Welcome to the second edition of Work in Progress!

Just like last month, 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.

We're also covering a pro-worker bill before the City Council, the Delivery Protection Act, including how you can advocate for its passage directly to your Council Member. Finally, there is an exciting worker event coming up next month and a few news items.

Know someone who should be on this list? Forward along this email. They can read last month's edition and subscribe here.

Here's what you can sign up for today:

Environmental Remediation Technician Training

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

St. Nicks Alliance in partnership with Big Apple ERT offers a 7-week, 215-hour credentialed, employer-linked training program combining classroom and hands-on instruction in environmental remediation.

Dates: Mon., May 25 – Sun., July 6 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: NY residents who are un- or underemployed and authorized to work in the U.S. Apply: Attend an in-person information session every Wednesday at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave. Deadline: May 20, 2026

Construction

STRIVE | 205 E. 122nd St., 3rd Floor, Manhattan

This free 9-week, full-time construction training program offers OSHA-30, SST, Flagging, and Scaffolding certifications, paid stipends, coaching, and job-search support. Info sessions are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:45 AM in East Harlem.

Dates: Fri., May 1 – Fri., Jul. 3 Schedule: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM Eligible: 18+ Apply: Call 212-360-1100 Deadline: TOMORROW Fri., Apr. 24

IT Support

Per Scholas New York | 804 E. 138th St. #2, Bronx

Learners explore secure configuration, complex networking, and Windows Server management, preparing them to address a wide range of technical challenges using industry best practices.

Dates: Mon., May 18 – Mon., Aug. 25 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Eligible: 18+, NYC resident, high school diploma or equivalent, eligible to work after the program Apply: Visit www.perscholas.org/locations/new-york/ — Rolling admissions

Google Professional IT Support Training

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

This employer-linked Google Professional IT Support Class focuses on IT and AI fundamentals.

Dates: Mon., May 18 – Fri., Aug. 21 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Eligible: NYC residents who are un- or underemployed and authorized to work in the U.S. Apply: Attend an in-person information session every Tuesday at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn Deadline: May 12, 2026

English as a Second Language (ESL)

New York Communities for Change Education Program | 470 Vanderbilt Ave., 9th Floor, Brooklyn

NYCC offers free multi-level ESL classes both on Zoom and in-person. Level 1 is offered in the Bronx and Flatbush; Level 2 (beginner-intermediate) is offered in-person in Sunset Park.

Dates: Sep. 21 – June 4 Schedule: Mon. & Wed. or Tue. & Thu., 6:30–9:30 PM

Eligible: Adults 21+ residing in NYC; beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels welcome Apply: Text 917-746-5399 or call 347- 410-6919 Deadline: Until classes are filled

ESOL Job Readiness

Henry Street Settlement | 178 Broome St., Manhattan

These classes are designed for job seekers who are still learning English. Students create resumes, practice answering common interview questions, and conduct job searches with the goal of helping participants find and keep jobs.

Dates: Ongoing Schedule: Mon.–Thu., 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 11:00 AM–1:00 PM Eligible: Adults currently looking for a job with some English and work authorization; low-intermediate and high-intermediate levels Apply: Attend registration on Fridays at 1:00 PM at 178 Broome St., 3rd Floor — Ongoing enrollment

Leadership for Social Impact

Astoria Worker Project (CWE) | 2582 Steinway St., Astoria

This is a free, online 8-week course that brings together strategy, systems thinking, and personal growth for nonprofit staffers, mutual aid volunteers, artists, or public servants working to build a more just, caring world. You'll learn to lead from your values, build meaningful change, and reconnect with your purpose.

Dates: Wed., Apr. 22 – Wed., June 10 Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM Eligible: New Yorkers Apply: Sign up at forms.gle/nm5eRQ6orCu8Wea48 Deadline: The first class has already occurred, but students are welcome to join starting with the second class on April 29th. Just sign up by the 28th!

On April 9th, CWE testified before the City Council in support of the Delivery Protection Act, which would require last-mile delivery facilities to be licensed and to directly employ their workers.

Currently, companies like Amazon rely on subcontractors to sidestep labor protections and liability, leading to injury and retaliation. This bill would put an end to that practice. It would also require that delivery workers receive training from an independent entity on their rights and on how to stay safe on the job. We're proud to stand alongside Teamsters Joint Council 16 in support of this bill.

You can take action right now. Use the link below to send a message directly to your City Council Member urging them to support this bill. It only takes a couple of minutes.

The Sixteenth Annual Clara Lemlich Awards

Monday, May 4 | 6–8 PM | New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023

Free, in person and online

"Join LaborArts and Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition at The New York Society for Ethical Culture for the sixteenth annual Clara Lemlich Social Activist Awards, honoring unsung activists–women who have been working for the larger good all their lives, in the tradition of those who sparked so many reforms in the aftermath of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire."

In Search of Career Prospects, Young New Yorkers Turn to Construction

From the New York Times: "In recent weeks, lines like these, often filled with young people who are eager for careers in construction, have been snaking around union offices. Citing poor job prospects, the costs of college and fears that artificial intelligence may soon take over their jobs, dozens of hopeful and current apprentices said that a job in the trades seemed like the best route for their futures."

Delivery workers can safely charge e-bikes, get some rest at NYC's new Deliverista Hub

From Gothamist: "An unused newspaper kiosk outside of City Hall has been converted into a hub for e-bike delivery workers to swap and charge batteries. There’s also a space inside, about the size of two large bus shelters, for workers to rest, get free tune-ups and get free legal advice on topics like wages or what to do after accidents."

Governor Hochul hopes to manage AI’s effects

From WSYR: "'There are going to be many positions that are not going to be necessary, AI is going to be able to do in a much more effective and efficient manner,' said Marco Carrión, President of the Consortium for Worker Education (CWE) which is the workforce development arm of the New York City Central Labor Council. 'Certain jobs are destroyed, but other jobs are created. So for us just to think about what are the jobs that are going to exist because of it.'"