New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced an ambitious new initiative aimed at empowering young New Yorkers and reshaping the city’s future workforce. The City Civil Service Youth Apprenticeship Program — the first of its kind — will provide hands-on training and paid employment opportunities for up to 500 young people over the next six years within city government agencies.
Under this initiative, participants will gain practical experience in various departments, from public administration and infrastructure to health and community services. The program also includes mentorship, benefits, and career guidance designed to prepare youth for full-time employment in civil service after completing their apprenticeship.
“This program is about giving young people a real shot at success — not just a job, but a purpose,” Adams said at the City Hall announcement. “We’re creating a bridge from school to stable careers that strengthen our city’s workforce and empower our next generation of leaders.”
Officials say the move comes in response to growing youth unemployment and the need to fill long-term vacancies across public agencies as older employees retire. The program is also intended to diversify city government by reaching communities that have historically been underrepresented in municipal careers.
Education advocates and labor experts have praised the initiative, calling it a model for other major cities. “It’s an investment in human capital,” said Dr. Lila Fernandez of the City University of New York. “By training and employing youth directly in public service, the city is not just addressing unemployment — it’s building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.”
Applications for the first cohort will open in early 2026, with participants expected to begin their training by summer. The city hopes that by the end of the program, hundreds of young New Yorkers will be equipped with both the skills and civic commitment needed to keep the city running — and thriving — for decades to come.
