Brooklyn Workforce Innovations helps jobless and working poor New Yorkers establish careers in sectors that offer good wages and opportunities for advancement.

Currently BWI offers free job training programs in four industries: commercial driving, telecommunications cable installation, TV and film production, and skilled woodworking.

Brooklyn Woods trains individuals in the basics of woodworking, preparing them for entry-level jobs in woodwork and related fields. Upon successful completion of the program, job placement assistance is provided.  About 85% of successful graduates obtain entry level employment at a starting wage approximately $11.50 per hour.

This free, seven-week, full time training course (Mon-Fri from 8 AM to 4 PM) includes instructions in:

• The proper use of hand tools, power tools, and woodworking machinery
• An introduction to finishing and sanding, veneering, wood identification, and reading shop drawings
• How to cut, machine, sand, and assemble a cabinet
• Shop math and measurement
• Comprehensive safety training including a 10-hour OSHA course
• Soft skills training to aid in getting and keeping employment
• Job placement assistance (for successful graduates)

Minimum Requirements

To be Eligible Applicants MUST:

• Have minimal or some experience working with wood or as a laborer, as a carpenter’s helper, in a trade or working with your hands
• Have a strong interest in working in woodworking or a related field as a career
• Be unemployed or underemployed
• Be able to attend class Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM for 7 weeks
• Be 21 years or older
• Resident of NYC; Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Pass an 8th grade reading test and 6th grade math test
• Be physically fit/able to lift 70 lbs.                                                                                            

Those receiving public assistance, including food stamps, and individuals with criminal backgrounds are welcome to apply. Individuals who have previously completed a BWI training program are not eligible to take another BWI training.

Only two more chances to apply to Brooklyn Woods upcoming May-June woodworking training program. To apply, you must attend an Information Session on Wednesday, either April 20 or April 27 at 10 AM.

No RSVP is necessary! Just come Wednesday at 10 AM!  the information session lasts about 2.5 hours. Detailed information will be provided about the program and give a reading, math and measurement test that day.

Location: 125 8th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue) in Brooklyn.

Subway: Take R Train to 9th Street or F/G Trains to 4th Avenue. Walk north on 4th Avenue to 8th Street and make a left. Walk down 8th Street, cross 3rd Avenue and continue until you see a gray metal door marked 125. Ring the buzzer for Brooklyn Woods, which is located on the 2nd floor.

Car drivers: Please note that street parking is extremely difficult to find on 8th Street and the surrounding blocks.

For information, please contact Drew Furnari, Program Associate 718-389-3636 x0 or email at dfurnari@bwiny.org