Welcome to the first edition of Work in Progress!

Being a worker in NYC can be tough. The Consortium for Worker Education (CWE) exists to change that, building worker power through education.

Whether you're looking to break into a new field, sharpen skills in your current profession, or learn a new language, we believe workers deserve to know what's out there. Every edition of Work in Progress, we'll bring you a straightforward 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'll also be covering the issues and events that matter to working people in this city. If there's something you want to see covered, reply to this email. We'll try to read every one.

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Here's what you can sign up for today:

Carpenters Pre-Apprenticeship Training

NYC Carpenters Training Center | 395 Hudson St., Manhattan

This 4-week program (also known as BuildingWorks) prepares you for the NYC District Council of Carpenters Apprenticeship, including 40 hours of site safety training and strategies to complete the 4-year apprenticeship.

Dates: Mon., Apr. 6 – Fri., May 1, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 7:00 AM–3:30 PM Eligible: 17+, eligible to work in the U.S., high school diploma or equivalent, physically able to perform trade work Apply: Complete the online application at nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org/buildingworks-application by 12pm on Mar. 30, 2026

HVAC Training

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

This free 7-week, 200-hour program combines classroom and hands-on training in high-efficiency HVAC and heat pumps, earning graduates 11 industry-recognized certifications including OSHA 30, EPA Section 608, and GPRO Mechanical.

Dates: Mon., Apr. 6 – Fri., May 22, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: NYC residents ages 18–24, authorized to work in the U.S. Apply: Attend an in-person Building Trades Info Session — held every Wednesday at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave. Deadline: Apr. 1, 2026

AI-Enabled IT Support

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

This beginner-level program covers secure configuration, networking, and Windows Server management, preparing learners to address a wide range of technical challenges using industry best practices.

Dates: Mon., Apr. 6 – Mon., Jul. 14, 2026 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 perscholas.org/locations/new-york/ — Rolling admissions

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

St. Nicks Alliance | 92 Throop Ave., Brooklyn

This 12-week program leads to a Google Professional Certificate and includes work readiness and digital literacy training.

Dates: Mon., Apr. 6 – Fri., Jul. 10, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: NYC residents 18+, authorized to work in the U.S. Apply: Attend an in-person Tech Info Session, held Tuesdays at 1:00 PM at 92 Throop Ave. Deadline: Mar. 31, 2026

Computer Literacy (Beginner & Intermediate)

CIANA | 36-12 34th Ave., 2nd Floor, Queens

Small-group and one-on-one computer instruction for beginners and intermediate learners covering essential computer applications and skills.

Dates: Ongoing Schedule: Mon./Wed. at 12:00 PM; Tue./Thu. at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM Eligible: Adults Apply: Call 718-545-4040 — Ongoing enrollment

Excel (Intermediate)

Workers United Education Program (CWE) | 83 Maiden Ln, Manhattan

Build on your Excel basics with data filters, charts, PivotTables, and conditional formatting. A beginner-level Excel course is also available.

Dates: Tue., Apr. 14 – Tue., Jun. 2, 2026 Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:00–9:00 PM Eligible: Must have completed Excel Beginner; computer/laptop with Zoom required Apply: Call 212-229-9221 or email your name and cell number to Vickie Leung at vleung@cwe.org by Apr. 1, 2026

Spanish classes

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

CWE's Astoria Worker Project is offering Spanish as a second language for mutual aid. Come learn Spanish, practice your skills, and build community.

Dates: Apr. 2 – Jun. 5 Schedule: Biweekly Thursdays at 1:00 PM starting Apr. 2; Biweekly Fridays at 5:00 PM starting Apr. 10 Eligible: Open to all skill levels Apply: Sign up here!

English as a Second Language (Beginner & Intermediate)

Ansob Center for Refugees | 2819 Steinway St., 2nd Floor, Queens

ESL classes at beginner and intermediate levels to help students improve English proficiency.

Dates: April–June 2026 Eligible: NYC residents 21+ Apply: Call 718-278-4303, email info@ansob.org, or visit Mon.–Thu., 10:00 AM–5:30 PM — Ongoing enrollment

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (In-Person & Virtual)

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT) | 882 3rd Ave., Suite 10-10NE, Brooklyn

Free evening English classes at multiple proficiency levels to help adults build confidence and communication skills for work and everyday life.

Dates: Ongoing / Rolling enrollment (started Mar. 2, 2026) Schedule: In-Person: Mon.–Thu., 5:00–8:00 PM | Virtual: Tue. & Thu., 5:00–8:00 PM Eligible: Adults 18+, NYC resident; photo ID and proof of address and income required Apply: Visit OBT's Sunset Park site, email outreach@obtjobs.org, or call 718-369-0303 Open registration while seats are available

Citizenship Class (In-Person & Virtual)

Ansob Center for Refugees | 2819 Steinway St., Queens

Prepare for your citizenship exam by studying civics and U.S. history, including the 128 required exam questions. Online and in-person sessions available.

Dates: Wed., Apr. 1 – Wed., Jun. 10, 2026 Schedule: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM Eligible: NYC residents Apply: Call 718-278-4303, email info@ansob.org, or visit Mon.–Thu., 10:00 AM–5:30 PM in Astoria — Ongoing enrollment

Civics Class (Virtual)

CIANA | 36-12 34th Ave., 2nd Floor, Astoria

An online course covering U.S. history and government to prepare adults for the naturalization exam, including reading and writing the 128 civics questions. Intermediate English or above required.

Dates: Ongoing Schedule: Mon. & Wed., 10:30 AM–12:00 PM Eligible: Adults 18+ with intermediate-level English Apply: Call 718-545-4040 — Ongoing enrollment

Access to Capital Workshop (One Day Workshop)

Queens Economic Development Corporation | 120-55 Queens Blvd, Atrium, Queens

Meet lenders, explore financing options, and get practical guidance on preparing your business for funding. Open to all levels.

Date: Thu., Apr. 9, 2026, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Eligible: Anyone interested in business funding Apply: Register here by Apr. 8, 2026

Security Guard Training

Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers (CWE) | 83 Maiden Ln, Manhattan

This three-week program provides hands-on technical training, career guidance, and job readiness instruction to prepare participants for employment in security.

Dates: Mon., Apr. 20 – Mon., May 11, 2026 Schedule: Mon.–Fri., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eligible: 18+, high school diploma or equivalent, able to pass a background check Apply: Attend an info session by Apr. 15, 2026. Email fstange@cwe.org with any issues.

GED / HSE Preparation

HANAC | 27-40 Hoyt Ave. South, Queens

Students receive instruction across all four GED subject areas through the HSE curriculum to earn a New York State High School Diploma equivalent.

Dates: Now through Jun. 11, 2026 Schedule: Tue. & Thu., 6:00–9:00 PM Eligible: 21+, NYC resident, strong English comprehension Apply: Schedule an entrance exam appointment with Ali Reza at AReza@hanac.org — Deadline: End of April 2026

Annual Commemoration of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

CWE joined Workers United/SEIU (ILGWU), the NYC Central Labor Council, and the Remember Triangle Fire Coalition at their annual commemoration of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. The 1911 factory fire killed 146 garment workers, mostly young immigrant women, and exposed dangerous working conditions that spurred major labor and safety reforms. Union members from over 25 locals gathered to honor the workers who perished. NYC CLC President Brendan Griffith, NYC Deputy Mayor of Economic Justice Julie Su, AFT President Randi Weingarten, and NYS DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon delivered powerful and poignant remarks.

NYU Faculty Union Wins Major Gains in Deal to End Strike

From Gothamist: "Striking faculty returned to work Wednesday having won “the highest minimum salaries of any unionized full-time, non-tenure track faculty in the country,” Brendan Hogan, a philosophy professor and spokesperson for Contract Faculty United-UAW, said in a statement."