PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM WITH SIU 

KCC’s Pre-Apprenticeship Marine Careers Training program prepares students for the Seafarers International Union (SIU) Pre-Apprenticeship program. This training starts with a 12-hr introduction to maritime pathways class at Kingsborough Community College and provides assistance with the SIU Apprenticeship application, a stipend to cover the cost of obtaining your Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), travel to Piney Point, Maryland for your training, and much, much more! 

Once accepted into the SIU apprenticeship program, classes, meals and lodging are free while you are training at the SIU training facility in Piney Point, MD. Graduates are also guaranteed a first job aboard one of the SIU’s contracted vessels! This training and credentialing pathways program is ideal for those seeking a career in maritime that can eventually lead to jobs within Offshore Wind. In partnership with Seafarers International Union (S.I.U.), the largest North American union representing merchant mariners.

Click Here for SIU x KCC Pre-Apprenticeship Screening Application

Duration and Location of the program: 16 week training at the SIU training facility in Piney Point, Maryland and an additional 2-6 months working and training out at sea with SIU. Total of 4 months of training before becoming a Seafarers International Union member.

Applications are ongoing and start dates are filled as the requirements to participate in this program have been met.

To receive updates or more information on this program please reach out to Maria.Gelman@kbcc.cuny.edu

Eligibility: TABE test all students for 9th grade reading level. Copy of a valid U.S. passport. 18+ or older. Must be eligible to work in the United States. Cannot be on any form of probation or parole. If convicted of any crime other than a minor traffic violation you will be required to submit a final court disposition(s). Must be able to pass drug test including cannabis (THC or CBD). Must be able to pass a dental exam with no cavities, pyorrhea, or periodontal disease. Must be able to pass Coast Guard level doctors physical.

Benefits: Guaranteed S.I.U. job placement upon completion of the program. Assistance with the S.I.U. Apprentice Application processes. Complete skills and training needed for a successful and prosperous career in the Maritime Field. Fees covered for Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC), and United States Coast Guard (USCG) physical, drug test, yellow fever and MSC shot. Stipend to cover the cost of travel to Piney Point, MD, uniform, and more!

**** PLEASE NOTE THAT PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROGRAM AND THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO NEW YORK RESIDENTS!!! IF YOU LIVE IN ANOTHER STATE YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE TRAINING PROGRAM DIRECTLY THROUGH SIU BUT ARE NOT ELLIGIBLE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD FROM KBCC. IF YOU LIVE OUT OF NEW YORK STATE PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SIU UNION HALL. INFORMATION FOR YOUR NEAREST UNION HALL CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.seafarers.org/about/members/hiring-halls/*****

DECKHAND TECHNICIAN TRAINING  

The hands on skills deckhand training includes lessons on how to moor and anchor lines; repair  and maintain ships and their engine rooms and ensure passenger and crew safety.  

Trainees will: 

∙ Learn to handle mooring lines and rigging to launch or dock the boat. 

∙ Perform assigned tasks within legal requirements of USCG and other regulatory agencies. 

∙ Assist with filling water, bunkering fuel, and shore power connect & disconnect, engine  room repairs & maintenance as directed. 

∙ Learn and practice getting underway, mooring, anchoring, handling lines, ship’s ramps,  and shore side facilities in all weather conditions. 

∙ Learn to monitor passenger & crewmember safety issues on the boat. 

∙ Ensure that safety equipment is utilized, and appropriate guidelines are followed for all  tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials. 

∙ Learn and demonstrate practical knowledge of all phases of shipboard safety procedures  and knowledge of location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e. fire  extinguishers, fire stations, life preservers, work vest, life floats, rescue boat). 

∙ Participate in meetings, training, drills, and safety audits as required by USCG &  company policy. 

∙ Perform cleaning tasks of the vessels & property as required. 

∙ Perform maintenance and construction tasks as required. 

∙ Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers. 

This Deckhand Program is beginning on January 6th, 2026 through February 11th, 2026.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the form below and someone should be emailing you within the next week:

https://bwi.tfaforms.net/f/BWCinterest

For more information please contact BWC@bwiny.org or Maria.Gelman@kbcc.cuny.edu

Eligibility: 18 years old and over and must be able to provide ID. Must be eligible to work in the US and be able to provide proof. HS diploma/GED required. Must be able eligible for and able to obtain a MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential) and TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).

Must be able to submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests (including cannabis/ marijuana) as mandated by the USCG including but not limited to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident/incident testing. Able to pass U.S Coast Guard Physical Requirements.

Benefits: Students will receive a wide variety of career and workforce readiness skills needed to become a deckhand and will provide students with a solid foundation for a successful career in the Maritime Industry. Students will obtain certificates for the Deckhand Training, Fire Safety Training, CPR certificate, and a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card at no cost to them.

Energy & Carbon Management Resilience Training Program

This free training program provides an introduction to the field of energy-in-buildings and training in energy technology fundamentals which includes hands-on lab experience and opportunities for multiple professional certifications for implementing new energy technology in buildings, including but not limited to, the Weatherization Assistance Program.

This is a learn and earn program which provides participants with certification and a $1500 stipend upon completion of Level 1 and an additional stipend and certification after completing Level 2. 

Program topics that are covered include improving efficiency and optimizing building operations through training, coaching, energy data analytics (monthly and real-time meter data), building energy modeling (EnergyPlus and others), measurement and verification (IPMVP and ASHRAE protocols), HVAC systems, building controls, data acquisition (via BAS or field equipment), and operational improvements.

The next E-CMT at KBCC is expected to start in the Spring Semester of 2026  on January 13th 2026 and run until August 19th, 2026. This is a two part training program with the first part starting in January and ending in April, and the second part starting in May and ending in August.

Classes will be on Tuesdays from 6-9pm and Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm at Kingsborough Community College.

To apply to this training program, please fill out the following initial application:

https://forms.gle/KxgbQdemQDnrepmq6

Please reach out to Maria.Gelman@kbcc.cuny.edu with any questions you may have or for any additional information you would like to receive regarding the E-CMT Training Program. 

Benefits:

Ability to obtain the Energy Technician Certificate. $1500 Stipend upon completion of Part 1. Another stiped and certification is provided upon completion of Part 2. Assistance with Internship & Job Placement after training (see below for more info on this). Access to career center and employer partners. Ability to take the BPI Certification upon completion.

Requirements:

18+, GED or High School Diploma, Eligible and Able to work in the USA. Ability to take and pass a basic construction math test before the training starts.

For more information on the E-CMT program please click the following link: https://cunybpltraining.org/new-york-center-for-energy-carbon-management-training/about-our-program/

** Please note that this training is not able to guarantee job placement. KBCC and the Building Performance Lab actively seek job opportunities and employer partnerships to provide graduates with as many job leads as possible to maximize the opportunities available to graduates. Students in the program also have access to the Career Center on campus which can also help student look for and apply to jobs as well as the Handshake platform which provide job listings exclusively for CUNY students. 

Non Credit to Credit Welding Training Program

With a hands-on approach, KCC's Introduction to Welding training utilizes the American Welding Society's Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum which will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of welding in Stick, MIG, and TIG welding techniques. You will learn the basic science and practical application of the most commonly utilized welding processes along with other essential topics such as safety and blueprint reading.

This welding program will provide students with industry standard combinations of welding and safety instruction needed for immediate employment and advancement along their career path.  These skills can help students to become employed in a wide variety of fields including construction, automotive technology and maintenance, off-shore wind, transportation, waste management, utilities, manufacturing, fabrication, and many other industries.

This program will give you all of the information, tools, and experience needed to pass the AWS Certified Welders exam and receive the AWS Certified Welder Certificate which are provided to you at no cost.

This program is completely free and paid for by Kingsborough Community College and will prepare you for a career in welding in a variety of fields including Offshore Wind Energy turbine manufacturing and welding! Kingsborough Community College pays for all of the gear (other than welding boots/ shoes), supplies, and fees associated with the welding class and will also pay for you to take the AWS Certified Welder Exam.

The next Welding Training Program will likely start on March 4th of 2026 and go through June 16th, 2026. Classes are anticipated to be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3pm-9pm and Saturdays from 9am-5pm.

To apply to the welding program please click on the link below to fill out the initial application.

https://forms.gle/11f9XbNr3hihSSJr8

Requirements: 18 years of age or older. Must be able to provide state issued I.D. or passport ID. Must be able to participate and be present for all of the scheduled class days and times listed above. Must be able to travel/ commute to Kingsborough Community college for the classes.

Benefits: This free training program will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the American Welding Society (A.W.S.) Certified Welder Exam in and become an A.W.S. Certified Welder providing students with experience and qualifications needed to successfully begin a career in welding. This training program will also provide free Metro Cards to participants.

Please reach out to Maria.Gelman@kbcc.cuny.edu for any questions or information you may like to receive.

*Please note that applicants are preferred to have some experience in welding before taking this class.

Bridges to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology 

The Bridges to R.E.S.T. program was developed to expose students to the wide variety of renewable energy and sustainable technology systems, methods, training programs, and careers in Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Hydropower Energy, Green Construction/ Green Building, Earth Systems (Ecological Restoration and Organic Farming), and Geothermal Energy. 

This program is meant to be the first step on a career pathway in renewable energy and sustainable technology and will provide students with in-depth information about next-step technical workforce training programs, apprenticeship programs, internships, and jobs in related fields. 

The curriculum covers history, science, methods, systems, and practices related to renewable energy and sustainable technology, and touches on recent regulations and laws meant to encourage and discourage the growth of the field. 

The full program includes: 

• The Bridges to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology course which is made up of 6 modules: Green Building & Construction, Wind Power, Water Power, Solar Energy, Earth, and Fire Energy. We have made the program flexible and customizable with the ability for students to complete the full course or individual modules as it pertains to their interests and needs. This is also done to respect students’ current employment, educational and personal responsibilities. 

• REST Career Development provides resources to help students explore related jobs and career pathways, including the services that are available to them through the Bridges to REST program at Kingsborough. 

The curriculum includes hands-on activities, lectures, guest speakers including industry experts and employer partners, and other workforce training organizations and programs. 

When possible, the program also includes labs and site visits as well. 

Students will also receive information about apprenticeships and job training programs throughout the city at other schools and a variety of training organizations that will give students the skills, experience, and credentials needed to begin a successful career in renewable energy and sustainable technology.

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This training program is anticipated to start in the late Spring Semester of 2026 sometime between April and June.

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This program can be 1-5 days long depending on the cohort.

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To get updates on this program, to sign up to host one of these presentations at your organization, or to be placed on the prospective students list to apply once the application and start date are made public, please reach out to Maria.Gelman@kbcc.cuny.edu

CREW TRANSFER VESSEL TECHNICIAN TRAINING 

Coming Fall 2026

A range of vessels is used during the construction and maintenance and operation of offshore wind farms. These vessels are used to transport wind farm technicians and other personnel out to sites on a daily basis.

This onsite training in our state-of-the-art simulator lab for Crew Transfer Vessel trainees will simulate the foundation of an offshore wind turbine. It is used to teach students safe transfer procedures between a vessel and an offshore wind turbine. The software for CTV will be used to train workers to maneuver up to a turbine’s monopile and transfer personnel from the boat to the tower. During the construction, maintenance, and operation of offshore wind farms, CTV personnel will be in high demand as these vessels transport wind farm technicians, tools, equipment, and other personnel to sites daily. In addition to the simulator lab, students will have the opportunity to work hands-on in our RV CUNY I vessel, which is the only hybrid-powered catamaran training vessel in the U.S. While it is a state-of-the-art platform for green sailing and research, upgrades that are currently underway will enhance hybrid, green sailing technology and retrofit it for our CTV training. 

RV CUNY I

In addition, students will receive training on the the R/V CUNY I, which is the state-of-the-art, 65’ hybrid propulsion, aluminum catamaran with its home pier at KCC.  The R/V CUNY I was constructed using some of the most sustainable technologies on the market. The hybrid propulsion system is both electric and diesel powered, and uses only 1/3rd of the fuel of a diesel powered engine. This technology saves fuel and maintenance costs while helping to preserve the environment. In addition, the diesel engine is compliant with stringent Tier 3 federal emissions standards. The vessel is also ‘zero discharge’ compliant meaning that it doesn’t produce any cooling or grey/black water discharge or any hydraulic leakage that can be detrimental to marine ecosystems.

SIMULATORS

Maritime Tech currently utilizes a Ship Bridge Simulator  in their MT 49  Marine Electronics course and is familiar with utilizing this technology for skills training.  

The KCC training will combine ship handling theory and exercises performed in our state of the art Augmented Reality Ship Handling Simulator. This simulator will provide the necessary training for all those working operators by utilizing a full mission bridge simulator and a “walk to work”  system. 

KBCC & Con Edison Clean Energy Academy- 

Intro to Weatherization Training Program

This free training program will provide participants with introductory technical training in Weatherization. Supportive wrap-around services including free metrocards as well as case management support and resources are included.  

The program begins with the Bridges to the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology program and then is followed by the NCCER Intro to Weatherization Technician Program.  

Weatherization technicians improve the efficiency of heating and cooling system ductwork. They repair windows and insulate attics, basements, walls, and other areas. Technicians inspect, repair, and optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They clean or replace filters, calibrate thermostats, and ensure that HVAC systems operate efficiently, providing comfort while minimizing energy consumption.  This 105-hour program is completely free.  

This training program has already completed and we are in the process of determining if additional trainings will be provided in the future.

** Please note that this training does not provide or guarantee job placement but does provide access to the Career Center on campus which can help student look for an apply to jobs. **

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To get updates on this program please reach out to Maria.Gelman@kbcc.cuny.edu

Benefits:

Ability to obtain the Intro to Weatherization Certification. Free Metro Cards. Access to career guidance via the career center on campus. 

Requirements:

18+, GED or High School Diploma, Eligible and Able to work in the USA. Must reside in an Environmental Justice or Disadvantaged Community designated area. To see if you reside in one of these areas, click the following links and enter your address in the maps search bar.

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/Disadvantaged-Communities

or

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a3da7b920f248af961554bdf01d668b/page/Data-Explorer/

GLOBAL WIND ORGANIZATION- BASIC SAFETY TRAINING 

Coming Spring or Fall 2026

Global Wind Organization (GWO) certified training is an internationally recognized standard required

by many Offshore Wind (OSW) industry companies which include Fire Awareness, First Aid, Working at Heights, and Manual Handling.  To enable students to work in the offshore environment, additional GWO sea survival training is required. 

To work in the OSW industry, employees need to hold the Global Wind Organization’s (GWO) Basic Safety Training (BST) certification. The approved GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) encompasses 5 competencies—Fire Awareness, First Aid, Sea Survival and Transfer, Working at Heights and Manual Handling—that prepare workers to mitigate and respond to the hazards encountered on the job. This training will ensure the availability of capable, experienced seafarers to support a growing offshore wind industry.