New York City Career Pathways: Skills Strategies for Low-paid Immigrants

Abstract

Immigrants in New York City (NYC) are integral players in the local economy, representing 46% of the city’s existing labour force. Recent immigrants to NYC have lower levels of educational attainment overall than native born residents, however, which presents a barrier to labour market entry and advancement. This case study explores how City University of New York colleges and their partners (including employers, public agencies and unions), are attempting to upgrade unemployed or low-wage immigrant workers’ skills through several career pathways models in the health, hospitality and retail sectors.