By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Friday awarded $2.1 million to nine organizations to create, expand, and implement apprenticeships in diverse sectors and connect more underserved New Yorkers to good-paying careers. The funding will help three organizations develop new apprenticeship programs and another six organizations grow existing programs.
The awardees announced today responded to two requests for proposals – one RFP for planning and one RFP for implementation – released by NYC Talent to foster the development of new apprenticeships; create new programming in high-demand careers; and diversify sectors that use apprenticeships to hire, train, and retain talent. All nine awardees will also contribute to NYC Talent’s Apprenticeship Accelerator, which brings together over 50 talent development practitioners from key sectors to grow the number of apprenticeship opportunities, champion apprenticeship in new industries, examine policy and practice barriers, and make apprenticeships more accessible for all New Yorkers.
The following organizations have been awarded grants to develop new apprenticeship programs:
- Pursuit: to expand pathways to careers in technology for diverse New Yorkers.
- On Ramps: to build a community of employers, mentors, and job seekers in information technology and software development.
- Spectrum U: to develop programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers for neurodivergent job seekers.
The following organizations have been awarded grants to grow and implement apprenticeship programs:
- New Jewish Home: to create a registered apprenticeship program for certified nursing assistants for out of school or out-of-work young adults.
- Per Scholas: to diversify the technology sector in high-growth occupations through rigorous technology training and relationships with employer networks.
- CUNY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute: to help reduce the shortage of qualified child-care workers.
- Pursuit: to create registered apprenticeships in software development and other emerging technology occupations.
- Open Classrooms: to expand its online training for in-demand information technology roles.
- Kennedy Children’s Center: to increase the number of registered apprentices in its teacher training program.
Historically, apprenticeship opportunities in the Big Apple have overwhelmingly focused on the construction industry and other skilled trades. Under the Adams administration, tThe amount of non-construction apprenticeship programs has grown by 62 percent, including new programs in health care, technology, culinary arts, and public service.
“Apprenticeships are a valuable tool to uplift our fellow New Yorkers, giving them the ability to stand on their own two feet and enjoy rewarding, meaningful careers. Employers benefit from increased productivity and less turnover. As we celebrate ‘Jobs Week,’ the unprecedented jobs growth continues with this $2.1 million investment in apprenticeships for exciting careers in fields ranging from IT to health care,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), a candidate for City Comptroller. “Nine partner organizations will have the power to train hundreds of New Yorkers and set them on a path to a career, while putting us on a path to reach the ‘30×30’ goal of providing 30,000 New Yorkers with apprenticeship opportunities by 2030. I am proud of my work toward this goal, helping pass Community Hiring legislation to empower the city to recruit for apprenticeships people from disadvantaged communities. Together, we will continue taking job creation to new heights in our city.”
