Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) helps jobless and working poor New Yorkers establish careers in sectors that offer good wages and opportunities for advancement.
BWI’s mission is to empower low- and moderate–income people by creating living-wage employment and access to career paths. BWI seeks to develop programs that counter prevailing market inequalities (especially those based on race or gender) and contribute to a broader movement for economic justice.
Want to work but need a license?
New York Drives is an exciting and free program that allows for people to receive their driver’s license and attending training programs focusing on TV/Film Production, Cable Installation, and Wood Working.
BWI’s New York Drives offers students:
- Driving lessons to prepare for the New York States licensing road test
- Connection to BWI training programs in woodworking, TV/film production, and cable installation
- Career readiness workshops to help you get more out of your job search
- Grant to cover all class, road test, and license fees
New York Drives provides three weeks of part-time professional development skills training followed by three to four weeks of part-time driving lessons. After participants successfully pass the road test, graduates can apply to one of BWI's setor-based trainig programs leading to skilled employmet. All programs include 2 years of job placement assistance. Trainees receive ongoing social supports through Single Stop.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be a NYC resident
- 21 years or older
- Must be able to obtain a permit
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- Qualify as low–income or unemployed
- Have full-time availability (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Orientations are held every week (No RSVP Required) Thursday 2 p.m. at 621 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Please be on time. Late comers will not be admitted.
Accessible by the R Train to Union Street or the 2, 3, 4, 5, N, B, D, Q Trains to Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street. Go eight blocks down 4th and make a right onto Degraw Street.
For information, please contact New York Drives at CBridgewater@bwiny.org or 718-237-2017 ext. 163.
For more information on free job training programs, please visit Job Search Central online or in person at 188 Madison Street at 34th Street.