Welcome to Work in Progress!

We're bringing you a 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 construction, to healthcare, to ESL! We also have an upcoming job fair and rally to promote.

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

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

CWE Job Fair with Assembly Member Moreno

September 9th | 10:00AM - 3:00PM | 38-33 24th St, Astoria

In conjunction with Assembly Member Moreno's office, CWE is hosting a job fair for the construction, maintenance, transportation, industrial, and security industries in Astoria. Come meet employers and find your next job! RSVP here to attend.

NYC Labor Day Rally

September 8th | 4:30PM - 7:00PM | Liberty Street between Church Street & Broadway

Stand in solidarity with the New York City Labor Movement, in support of worker rights and freedom. More info here.

CWE recognized by the Mayor's Office of Nonprofit Services with the Operational Excellence Award

From the NYC Mayor's Office: “'Our City relies on nonprofit partners who show up for New Yorkers every day,' said Mayor Mamdani. 'These organizations are an essential part of our social safety net, providing housing, health care, education, legal services and so much more. This week, my administration was proud to celebrate their work and reaffirm our commitment to making sure they have the support they need to serve New Yorkers.'”

A Fight Brews Between Mamdani and Amazon Over Delivery Workers

From the New York Times: "Mayor Zohran Mamdani is throwing his support behind the union-backed legislation that is at the core of that battle. On Monday, Mr. Mamdani announced that he backs the Delivery Protection Act, a measure pending before the City Council that is aimed at regulating the “last-mile” operations of Amazon, FedEx and other distribution companies. It would require them to hire delivery workers rather than relying on contractors."

Now, here are the free worker classes happening soon in NYC:

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., Sept. 14 – Fri., Oct. 9, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 7:00 AM–3:00 PM Eligible: 17+, HS diploma or equivalent, must pass a drug screen Apply: Complete the online application at nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org/buildingworks-application (must upload HS diploma or GED) by Sept. 4, 2026, 12:00 PM

Construct Forward

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

This NYSDOL-certified pre-apprenticeship program, offered in partnership with Kingsborough Community College, provides OSHA-30 and site safety certification along with hands-on training in carpentry, electrical work, and renewable energy, plus paid internship opportunities.

Dates: Starts Tue., Sept. 8, 2026; runs 3 months Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–3:00 PM Eligible: NYC resident, ages 18–30, HS diploma or GED Apply: obtjobs.org/registration-page by Sept. 22, 2026

Yoga & Social Therapy

Astoria Worker Project (Consortium for Worker Education) & CiTG | 37-63 83rd St. #1B, Jackson Heights

This is a space to heal in community, connecting with one another, learning breathing techniques, and moving the body with awareness.

Dates: Sat., Sept. 19 – Sun., Nov. 29, 2026 Schedule: Saturdays at 1:00 PM Eligible: Spanish speakers, trans people, and the LBTQI+ community Apply: Email dcardona@cwe.org by Sept. 18

ESL & Welcome to NY

Astoria Worker Project (Consortium for Worker Education) & CiTG | 37-63 83rd St. #1B, Jackson Heights

This class covers A1 and A2 English content while supporting participants adjusting to NYC and connecting them with services they need. Offered for trans people and welcoming to the broader LGBTQI+ community.

Dates: Thurs., Sept. 17 – Fri., Dec. 11, 2026 Schedule: Thurs. & Fri., 2:30–5:00 PM Apply: Email dcardona@cwe.org or come to class by Oct. 1

Certified Nurse Assistant Program (CNA)

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

This NYS-approved CNA training program, offered in partnership with Kingsborough Community College, includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, supervised clinical experience, and BLS/CPR certification, preparing participants to sit for the NYS CNA Certification Exam.

Dates: Starts Tue., Sept. 8, 2026; runs 3 months Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–3:00 PM Eligible: Ages 18–24, HS diploma or GED, living in any of the 5 boroughs Apply: obtjobs.org/registration-page by Sept. 22

Young Professionals Institute (Pre-GED/GED)

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

This HSE program builds workplace skills, industry credentials, and career mentoring to prepare participants for the GED, with both Pre-GED and GED tracks offered.

Dates: Starts Tue., Sept. 8, 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 Sept. 22, 2026

Google Professional Data Analytics
St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

This free, credentialed 12-week training leads to a Google Professional Certificate in data analytics, with employment support included.

Dates: Tue., Sept. 8 – Fri., Dec. 4, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: NYC resident, 18+, work authorized, fluent in English, must pass a 7th-grade TABE test and digital literacy test Apply: Attend an in-person info session every Tuesday at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn, by Sept. 1, 2026

Financial Services Training
St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

This free 8-week course builds interviewing, customer service, cash handling, and communication skills for careers in financial services, and includes job readiness and job placement support.

Dates: Mon., Oct. 5 – Wed., Nov. 25, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Eligible: NYC resident, 18+, work authorized, fluent in English, must pass a 7th-grade TABE test Apply: Attend an in-person info session every Thursday at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn, by Oct. 1, 2026