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

BWI’s mission is to empower low- and moderate–income people by creating living-wage employment and access to career paths. BWI seeks to develop programs that counter prevailing market inequalities (especially those based on race or gender) and contribute to a broader movement for economic justice.

Want to work but need a license?

New York Drives is an exciting and free program that allows for people to receive their driver’s license and attending training programs focusing on TV/Film Production, Cable Installation, and Wood Working.

BWI’s New York Drives offers students:

• Driving lessons to prepare for the New York States licensing road test
• Connection to BWI training programs in woodworking, TV/film production, and cable installation
• Career readiness workshops to help you get more out of your job search
• Grant to cover all class, road test, and license fees

New York Drives provides three weeks of part-time professional development skills training followed by three to four weeks of part-time driving lessons. After participants successfully pass the road test, graduates can apply to one of BWI's setor-based trainig programs leading to skilled employmet. All programs include 2 years of job placement assistance. Trainees receive ongoing social supports through Single Stop.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a NYC resident
• 21 years or older
• Must be able to obtain a permit
• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Qualify as low–income or unemployed
• Have full-time availability (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Orientations are held every week (No RSVP Required) Thursday 2 p.m. at 621 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Please be on time. Late comers will not be admitted.

Accessible by the R Train to Union Street or the 2, 3, 4, 5, N, B, D, Q Trains to Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street. Go eight blocks down 4th and make a right onto Degraw Street.

For information, please contact New York Drives at CBridgewater@bwiny.org or 718-237-2017 ext. 143.

For more information on free job training programs, please visit Job Search Central online or in person at 188 Madison Street at 34th Street.