NYCHA RESIDENT TRAINING ACADEMY

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Resident Training Academy connects public housing residents to training and careers with NYCHA. BWI and our partners prepare trainees for a range of opportunities, including caretaker and construction-related roles. The application process begins with NYCHA’s Resident Economic Empowerment Services (REES) unit. Accepted applicants participate in up to six weeks of full-time training. That is followed by an application process that could lead to a strong career path with NYCHA.

OUR TRAINEES

NYCHA Resident Training Academy trainees are unemployed or underemployed New Yorkers who are on the lease in a NYCHA housing development. Trainees faced significant barriers launching their careers. No experience is needed before training. We’re looking for people who are ready to work hard and make a long-term professional commitment.

Since program inception in 2010, there have been more than 1,500 NRTA graduates, over 80% of whom have been placed into jobs. They work with NYCHA in the titles of Caretaker J, Caretaker M, Pest Control Technician, Emergency Service Aide, City Service Aide and Maintenance Aide. Some NRTA graduates work in various construction-related positions with NYCHA contractors. There are also graduates who have advanced into roles such as Supervisor of Caretakers and Heating Plant Technician.

OUR PROGRAM

Our training programs combine job readiness skills with the technical training needed to succeed on the job. Caretaker J training, BWI’s most frequently-offered training opportunity, is 3 weeks in length, full time. A portion of the training is held at one of BWI’s training sites, followed by hands-on instruction at NYCHA’s customized training facility in Brooklyn, combined with some off-site visits. To learn more about other NYCHA Resident Training Academy tracks, visit Opportunity NYCHA.

The NYCHA Resident Training Academy programs are offered free of charge. However, trainees must be able to cover their personal expenses during the training and job search; we are unable to provide stipends.

WHAT COMES AFTER TRAINING

NYCHA offers strong career opportunities and jobs that pay competitive wages, include family health benefits, and lead to union access. BWI prepares trainees to begin the formal application process with NYCHA during our training program, and all of our graduates are considered for hire. Ultimately, however, it is NYCHA’s decision whether to hire an Academy graduate. BWI’s NYCHA Resident Training Academy team is there to help during this process and after they begin work; we support graduates for up to two years following training.