New York Top Job Training Programs

The School of Cooperative Technical Education (Coop Tech) is a half-day vocational program that offers students hands-on training in a variety of in demand and cutting edge trade areas. Coop Tech services students from all five boroughs who are 17-21 years of age.

Program Benefits:
Coop Tech has an Office of Work-Based Learning that provides career training workshops and resources to all students, which provides job readiness skills, knowledge of basic safety and OSHA procedures, CPR, and real world of work exposure. Each student can be matched with one of Coop Tech’s intern partnership sites. Upon completion of a Coop Tech course, students receive a Certificate of Completion from Coop Tech.

Program Start Dates:

• Applications for Spring 2025 is now closed.

Interested?
Get more information here.

The Marcy Lab School is a free, intensive, one-year hybrid program designed to prepare individuals, aged 18-24 years old, for a successful career in tech without the need for a traditional college degree. Through a hands-on curriculum, students develop the technical skills, habits, and mindset necessary for a rewarding, purpose-driven career. With a focus on mentorship, community, and real-world projects, Marcy Lab School helps students build a strong network and gain the experience needed to thrive in the tech industry.

Program Benefits:
In addition to being a free program, students are provided with textbooks, a laptop, and a small stipend. The program also includes a Leadership and Development curriculum, offering leadership seminars, coaching, and valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. Upon completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion and are typically positioned for roles such as “Software Engineer I,” “Associate Software Engineer,” or “Apprentice Software Engineer,” with an average first-year salary of $100,000.

Program Start Dates:

• Application Deadline: March 9, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
• First Day of Software Engineering Fellowship: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Interested?
Complete your application and apply now.

Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the country and has been operating for more than 50 years. The free program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. Job Corps has trained and educated over two million individuals since 1964.

Program Benefits:

At Job Corps, students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment. Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship, go on to higher education, or join the military.

Interested?
Enroll here.

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT) believes in empowering individuals to break the cycle of poverty and inequality through education, job training, and employment. Through OBT’s advanced training programs participants are able to gain valuable skills in burgeoning industries.

Program Benefits:
Through OBT’s free advanced training programming, participants are provided specialized, hands-on training in high-demand industries such as technology, construction, and healthcare. These programs include industry-recognized certifications, professional development, and connections to employment opportunities, ensuring participants are ready to thrive in their chosen field.

Interested?
Discover programs here.

The Door’s mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. Their comprehensive, integrated, free jobs & internships program will give you so much more than just a job placement. They will help you explore different career paths and gain the skills to help you find and keep the right job.

Program Benefits:
While benefits vary depending on the program, all opportunities are free and open to young people ages 16-24. Additionally, many programs offer paid training opportunities, certification completion support, and job placement assistance.

Interested?
Locations vary depending on the program. Some are based at the Manhattan Youth Center location in SoHo; some are based at the Bronx Youth Center location; and others are available in both locations. Each program has a specific point of contact. Use this link to explore the next steps you need to take based on your program of interest.

First Course NYC is a program for eligible New Yorkers who are passionate about starting a food service career in a demanding NYC restaurant kitchen, and are willing and able to commit to full-time training and employment.

Program Benefits:
This program offers eight weeks of free, hands-on culinary training led by experienced restaurant professionals, preparing you for entry into a restaurant kitchen. Throughout the training, you’ll earn the NYC Food Protection Certificate and have the opportunity to work and continue learning as a paid, full-time apprentice in a demanding restaurant kitchen.

Interested?
Want to learn more? Register for an Information Session here!

Roundabout Theater Company fosters the next generation of dynamic theatre professionals through Career and Workforce development programs. Through the two programs, Theatrical Administration and Theatrical Tech, participants are able to hone in on the behind-the-scenes artistic operations of theater management.

Program Benefits:
Both Career Training programs are free. Throughout the duration of the fellowship, students are compensated, receive monthly MetroCards, a housing stipend, and they are eligible for health insurance.

Theatrical Administration: A full time, year long career development fellowship that focuses on increasing access to careers in the arts and entertainment industry. Fellows receive on-the-job mentorship and training, career building seminars, and networking opportunities.

Theatrical Tech: A three-year program that trains behind-the-scenes theater technicians. Participants range from 18-24 years old and work hands-on in four disciplines while training with some of the industry’s top working professionals. Participants are paid and after three years, transition into the workforce full time.

Interested?
Applications goes live traditionally in the Spring. Express interest in the tech program here!

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) assists individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development.

Program Benefits:
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors guide individuals through service programs they need to reach their employment goal. Services that are provided include: Assessments to identify skills, abilities, and interests, career counseling and guidance, training at a vocational school, community college, or on the job, supported employment, and job placement and retention.

Interested?
Submit  your ACCES- VR application here!