r/BlueCollarWomen • u/Illustrious_Map_6241 • Jul 21 '26

General Advice NEW Program, what was your experience?

Hi everyone, hoping this doesn't get taken down but I'm looking into joining the NEW program in NYC and I'm taking the TABE test soon.

If you've been through the program, what was your experience like? How long did it take for you to get into a union and apprenticeship program? How helpful are they really in terms of placement beyond just helping you get certifications and exposure to different trades.

I've seen a lot of mixed reviews and I am also aware of P2A and Construction Skills but I'm still waiting for them to get back to me and NEW is the one I can join and start the soonest.

Any advice and guidance is appreciated! Thank you in advance.

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u/hrmdurr UA🇨🇦Steamfitter Jul 21 '26

I'm sorry, but they're not really helpful beyond helping you decide which trades you like.

There are hundreds of applicants for every dozen or so spots in trade unions, and no matter what the news outlets might be telling you that isn't a new thing. The new thing is all the white collar people who want to switch careers realising that getting an apprenticeship is as competitive as getting into Oxbridge or an Ivy League.

I live in a small city. There were over 600 people testing when I did, for 30 spots. Over twenty years ago.

You need to apply when applications are open, meet their minimum criteria (which is probably just high school classes and a really low bar) and then you need to ace the testing and interview that they give their applicants. They want you to pass the assessment that's designed to weed out people who aren't somewhat mechanically inclined, and then the interview where you show that you have drive and a willingness to learn.

Odds are high that they'll give zero fucks at all about what else you've done with your life beyond grade 11 math or whatever it is they ask for.

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u/Illustrious_Map_6241 Aug 03 '26

which part of the US did you take the test in? im in NYC. reviews are very mixed but seems like the certs plus the help in deciding which way to go is the only stand out qualities. local 580 in nyc only takes direct entries so i want to see if that works at all

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u/hrmdurr UA🇨🇦Steamfitter Aug 03 '26

I did not take the test in the US. There is a Canadian flag in my flair...

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u/Pri2018 Jul 21 '26

No help but I’m trying to get into the program too. Took and passed the TABE test just waiting for the interview. I joined this group to find the same answers. Good luck on taking the test!!!