the healthcare industry, to Spanish and English classes.

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Before we get to the classes, we have some news for NYC workers:

From PINCC's tool distribution event with CWE, NYC HRA, DC9, NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development, Deputy Mayor Su and Deputy Mayor Arteaga.

Mayor Mamdani Celebrates More Than 1,300 Low-Income New Yorkers Connected to Union and Prevailing Wage Jobs through PINCC Program, Done in Partnership with CWE

From the Office of the Mayor: "'CWE is proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani, District Council 9, NYC Talent, and HRA/DSS to help connect New Yorkers to union careers that provide family-sustaining wages, benefits, and long-term opportunity. Programs like PINCC show what is possible when labor, government, and workforce organizations work together to remove barriers and invest in workers’ success. At a time when too many working people are being priced out of economic opportunity, union apprenticeship pathways remain one of the clearest routes into the middle class,' said Marco Carrión, President of the Consortium for Worker Education."

Editorial workers at New York’s Schneps Media launch union

From the News Guild: "Schneps employees are forming a union! An overwhelming majority of the eligible staff of the Schneps Media Network of hyperlocal news outlets spanning New York City and Long Island announced (June 15, 2026) the creation of a union to secure competitive wages, sustainable working conditions and strengthen the news organization’s mission of providing objective local journalism in the public interest."

NYC plans World Cup 'know your rights' blitz for NYC workers, immigrants

From Gothamist: "Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration plans to canvass neighborhoods across New York City in a roughly $130,000-campaign to inform workers and immigrants of their rights in tandem with the upcoming World Cup, according to City Hall. Department of Consumer and Worker Protection staff will hand out copies of the “Workers’ Bill of Rights” at high-trafficked subway stations and other corridors on days throughout June and July. The Department plans to reach over 20,000 residents over the next five weeks."

And now for the free classes:

Career Network Healthcare Track 1

Phipps | 1071 East Tremont Ave., Bronx

This Healthcare Program helps young adults earn money while training for a career in healthcare. Participants can graduate with PCT certification, gain hands-on experience at local hospitals, and receive job placement support.

Dates: Mon., July 13 – Fri., Dec. 11, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Eligible: Ages 18–24 who are out of work, underemployed, or out of school, with a high school diploma or HSE Apply: Apply at phipps.my.site.com/WFPOCKiosk/s by July 1

Personal Care Aide Training

Cooperative Home Care Associates | 400 East Fordham Rd., Bronx

This 6-day training is offered in English and Spanish in both in-person and hybrid formats, with stipends and transportation support included.

Dates: Information here Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: 18+ Apply: Email Workforcedevelopment@chcany.org or call 718-993-7104 ext. 1055; deadlines vary by cohort

Pharmacy Technician Program

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow | 25 Thornton St., Brooklyn & 882 3rd Ave., 10th Fl., Brooklyn

This program gives youth an entry point into healthcare through Certified Pharmacy Technician training, with internship and employment support, and pays participants to take part.

Dates: Starts Mon., Aug. 31, 2026; runs 3 months Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–3:00 PM Eligible: Ages 18–24, out of school or un/underemployed, living in any of the 5 boroughs Apply: obtjobs.org/registration-page by Aug. 31

BuildingWorks Pre-Apprenticeship Training

NYC District Council of Carpenters Training Center | 395 Hudson St., Manhattan

This 4-week pre-apprenticeship training prepares participants for the carpenters apprenticeship program, including site safety training.

Dates: Mon., July 6 – Fri., July 31, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 7:00 AM–3:00 PM Eligible: 17+, HS diploma or equivalent, must pass a drug screen Apply: nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org/buildingworks-application by June 29

Career Network: Building Services

Phipps | 1071 E. Tremont Ave. #A, Bronx

This program pays young adults while training for careers in maintenance and building trades, including OSHA-30 certification and job placement support. Runs three times a year; recruitment is open year-round.

Dates: Thu., July 23 – Thu., Oct. 15, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: Any NYC resident 18+ Apply: Apply at phipps.my.site.com/WFPOCKiosk/s by July 15 for the current cohort

English as a Second Language (ESOL)

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

In-person English classes offered at Levels 1–4.

Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; Mon./Wed. and Tue./Thu., 6:00–9:00 PM; Sat., 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Eligible: NYS residents 21+ with a valid NYS ID Apply: Attend an in-person info session, Mondays at 1:00 PM, 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn; rolling enrollment

Bienvenides a NY & ESL

Transgrediendo & Astoria Worker Project | 37-63 83rd St. #1B, Jackson Heights

The classes are designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals who wish to strengthen their professional and English skills, expand their employment and educational opportunities in New York, and continue growing in community.

Dates: Started Wed., June 17, 2026; ongoing Schedule: Wednesdays, 3:00–5:00 PM Eligible: LGBTQI+ community members Apply: forms.ourvoicesarefree.org/EnglishCITG by June 27

Spanish Class A1 Level

Astoria Food Pantry / Astoria Worker Project | 25-82 Steinway St., Astoria

This class is a space where you can learn and practice your Spanish language skills. We are covering A1 (beginner) level content. Fluent speakers are welcome to attend as well.

Schedule: Alternating Thu./Fri., 5:00–6:30 PM, on June 18, 26; July 2, 10, 23, 31; Aug. 6, 14, 20, 28 Eligible: Open to anyone who wants to learn Spanish Apply: forms.gle/bPa8Ei4ZMybguSMx5 by June 26

Financial Services Training

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

St. Nicks Alliance's Financial Services Training is a free in-person course that will prepare graduates for a career in the banking industry.

Dates: Mon., July 27 – Fri., Sept. 11, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Eligible: 18+, NYC resident, work-authorized, HS diploma or equivalent, and 6 months of customer service or cash-handling experience Apply: Attend an in-person info session, Thursdays at 1:00 PM, 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn, by July 23

High School Equivalency (HSE) Classes

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

In-person HSE prep classes taught by Department of Education instructors, offered in English and Spanish.

Schedule: Mornings Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–2:00 PM; evenings Mon./Wed. and Tue./Thu., 6:00–9:00 PM Eligible: NYS residents 18+ with a valid NYS ID Apply: Attend an in-person info session, Mondays at 1:00 PM, 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn; rolling enrollment

General Industry (Career Readiness)

The HOPE Program | 1 Smith St., Brooklyn

Builds essential career-readiness skills used across industries, including résumé building, interview prep, workplace communication, and professionalism.

Dates: Mon., July 13 – Mon., Sept. 21, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Eligible: 18+, authorized to work in the U.S. Apply: thehopeprogram.tfaforms.net/5165467 by July 3 (5 cohorts run throughout the year)