Brooklyn Woods is a free, full-time training program in woodworking skills, cabinetmaking and fabrication. In only seven weeks, trainees learn how to safely and properly care for hand tools, power tools and woodworking machinery; shop production, finishing techniques and cabinet installation; shop math, measurement and mechanical drawing. We also provide comprehensive safety training, including the 30 hour OSHA General Construction Safety and Health class.

Outside of our core sector-based trainings, BWI develops customized training opportunities in partnership with local employers and other community-based organizations. We work with key partners including the Brooklyn Navy Yard Employment Center, the Industry City Innovation Lab, and others to match a skilled-up labor force with employers at the Navy Yard, Industry City, and the surrounding communities.

The “Made in NY” PA Training Program is a collaboration between BWI and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Our mission is to give unemployed and low-income New Yorkers the chance to work on New York sets and build careers in this dynamic field of film and television production.

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Resident Training Academy provides skills training and placement for NYCHA residents, helping them to access various careers with NYCHA and its contractors. The Academy most frequently offers training for positions as Housing Caretakers and for construction positions. In the past, we have also trained for Pest Control Technician, Painter’s Apprentice and Maintenance positions.

Red Hook on the Road is BWI’s longest-running and largest training program. The program offers classroom-based and behind-the-wheel training leading to a NYS Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). We then help hundreds of graduates each year access jobs as drivers of school buses, trucks, paratransit vehicles and other commercial vehicles that move people and products throughout the city.

The KindWork Customer Experience Fellowship is a free 4-week training program that covers customer support software platforms and best practices to prepare students for work in Customer Experience, Customer Support, or Customer Success careers in the technology sector.