Guiding Students into Career Pathways
The New Visions Career Readiness Team has developed a set of resources for current high school students and alumni to support exploration and transition into career training.
Career Pathway Guides
Use the Career Pathway Guides to help inform your final decision and transition plans. There are four Guides: For students entering the Military; for students entering a Career Training program; for students Seeking Employment; and for students who are Undecided about their next steps.
Check out the instructional videos made by Angel, a high school senior at West Bronx Academy for the Future.
Video 1: How to Use the NVPS Career Training Directory (3 mins)
Video 2: How to Use the Career Training Research Tracker (5 mins)
Career Training Directory of NYC
The Career Training Directory is a tool to search for Career Training Programs in NYC that provide training, certifications, additional support services, internships and job placement into growing fields.
How to Use the Directory:
Click Learn More to be directed to the program website.
Select the Field Filter to focus on a specific Career Field or Filter by Borough
Select the Fee filter to look only at selected programs that have a fee/cost to participate. *Students can apply for the Helena Rubenstein Scholarship which covers 90% of tuition costs for CUNY programs.
Select the Students with Disabilities filter to look only at NYC programs that provide specific counseling, internships and opportunities for Students with Disabilities.
Guiding Students into Career Pathways
This Guide and the Career Training Directory exist to support schools, students and their families in navigating these postsecondary pathways.
What is a Career Pathway?
A Career Pathway is a route to take you to your goal that may or may not include a college degree. For example, if your goal is to work in healthcare or be a barber, there are many pathways to get you there and the Career Training Directory will provide you with some options.
We recommend taking a Career Interest Survey before starting your pathway exploration journey. Here are some FREE sites to complete a Career Interest Survey:
What are Career Clusters?
Choosing a career path is easier when you know what options you have. Knowing the various Career Clusters will help you be able to choose the right job based on your talents, education, and interests. Career Clusters are ways of categorizing different types of jobs based on common similarities. These categories help people to narrow down their career choices so they can choose a specific path that suits them. Each Career Cluster has unique requirements and duties associated with its professions.
Career Clusters
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Food Inspector, Farmers, Geologists, Water Quality Inspectors)
Architecture & Construction (Computer-Aided Drafter (CAD), Interior Designer, Carpenter, General Contractor, Electrician, HVAC)
Arts & Communications (Actor, Recording Engineer, Photographer, Graphic designer, Special Effects, Radio Station Manager, Fashion designer)
Business Management & Administration (Entrepreneur, Human Resources, Office Manager, Librarian)
Education & Training (Preschool Teacher, Tutor, Special Ed Teacher, Speech Pathologist)
Finance (Tax preparer, Money Manager, Stockbroker, Accountant, Banker)
Government & Public Administration (Political office, Aviation Safety, Census Manager)
Health Science (Physical Therapist, EMT, Veterinarian, Patient Advocate, Pharmacy Tech)
Hospitality & Tourism (Hotel/Restaurant Manager, Chef, Caterer, Housekeeper, Tour Director)
Human Services (Cosmetology, Barber, Case Worker, Nonprofit Executive Director, Community Organizer)
Information Technology (Cybersecurity Specialist, Help Desk Specialist, Database Manager, Social Networking specialist)
Law & Public Safety (Security Guard, School Safety Officer, FDNY, Paralegal, Corrections officer, Animal Control)
Manufacturing (Electrical Engineer, Machine Operator, Production Manager)
Marketing (Regional Sales Managers, Account Managers, Brokers, Store Manager, Public Relations, Advertising)
Science, Tech, Engineering & Math (Automotive Engineer, Geneticist, Lab Technician, Computer programmer)
Transportation & Distribution (Pilot, Bus Driver, Warehouse Manager, Railroad Inspector)
Why do a Career Training Program?
Learn new skills
Find out more about the role that is the best fit for your skills and interest
Get industry certifications to add to your resume
Receive supports, such as stipends, laptop, resources, connections to employers
Internships and On-the-Job Training
Be more competitive in the job pool - meaning, get hired more easily!
Job placement, and support while you are in your job
What to look for on a Career Training Program Site
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
Many job training programs require you to be 18-24 years old and eligible to work in New York. Others may require you to be low-income or to live in a certain zip code and will require proof. Some require you to have previous experience.
Q: Will I need to take a TABE or another assessment? Are there minimum scores?
Some training programs require you to take an assessment test called the TABE to determine your math and reading levels.
Q: How long is this program?
Some programs are 4- weeks, while others are longer and involve internships and apprenticeships. Some programs are full-time and require you to be out of school and not working. Others are offered at night so that you can do them while working.
Q: Will I earn a stipend or get a paid internship as part of this training?
Some trainings are “earn as you learn” or others provide a paid internship after you’ve completed the training.
Q: When does the next cycle start? What are my steps to enroll?
Each program has a different schedule for when their classes start. It’s important to know when the next application cycle starts so you can prepare. And you want to know what you need to need to enroll in the program. Do I need to attend an Information Session? Is there an application to complete? Do I need to take an assessment test?
Q: Will I earn certifications at the end of this program?
It might be helpful for you to know which certifications you can earn through this job training. Also, some certifications require additional steps like taking and passing an Exam or a License.
Q: What kind of jobs (job titles) can I get at the end of this program?
It is important to understand how this training will help you on your career path. For example, which training will help you become a Certified Nursing Assistant or an EMT?
Q: What other support will I receive in this program?
Some training provide a stipend or a paid internship, others will provide you with a computer or a Metrocard for transportation. You also want to know whether this program will help you find a job in that field and launch your career!
Q: Is there other specialized training available to me after I complete this one?
For some programs, you must first complete an introductory training course before you can enter the more specialized training programs.
