""For people who migrate-who feel lost-all of this is new," said Luis Florez, a 37-year-old from Colombia who took part in the program in 2024, where he learned what a credit score is, how to open a local bank account and take the city's subways without getting lost. There's no manual or crash course on how to live in New York City. And life in the Big Apple can be even more difficult for new immigrant arrivals and those who speak languages other than English."
"For years, organizations have seen that workforce training in a single subject-such as Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) certification, required for construction jobs-leaves out many other areas that affect people's lives and livelihoods. For new immigrants, even getting a coveted work permit is no guarantee they'll find stable employment. "We have found that even people with the paperwork can still not get a job," said Hildalyn Colon Hernandez, NICE's chief operations and strategic officer."
NICE, a nonprofit in Jackson Heights, launched the Pre-Apprenticeship for Life and Work in 2024 to teach immigrant and non-immigrant New Yorkers practical navigation of city systems. The program covers schools, healthcare, housing, transportation, digital skills, and job preparation, and includes a know-your-rights immigration session. Participants learn everyday tasks such as opening bank accounts, understanding credit scores, and using buses and subways. Workforce training that focuses only on a single certification can miss other areas affecting livelihoods; even with work permits, many immigrants struggle to secure stable employment. NICE emphasizes holistic training to improve integration and job prospects.
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