Want to work in the trades (construction, plumbing, electrician, etc.)? 

Option 1:

• Apply for a trades pre-apprenticeship (Building Pathways or YouthBuild)

• These 3-4 month programs will allow you to try out construction trades and decide what you want to do

• They will also help you apply for trades union apprenticeships

• You must have US work authorization, be drug-free (including marijuana), and have a driver's license

• If you want to live in a dorm while you learn a trade, you can also consider applying to Job Corps

Option 2: 

• Apply directly to a trades union apprenticeship

  • • • Upcoming trade union applications: click here

      • Complete list of Massachusetts building trades unions: Click here

      • Information about what the different trades are: click here

      • For most unions, you must have US work authorization, be drug-free (including marijuana), and have a driver's license

• If you don't get in the first time, don't give up! Many applicants don't get in until their second or third try

• TIP: Be proactive and contact the program to let them know how interested you are

Website and Application: https://www.youthbuildboston.org/ybb-stage-2 

Construction Trades Pre-Apprentice Program:

This 12-week program is for young people aged 18-24 who already have their high school diploma or equivalent, and are interested in starting a career in construction or carpentry. Students gain field experience on real construction sites to ensure that they are ready for employment in the field upon graduation.

All Participants Receive:

• A Bi-Weekly stipend

• OSHA 10

• First Aid/ CPR certification

Successful graduates apply to union or non-union apprenticeship programs or seek entry level placements in the building trades.

Requirements: 

• You must have US work authorization, be drug-free (including marijuana), and have a driver's license

Website and Application: https://buildingpathwaysma.org/pre-apprenticeship-program/ 

Interested in a construction career, but don’t know how to get started?

The Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program can help you learn about the industry, practice your hands-on skills, and compete for apprenticeship program openings. Program graduates have gone on to become successful electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, elevator constructors, laborers, ironworkers, cement masons, painters, drywall finishers and more. 

To be eligible for our free pre-apprenticeship training program you must be:

• at least 18 years old

• authorized to work in the US

• a resident of Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, or Essex counties

• have a high school diploma or equivalency

• unemployed or under-employed

• a licensed driver

• drug-free (including marijuana)

• be proficient in English

• have no prior affiliation with a Massachusetts Trades Union

Website and Application: https://www.jobcorps.gov/explore 

Description: Job Corps is a free job training program which provides free dormitory housing and food. You will live at the Job Corps center and receive a small stipend while you complete your job training!

Job Corps has sites around the country. The closest ones are located in Grafton, Massachusetts; Devens, Massachusetts; and Manchester, New Hampshire. The careers that you can train for are: 

• Grafton, MA:

  • • Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing

    • Certified Nurse Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant

    • Culinary Arts

    • Security and Protective Services

• Shriver (Devens, MA):

  • • Computer Systems Administration, Amazon Web Services, Computer Technician

    • Transportation Services (railroad, airlines)

    • Carpentry, Millwright Welding

    • Certified Nurse Assistant

    • Automotive Maintenance and Repair

    • Security and Protective Services

    • Office Administration

• Manchester, New Hampshire:

  • • Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant

    • Culinary Arts, Hotel and Lodging

    • Electrical, Facilities Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology

    • Security and Protective Services

Requirements: 

• Ages 16-24

• Low-income

• US work authorization (Social Security Number)

• Background check

• No alcohol or drug use (including marijuana) during the program

Website and Application: https://www.jvs-boston.org/our-services/build-your-skills/

Description: JVS offers free job training, as well as English classes for immigrant students. 

Check out their website for job training programs in: 

• Automotive technician

• Biotech/lab work

• Carpentry

• HVAC

• Healthcare: Nurse's Aide, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Substance Addiction Assistance Training, Direct Care Worker

• Early Childhood Education

Requirements: 

• • • You must have US work authorization

    • Some programs require English proficiency, but others offer English lessons for students who are still learning English

Website: https://www.aaca-boston.org/training-program 

Requirements:

• Ages 18-24, Boston resident

• US work authorization is required

• Low-income (for some programs)

• All backgrounds (not just for Asian or Asian-American students)

Description: AACA offers the following FREE job training programs -

• Banking and finance - become a banker in 6 weeks

• Building maintenance - learn the basics of plumbing, electricity, and carpentry in 13 weeks (driver's license preferred)

• Building weatherization and insulation - 2-week program with guaranteed job placement (driver's license required)

Deadline: Apply in March for a fall start

Websites: https://www.bhcc.edu/eput/ 

Eversource has partnered with the Local 369 Utility Workers Union of America, Local 12004 United Steel Workers Union and Bunker Hill Community College to offer the Electric Power Utility Technology Program for applicants living in and around the Boston area.

This accredited Associate of Science degree program includes the following:

• Two years of academic, technical, and onsite training, along with a certificate in natural gas technology.

• A minimum of 10-12 weeks of paid cooperative work experience per semester over two years

• Potential future employment opportunities as an electric or gas utility worker for successful graduates who meet all program requirements

Please contact us at eput@eversource.com if you have any questions.

For more detailed information on this opportunity, please read the EPUT Program Brochure and attend an information session. Dates and details can be found at bhcc.edu/eput/

Website: http://www.madison-park.org/workforce-diversity-development-program/ 

This program helps connect MPDC & Lower Roxbury residents, who are seeking job placement and training, with hiring general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors working on any MPDC property. They host job fairs, training classes, hands-on workforce training, and more. Check their website for upcoming opportunities!

Past position placements have included: Skilled Laborer, Carpenter, Equipment Operator, HVAC, Iron Worker, Plumber, Painter, Mason Tender, Waterproofer

Website: https://owd.boston.gov/cityacademy/ 

Requirements for FREE training: Boston resident, 18 years or older by June 1, with a high school diploma or GED/HiSET, valid driver’s license and good driving record, who meets income guidelines, and is drug-free

EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)

• This training track prepares residents to be eligible for employment as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with Boston EMS. It includes a job readiness bridge course, an EMT course, and support in completing the EMT certification process and Boston EMS Recruit Academy.

• Training Duration: 15 months. Stipends are provided during the 6-month Boston EMS Recruit Academy, which is a full-time commitment.

• How to Apply: Visit https://owd.boston.gov/cityacademy/ and scroll down to the EMT program information and application.

Website and Application: https://www.jobcorps.gov/explore 

Description: Job Corps is a free job training program which provides free dormitory housing and food. You will live at the Job Corps center and receive a small stipend while you complete your job training!

Job Corps has sites around the country. The closest ones are located in Grafton, Massachusetts; Devens, Massachusetts; and Manchester, New Hampshire. The careers that you can train for are: 

• Grafton, MA:

  • • Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing

    • Certified Nurse Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant

    • Culinary Arts

    • Security and Protective Services

• Shriver (Devens, MA):

  • • Computer Systems Administration, Amazon Web Services, Computer Technician

    • Transportation Services (railroad, airlines)

    • Carpentry, Millwright Welding

    • Certified Nurse Assistant

    • Automotive Maintenance and Repair

    • Security and Protective Services

    • Office Administration

• Manchester, New Hampshire:

  • • Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant

    • Culinary Arts, Hotel and Lodging

    • Electrical, Facilities Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology

    • Security and Protective Services

Requirements: 

• Ages 16-24

• Low-income

• US work authorization (Social Security Number)

• Background check

• No alcohol or drug use (including marijuana) during the program

Website and Application: https://www.jvs-boston.org/our-services/build-your-skills/

JVS offers free job training, as well as English classes for immigrant students. 

Check out their website for job training programs in: 

• Automotive technician

• Biotech/lab work

• Carpentry

• HVAC

• Healthcare: Nurse's Aide, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Substance Addiction Assistance Training, Direct Care Worker

• Early Childhood Education

Requirements: 

• • • You must have US work authorization

    • Some programs require English proficiency, but others offer English lessons for students who are still learning English

Medical Assistant Certification

Medical assistants work as a team with nurses and doctors to take care of patients in clinics, hospitals, and other settings. Several local schools offer trainings to become certified as a medical assistant! 

Talk to your guidance counselor to see if you can enroll for FREE at a community college to earn your Medical Assistant certificate.

Roxbury Community College: https://www.rcc.mass.edu/workforce-development/professional-education-programs/clinical-medical-assistant 

Bunker Hill Community College: https://catalog.bhcc.edu/preview_program.php?poid=1387 

Deadline: New programs begin every September and February; apply early to get on the wait list for a spot. The program is popular and the wait list may be long.

Website: https://muaboston.org/services/classes/ 

Description: 

• MUA offers free classes/training for students to become a Home Health Aide or Clinical Medical Assistant.

Requirements: 

• 18+ years old, Boston resident, U.S. work authorization, high school diploma or GED/HiSET, advanced level of English, fully vaccinated against COVID-19, ready and able to work when the training ends. 

• Home Health Aide trainings are open to women only.

Website: https://www.massbioed.org/career_pathways/apprenticeships

Requirements: 18 years or older, high school diploma or equivalent, US work authorization, COVID vaccination, CORI/SORI test and drug test, Massachusetts resident

Description: free training, mentoring, and a paid one-year life sciences apprenticeship at biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the greater Boston area. 3 positions offered: Biomanufacturing Technician, Clinical Trial Associate, and Laboratory Support Specialist.

• The Program is FREE and includes a monthly stipend while in class, along with generous wages and benefits during the year of on-the-job training.

• Training is 15 weeks long and includes 8 weeks of MassBioEd online classes followed by 7 weeks of in-person lab training in masks/PPE.

• Must be able to commute to Burlington for the in-person lab training

Website: https://www.yearup.org/future-students/what-year-up-offers/?location=national-us/ 

Requirements:

• 18-29 years old, High school graduate or GED recipient

• Low to moderate income

• U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or have an employment authorization card

• Available Monday through Friday for hybrid (remote & in-person) program

Description:

• PAID, rigorous 6-month job training & 6-month internship

• Year Up Open Doors to Life-Changing Opportunities. Our one-year training program offers real access to today’s best companies and a proven path to career success. You’ll learn the skills hiring companies need and make important professional connections. Your six-month internship is about gaining access, getting your foot in the door, and making connections that count.

• Earn college credit

• Career options:

  • • Technology: IT Support, Network Security & Support, or  Project Management

    • Business: Banking, Financial Operations, Project Management, Customer Success, or Business Operations

Website: https://www.aaca-boston.org/training-program 

Requirements:

• Ages 18-24, Boston resident

• US work authorization is required

• Low-income (for some programs)

• All backgrounds (not just for Asian or Asian-American students)

Description: AACA offers the following FREE job training programs -

• Banking and finance - become a banker in 6 weeks

• Building maintenance - learn the basics of plumbing, electricity, and carpentry in 13 weeks (driver's license preferred)

• Building weatherization and insulation - 2-week program with guaranteed job placement (driver's license required)

Website and Application: https://www.jobcorps.gov/explore 

Description: Job Corps is a free job training program which provides free dormitory housing and food. You will live at the Job Corps center and receive a small stipend while you complete your job training!

Job Corps has sites around the country. The closest ones are located in Grafton, Massachusetts; Devens, Massachusetts; and Manchester, New Hampshire. The careers that you can train for are: 

• Grafton, MA:

  • • Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing

    • Certified Nurse Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant

    • Culinary Arts

    • Security and Protective Services

• Shriver (Devens, MA):

  • • Computer Systems Administration, Amazon Web Services, Computer Technician

    • Transportation Services (railroad, airlines)

    • Carpentry, Millwright Welding

    • Certified Nurse Assistant

    • Automotive Maintenance and Repair

    • Security and Protective Services

    • Office Administration

• Manchester, New Hampshire:

  • • Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant

    • Culinary Arts, Hotel and Lodging

    • Electrical, Facilities Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology

    • Security and Protective Services

Requirements: 

• Ages 16-24

• Low-income

• US work authorization (Social Security Number)

• Background check

• No alcohol or drug use (including marijuana) during the program

Website and Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_PqTyoD32M2eRvm4dSV0zujejB2K7f1o3_NJyuCEB9BdF2g/viewform 

Description: Our Careers & Technical Education program at Adult Ed offers 2 FREE career training programs:

• Paraprofessional (Education)

• Hospitality

The programs are semesterised (Fall and Spring). At the end of each semester, students will take a certification exam and have the opportunity to be hired for a job. The classes are free to all students and students do not have to pay for any supplies, equipment, textbooks or exams.

Requirements: 

• High school diploma

• US work authorization (Social Security Number)

• ELD (English level) 3 or above

Website: https://besthtc.org/job-seekers 

Description: BEST offers free programs that train candidates for union positions working in hotels:

• Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship Program - 6 weeks

• Culinary Training Program (become a line cook at a hotel) - 16 weeks

Requirements:

• US work authorization

• Pass employer background check and drug test

• Able to communicate in English

• Some positions require COVID vaccine

• Other requirements listed on each program page!

Website: https://www.yearup.org/future-students/what-year-up-offers/?location=national-us/ 

Requirements:

• 18-29 years old, High school graduate or GED recipient

• Low to moderate income

• U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or have an employment authorization card

• Available Monday through Friday for hybrid (remote & in-person) program

Description:

• PAID, rigorous 6-month job training & 6-month internship

• Year Up Open Doors to Life-Changing Opportunities. Our one-year training program offers real access to today’s best companies and a proven path to career success. You’ll learn the skills hiring companies need and make important professional connections. Your six-month internship is about gaining access, getting your foot in the door, and making connections that count.

• Earn college credit

• Career options:

  • • Technology: IT Support, Network Security & Support, or  Project Management

    • Business: Banking, Financial Operations, Project Management, Customer Success, or Business Operations

Website: https://www.digitalready.org/year-13 

Requirements: BPS graduate. Preference given to Black and Latinx applicants.

• Program begins in the summer and lasts for 1 year, full-time Monday through Friday

• You will graduate from the program with 18 college credits, a digital portfolio of projects, work experience, and a professional network to continue onto your future path!

• Operating like a lab of innovation, Year 13 students will learn and experiment with new and innovative ideas using cutting-edge technology -- artificial intelligence, virtual reality, digital fabrication, robotics, and machine learning. This innovative bridge year will ignite students’ passions, equip them with the skills necessary to navigate a complex, technology-driven world, and ultimately connect them to high-wage jobs in Boston’s innovation economy. 

• During Year 13, students will participate in college courses, work-based learning experiences, and collaborative design studios to emerge with 18 college credits — making college more affordable and accessible.

Website: https://www.thegcodehouse.com/

Requirements: Eligibility requirements:

• Woman or non-binary person of color, between ages 18-25

• Earned a high school diploma or GED

• Reside in Greater Boston or neighboring areas 

Description: 

• G{Code} provides training for young women of color to enter into the tech world. You can participate in free virtual training for data analytics or web development

Website: https://www.resilientcoders.org/apply 

Requirements: Young people of color without a college degree

Description: Our learners meet daily, for 20 weeks, to learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, React, Node, and Mongo DB, from professionals. Our coders also work on the skills that make the “whole engineer,” during Bootcamp. They learn communication techniques, speaking tips, as well as best practices around accountability and time management.  Students are also expected to procure, service, and invoice their own freelance client as well, during Bootcamp. Besides preparing our students for full-time work as engineers, we need them to be able to self-employ as well. By the time they finish the program, they are ready to launch their careers in software. Afterwards, they are hired into roles leveraging their new skills. 

Website: https://perscholas.org/locations/greater-boston/

Requirements: 

• US work authorization

• Age 18 or older

• Have HS diploma/equivalent or higher

• Have a Passion for technology

• Be able and committed to launching their career immediately following training

• Have the ability commit to full time training (40 hours per week) + Study Time (20+ hours per week)

Description: 

• Free technology courses and certifications to help you enter into technology careers.

• Courses include IT Support, Cybersecurity, AWS, and Salesforce

Requirements: Age 18 and older, must speak conversational English. US work authorization (social security number) required. Some positions require a Driver's License.

Description: The MBTA is hiring for various positions including Transit Ambassador, Marine Crew for ferries, Track Laborers, and Van and Bus Drivers. Some years, they also offer training to be a Rail Vehicle Repair Technician or a Machinist. 

Commitment: Schedule varies

Apply: See updated job listings on the MBTA website: https://www.mbta.com/careers 

Website: https://owd.boston.gov/cityacademy/

City Academy is a pipeline to careers with the City of Boston.

Requirements for FREE training:

• Boston resident, 18 years or older by June 1, high school diploma or GED/HiSET, Have a valid driver’s license and good driving record, Meet income guidelines, Be drug-free

CDL (Commercial Drivers License)

• Open to Boston residents 18 and up 

• 3-month training timeframe that can be completed part-time so students can meet other family or work obligations

• Training for Class B drivers license, OSHA 10 certification, Hoisting training

• After the training is done, graduates receive support with permanent job placement into local (living wage) jobs so graduates can live in Boston. Sectors graduates are placed are in the water/sewer commission, public works, parks, and recreation

• Starting salary is around $38,000/year with the opportunity to make a good amount of overtime.

How to Apply:

• Apply at https://owd.boston.gov/cityacademy/. The first step will be a pre-screening.

Interested in joining a branch of the US military? Talk to a local recruiter from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or other branches to learn more about their requirements. 

Army - https://www.goarmy.com/

Navy - www.navy.com 

Marines - www.marines.com 

Air Force - www.airforce.com 

Website and Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_PqTyoD32M2eRvm4dSV0zujejB2K7f1o3_NJyuCEB9BdF2g/viewform 

Description: Our Careers & Technical Education program at Adult Ed offers 2 FREE career training programs:

• Paraprofessional (Education)

• Hospitality

The programs are semesterised (Fall and Spring). At the end of each semester, students will take a certification exam and have the opportunity to be hired for a job. The classes are free to all students and students do not have to pay for any supplies, equipment, textbooks or exams.

Requirements: 

• High school diploma

• US work authorization (Social Security Number)

• ELD (English level) 3 or above

Website: www.cityyear.org/boston

What is City Year?

• Has served in Boston community for 30 years, partners with 25 BPS elementary-high schools, has a core mentoring and tutoring program. Corps members are assigned to a school where they work with a partner teacher and can build a great professional learning relationship. There is a structure in place to assist corps members to develop ongoing relationships.

Benefits:

• Weekly stipend, educational scholarship, transportation costs covered, eligible for SNAP, professional development and career networking

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or HiSET, Commitment to 11 months of service, US citizen or permanent resident, Conversational and written English, Age is 17-25, Background check required

Website and Application: https://www.jvs-boston.org/our-services/build-your-skills/

JVS offers free job training, as well as English classes for immigrant students. 

Check out their website for job training programs in: 

• Automotive technician

• Biotech/lab work

• Carpentry

• HVAC

• Healthcare: Nurse's Aide, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Substance Addiction Assistance Training, Direct Care Worker

• Early Childhood Education

Requirements: 

• • • You must have US work authorization

    • Some programs require English proficiency, but others offer English lessons for students who are still learning English

WEBSITE: https://masspromise.sites.northeastern.edu/ 

Description:

• As a Mass Promise Fellow, you will serve at one of our partner youth-serving programs at schools, city agencies, and community-based organizations in Massachusetts. Your mission will be to build intentional relationships with young people between 6 th and 12 th grade and support their academic engagement or post-secondary success. 

• In exchange for your service, you will receive:

  • • • A living stipend

      • Free courses at Northeastern

      • Career growth and mentorship

Requirements:

• Open to high school/GED graduates ages 17 and older

• US Citizen or US National or Permanent Resident 

• Willing to comply with a criminal background check 

Website and Application: https://bostonabcd.org/service/firststeps/ 

Description:

• A more in depth training in Early Childhood Education in which you can earn the opportunity to interview for a Head Start staff position

• College courses in Early Childhood Education 

• Paid internship placement in ABCD Head Start classrooms – earn hours towards Childhood Development Association (CDA) Certification

• Build your ECE Portoflio 

• Interview for ABCD Head Start permanent positions Rolling Enrollment. 

• College course/internship cohorts are available in the fall and winter. 

Requirements:

• Open to high school/GED graduates ages 18-21

Website: https://masshiredowntownboston.org/young-adults/ 

Receive free career coaching and job placement support at Mass Hire Downtown Boston!

Requirements:

• 18 or older

• US Work Authorization

Website: https://newmarketboston.org/jobs/ 

The Newmarket Boston Jobs Initiative is committed to hiring local talent from the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan into full-time jobs at our member and partner businesses. Our goal in 2020 is to place 200 Job Seekers into fulfilling new careers that pay an average of $38k annually and offer benefits! Check out this recent feature in the Boston Business Journal covering the launch of our initiative! 

Requirements:

• 18-40 years old

• Living in, or originally from, Roxbury, Dorchester or Mattapan

• *Affiliated with one of our community-based partner organizations, listed HERE (if you're not affiliated with any of those organizations, you can sign up through MassHire)

Jobs Available:

• Jobs in every sector are available! 

How to Apply:

• Apply at https://newmarketboston.org/jobs/  (follow the directions to create an account)