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FAQ

Below are the most-frequently asked questions about NEW—and their answers.
  1. What can I learn at NEW?
  2. Am I eligible to study at NEW?
  3. How can I register for classes?
  4. What is the admissions process?
  5. What is the difference between the day and evening programs?
  6. What does "nontraditional employment" mean?
  7. What kind of tests will I need to take before I am admitted into the program?
  8. Am I too old for this kind of training?
  9. What are some of the challenges women face in blue-collar fields?
  10. Does NEW provide childcare?
  11. What is "apprenticeship"?
  12. What is "pre-apprenticeship"?
  13. Can I choose my courses?
  14. What kind of job-placement assistance can I expect once I finish the training?
  15. Where are graduates placed?
  16. Where is NEW located?

What can I learn at NEW?

  • Basic carpentry, electricity, painting, and plumbing
  • Job safety
  • Trades math
  • Health and physical fitness
  • Blueprint reading
  • Interview strategies
  • Employment rights and responsibilities
  • Life skills

Am I eligible to study at NEW?
You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Other requirements, specific to each program, are described at orientation sessions.

How can I register for classes?
All applicants must attend an orientation session before being considered for our programs. At orientation, you will fill out an application and learn about our curriculum and eligibility requirements. For a schedule of upcoming classes and to register for orientation, contact us at (212) 627-6252 or send an email.

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What is the admissions process?
  1. Attend orientation at NEW.
  2. Complete appropriate paperwork.
  3. If determined eligible, attend an interview with NEW's program director.
What is the difference between the day and evening programs?
NEW's day program, Blue-Collar Prep, is our six-week core training. It is a comprehensive full-time program that combines an introduction to the trades; hands-on instruction in carpentry, basic electricity, plumbing, painting, and blueprint reading; health and safety training; and trades math.

Our night program, Construction Trades Prep, is for women who have some blue-collar work experience, military experience, or technical training and are interested in careers in the building and construction trades. The program is held three evenings and one Saturday a week for six weeks. The curriculum includes hands-on shop work, trades math, and an overview of career opportunities in the apprenticeship system.

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What does "nontraditional employment" mean?
The U.S. Department of Labor defines nontraditional occupations as those in which women comprise less than 25 percent of the total workers. This category includes a vast range of jobs. NEW focuses on skilled blue-collar work, because it pays more and provides better benefits, even to those without college degrees.

What kind of tests will I need to take before I am admitted into the program?
You will be tested in math and reading, in order to help NEW evaluate your ability to complete the training requirements.

Am I too old for this kind of training?
The main requirements of blue-collar work are good physical health and the ability to lift and carry heavy objects.

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What are some of the challenges women face in blue-collar fields?
  • Blue-collar professions are physically and mentally demanding. Most jobs require very early hours and lots of lifting and carrying.
  • Year-round outdoor work is required in most jobs—even on the coldest winter and hottest summer days.
  • Few than 3 percent of construction workers are women. Blue-collar women must be prepared to work in an all-male environment.

Does NEW provide childcare?
NEW does not provide childcare, but we will direct you to a number of childcare referral agencies in your area. Ongoing childcare counseling is available throughout the training period at NEW.

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What is "apprenticeship"?
Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job-training and classroom studies in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. An apprentice is supervised by a journey-level craftsperson. It takes several years to become fully trained, depending on the trade.

What is "pre-apprenticeship"?
Pre-apprenticeship prepares you to compete for apprenticeships and other skilled work in the building and construction industries. The NEW curriculum focuses on hands-on instruction in carpentry, electrical wiring, and plumbing; applied math; tool safety and identification; physical conditioning; and exploring nontraditional careers.

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Can I choose my courses?
No. Students must complete all components of the training.

What kind of job-placement assistance can I expect once I finish the training?
NEW works closely with each graduate to help her explore various career options. Upon entry into the program, each student will develop a plan to achieve her employment goal. NEW actively supports this process through mock interviews and by helping graduates arrange interviews with potential employers.

We track our graduates for a minimum of one year after graduation to ensure that they are progressing in their jobs, and we continue to make available our referral and advocacy services on employment issues, housing, childcare, and other job-related services.

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Where are graduates placed?
NEW graduates work in the building and construction industry through a variety of union apprenticeship programs; in the transportation industry as track and train maintenance workers; and in the cable, telephone, and utilities industries.

Where is NEW located?
NEW is housed in the Judith P. Vladeck Center for Women, a refurbished firehouse in Chelsea. The address is 243 West 20th Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), New York, NY, 10011.

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Over half of the most common trades in New York City's construction industry pay more than $20 per hour.