Member Spotlight: Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW)
NYCETC's Member Spotlight series has been highlight the ways in which workforce organizations have shifted their services to best support their clients and communities during the COVID pandemic and within the post-COVID economy. This week we focus on Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW).
Alexandria Defaria, NEW Graduate and Plumber with Local 1, is one of many NEW tradeswomen building hospitals in New York City to meet the demand of COVID-19 cases. With support from NEW’s employment services during COVID-19, Alexandria was able to maintain employment and give back to her community by installing gas piping for ventilators that are supporting the lives of thousands of New Yorkers affected by COVID-19. “The most recent project I've been working on is North Central Bronx Hospital. We're doing medical gas piping right now. It's for the ventilators. I do feel like I'm a part of something greater than myself,” said Alexandria Defaria. See Alexandia’s story on YouTube alongside those of many NEW graduates.
Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) helps women achieve economic independence by providing training, placement, and social services, with a keen focus on serving low-income women, girls, transgender, and nonbinary individuals entering the building and construction trades in the New York City metropolitan area. These career paths have been historically less accessible to women yet offer the opportunity to fundamentally transform one’s income and wealth. 85 percent of NEW’s students identify as minorities, over 80 percent of clients come from low-income backgrounds and are working minimum wage jobs, and 75 percent are receiving some form of public assistance. With placement wages averaging $19 per hour, NEW graduates gain fulfilling careers, comprehensive benefits, and robust wages.
NEW’s long-term impact on the New York City economy is undeniable: over the last 40 years, NEW has increased the number of women represented in trade careers in New York City from two to seven percent, with many apprenticeships approaching or exceeding 15 percent women. In the last ten years alone, NEW has placed women in over 3,000 industry careers. NEW graduates are working as carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, laborers, plumbers, and operating engineers as a result of unique partnerships between NEW, its Board of Directors, its Ambassador Council, the construction unions, and New York’s real estate industry.
Through its “NEW Conversation” series, the organization has become active in organizing stakeholders in the construction industry - from real estate developers and contractors to unions and training providers - to critically consider their role in the post-COVID recovery process and efforts to ensure that the recovery is inclusive and equitable. So far the series has held two events - Continuing after the PAUSE (June 11) and Building Back NYC with Inclusivity (September 15) - during which NEW's panelists discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the building and construction trades in New York City, including the opportunities for advancing diversity in leadership, and urgency for gender and racial equity in our industry. Through critical conversations about COVID-19, equitable and inclusive recovery models, and diversity and inclusion, NEW's NEW Conversations have facilitated important dialog and facilitated networking and community for industry leaders, as well as NEW students and graduates, during exceptionally difficult and isolated times. NEW will also be part of tomorrow’s JobsFirstNYC event Building an Inclusive Green Economy with Deputy Mayor Philip J. Thompson.
In the face of a global pandemic and economic downturn, NEW’s support of its students and graduates is more important now than ever. Since transitioning to a work from home model, NEW has successfully supported 500 women, trans and nonbinary individuals to engage in NEW's online training and access support services remotely. To supplement the typical opportunities that NEW offers in the building trades apprenticeships, the organization has provided for its graduates by securing opportunities to work in utilities, building management, fabrication and hands-on engineering. For those graduates who face childcare and other barriers to full-time work exacerbated by the pandemic, NEW has been connecting those graduates with high-quality, industry-relevant training such as OSHA-30. As the city moves to reopen various parts of its economy, NEW is establishing protocols to shift to a hybrid training program that is held 65 percent online and 35 percent in person, in shop instruction.
As New York City continues to reopen in the midst of a COVID-impacted economy and way of living, we at NYCETC are working to help you reopen safely and smoothly in order to support your clients, staff, employer partners, and community. To best support you and advocate for stronger policies and greater investment in the workforce development sector, we are asking each member organization to the complete Reopening Survey for Workforce Organizations by Friday, October 2.
This survey asks you to provide us with information on the following topics: financials (including lay offs & furloughs, impact of city budget, PPP), programmatic (impact of COVID on employment services and training programs; the digital divide among clients; plans for reopening), and client demographics and challenges faced.
Given the length and depth of the survey, we have made the survey editable so that you can complete it over time and/or include multiple colleagues in the process (see the instructions on the survey for details on how to do so).
NYCETC Testifies at Green New Deal for New York Rally and Council Hearing on Intro 1947
Yesterday, influential progressive groups, New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and Council Members called for passage of legislation that would require large buildings to make significant emergency efficiency upgrades and dramatically reduce climate pollution. The proposed legislation, Intro 1947, would create thousands of good jobs and improve air quality through an expansion of the city’s “Green New Deal” law of 2019. Buildings are the source of about 70% of NYC’s climate pollution. An online rally for the bill prior to the Council hearing demonstrated broad support for Local Law 97’s requirements and expanding the city’s “Green New Deal” law of 2019 to cover many more large buildings. The de Blasio administration also supports Intro 1947.
NYCETC's Annie Garneva spoke at the rally and testified at the Council hearing on Intro 1947: “COVID-19 and the economic crisis it has created have shown us the deep cracks and instabilities that exist in our local economy. It is our City leaders’ responsibility to empower communities that have been hardest hit by this pandemic and the systemic marginalization and disinvestment that existed prior to it with 21st century careers that will build economic, social and climate resilience across the five boroughs. Intro 1947 would create thousands more quality jobs for low- and moderate-income communities of color in the energy efficiency sector. The City must also invest in training programs in design, renovation and construction so that our communities can turn their talents into the skills and credentials necessary to access these careers.” For more, watch the rally, watch the hearing and read NYCETC's testimony.
Funding Opportunities: Incumbent Worker COVID-19 Recovery Training - Addendums Posted
The Workforce Development Corporation, the NYC Department of Small Business Services, and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity have published addendums answering questions submitted by service providers to the two Request for Proposals (RFPs) for incumbent worker training. These RFPs are focused on providing crucial, in demand skills needed for businesses and their employees during these unprecedented times:
Incumbent Worker COVID-19 Recovery Training RFP - Safety Trainings
Proposals are due by October 6.
Blue Ridge Labs 2021 Fellowship: Applications Open
Blue Ridge Labs is now accepting applications for its 2021 Fellowship. Fellows spend two months doing intensive, community-centric research to scope and define potential solutions. They then have another two months to build, test, and launch their ideas. Past Fellows have built venture-backed companies, tech-enabled nonprofits, open source projects, and more. Applications are due October 9. Selected Fellows receive:
Funding: A full-time stipend, health insurance reimbursement, and research budget
Cofounders: A group of talented peers with complementary skills
Access: The chance to connect with hundreds of users and experts through our Design Insight Group and community partner organizations
Community: an ecosystem of high-impact startups and mentors
Human-Centered Design 101: A Creative Problem-Solving Approach Rooted in Empathy Wednesday, September 23 / 10 am / Info & RSVP
Opportunities Available in the Airport Industry
Wednesday, September 23 / 2 pm / Info & RSVP
Encouraging and Supporting Low-Income Entrepreneurship in the Bronx Thursday, September 24 / 10 - 11:30 am / Info & RSVP
Building an Inclusive Green Economy - Part 3 of Adapting to the Future of Work: Transforming Systems to Advance Young Adult Economic Mobility Thursday, September 24 / 1 pm / Info & RSVP
Economic Inequality Policy Series: The Impacts of COVID-19 on Communities of Color and Policy Insights for an Equitable Economic Recovery Thursday, September 24 / 2 - 3:30 pm / Info & RSVP
New Law on COVID-19 Paid Leave & Back to School: What Nonprofit Employers Need to Know Thursday, September 24 / 3 pm / Info & RSVP
Women in Leadership: Creating a Diverse Online Presence to Thrive in the New Normal Tuesday, September 29 / 12 pm / Info & RSVP
Literacy & Justice (Online) Teach-In: Cancel Rent!
Friday, October 2 / 10 am - 12 pm / Info & RSVP
The Economic Impact of NYC's Nonprofit Sector ft. Comptroller Stringer, NYCETC, ABNY and Nonprofit NY Tuesday, October 6 / 10 - 11 am / Info & RSVP
Building an Inclusive Workplace Through Allyship Wednesday, October 7 / 12 pm / Info & RSVP
NYCETC Mayoral Fireside Chat with Scott Stringer
Thursday, October 10 / 10 - 11:30 am / Info & RSVP
Please send updated program schedule and communications for employment and training programs to agarneva@nycetc.org
Bronx Educational Opportunity Center
Certified NYS EMT program, with official NYS exam included and job placement assistance. HS diploma or equivalency and a valid NYS driver's license required. Program begins October 15. Apply here.
Commonpoint Queens
- Pre-HSE classes: Mon-Thurs remote daytime schedule (synchronous and asynchronous); $150 weekly stipend for 20 weeks
- HSE classes: Mon-Thurs remote daytime schedule (synchronous and asynchronous); $15/hour paid internships for up to 250 hours
- Advanced Training classes: Mon-Fri hybrid daytime schedule (synchronous); $15/hour paid internships for up to 250 hours
The HOPE Program
Currently offering two remote career training programs that provide job placements in various different industries such as construction, maintenance, food service, clerical work, customer service, retail, and many other industries. HOPE is also offering industry certifications such as OSHA-10, OSHA-30, flagger, scaffolding, drug and alcohol awareness, fall prevention, and more. Interested candidates can attend a virtual information session via Zoom that HOPE holds every Tuesday and Thursday at 1PM to learn more about the program and apply.
Young Invincibles
New York Fall 2020 Young Advocates Program is a part-time, paid advocacy and policy fellowship teaches young people about their local and state government, and how to use their voices to affect change in NY higher education. Learn more about the program here. Applications are due Wednesday, August 26.
NMIC Train & Earn is a 6-week PAID certification and training program for opportunity youth ages 16-24 who are out of school and not working at the time of enrollment. Programming will be entirely online, and participants will receive a free Chromebook. Candidates will earn a stipend of up to $500 when they complete certifications and program benchmarks. Candidates receive case management services and job placement assistance while in programming, and incentives upon completion. Begin application process here. YouthBuild: Business Bootcamp is a 5-month program for young adults (17*-24) that provides high school equivalency (HSE) instruction, as well as training in the areas of small business ownership, digital literacy and employment readiness. Candidates receive a stipend while participating and have access to job placement assistance upon completion. The next cohort of YouthBuild will start in September, and classes will be held virtually. Begin application process here.
Seedco
Bridges to Careers program is recruiting for its second cohort, which will run through Zoom. The program serves youth who: live in the South Bronx, are 18-24, and have had involvement in the adult or young adult criminal justice system. B2C connects youth to meaningful career and educational pathways. Seedco offers financial incentives and assistance with housing, child care, legal services, and more. The 3-week program consists of classes such as: Goals Into Action, Managing Stress, Acing the Interview, and Creating Your Resume. If you would like to refer someone to the program, please contact Finda Kofuma at fkofuma@seedco.org or 917-697-1910. Sign up for an info session.
STRIVE Maintenance/Construction Training Program - During this 9 week training clients will receive OSHA 30, RRP, GPRO, Site Safety, 2 hour drug and alcohol awareness along with comprehensive workforce development training. Upon completion of training graduates will receive job placement assistance and lifetime alumni services. Virtual information sessions are being held every Monday and Tuesday @ 10am via ZOOM (see flyer for details).
Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center The MEOC is offering free OSHA 30 Hr. for Construction and Security Officer Training programs in September. NYS residents who are 18 or older and who possess a HS Diploma (or its equivalent) can apply online for our Career Training programs from either a laptop, tablet or mobile device. Upon completion of programs, students will receive industry certifications that can improve chances of gaining employment. The MEOC is working remotely at this time. Additional updates and information for potential applicants can be found here.
Building Skills NY
BSNY is currently virtually recruiting candidates for full-time entry level construction jobs throughout NYC. Candidates that meet BSNY minimum requirements are invited to complete an application online to begin the process and receive an invitation to an upcoming virtual recruitment event. BSNY holds virtual events on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30AM via Zoom. More infohere and upcoming events here.
StreetWise Partners
Currently recruiting for the 13 week mentorship program that assists participants who are un/underemployed gain the tools, skills and resources needed to obtain and maintain employment. Participants receive individualized support from 1 or 2 mentors while learning about career planning, resume writing, interview techniques, networking, LinkedIn, and workplace culture. Participants gain access to a network of thousands of volunteer professionals, mentees, and alumni graduates; as well as, ongoing professional development opportunities and job updates. To sign up for an info session click here. New dates and times added weekly. Recruitment will be open until the end of August. Program starts on the week of September 8.
Project Renewal
Project Renewal’s Next Step Internship Program is an 8-week training program for careers in homeless services. As part of the program, trainees will gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as frontline essential workers in homeless shelters. The training is a combination of virtual instructor-led training and paid internships in homeless shelters. Trainees will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and will receive job placement services upon graduation. Trainees must have a High School Diploma or Equivalency. Also must be available to work flexible hours. Register for a virtual info session here.
CUNY School of Professional Studies
The Career Development Center at the Early Childhood Institute is committed to facilitating the connection between early childhood educators and programs serving young children and their families, especially during this time of uncertainty. Early childhood programs in need of teachers and support staff can learn more here, and early childhood educators or a recent graduates looking for work can learn more here.
NYC Adult Literacy Programs Accepting New Students
See full list here. Request to be added by completing this form.
The Actors Fund
The Career Center offers a comprehensive suite of online programs and services that help entertainment industry and performing arts professionals identify and find sideline work and discover new careers outside the industry. See workshop calendar.
Nontraditional Employment for Women
Nontraditional Employment for Women is now conducting information sessions on-line! Every Tuesday at 10 am and Wednesday at 6 pm. Register for an info session. Requirements include: eligible to work in the US; HS Diploma or HSE; interested in hands-on training to join a career path in the construction field.
Upwardly Global - Immigrant Professionals Employment Program Upwardly Global supports Immigrant and Refugee New Yorkers to navigate the U.S. professional job search process through a free online Job Search Training Program, customized job coaching, invitations to network and practice interviewing with our employer partners, access to reskilling and training opportunities, and more. Currently all services are provided virtually. More Info
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
Brooklyn Networks has moved its weekly Info Sessions online until further notice. Please direct candidates here to register. Brooklyn Networks is a free data cable training program seeking motivated, reliable individuals who are interested in technology and working with their hands. Graduates are BICSI and OSHA 30 certified, and receive top-quality Job Readiness Training so they can get hired quickly into fulfilling, well-paid careers.
