Education

The Career Design School

Our Career Design School is about career pathways and progression. We help students identify career goals and create a plan for success. With two weeks of job readiness training, personalized one-on-one support from a Job Placement Specialist, and a full year of follow-up services, we ensure participants have the tools they need to thrive.

Discover our programs in commercial production, clean energy, culinary arts, and more, plus our job search training program that connects participants as they begin their career journey.

Programs

Job Readiness Training

All of our programs include three weeks of job readiness training. Our job readiness curriculum provides participants with tools and strategies that enhance our participants’ ability to obtain employment through workshops including resume preparation, self-esteem building, job search techniques and resources, interviewing techniques, and networking opportunities.

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Program Highlights:
One-on-one coaching to help students unlock their full potential
Resume and cover letter development
Interview preparation and handling challenging situations
Lifelong networking skills and industry connections
Support in finding and keeping a job they’re passionate about
Goal-setting guidance after job placement
Training in digital literacy skills
Program Timing & Duration
Monday–Friday for three weeks
9 AM–12 PM daily
Programs

Commercial Production Training

We help students identify career paths and goals, and build an action plan to achieve those goals. Upon completion of the program, students also complete OSHA 10 General Industries Certification. Students are eligible to apply for employment with Community Work Services’ Commercial Production Team.

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Program Highlights:
Hands-on training in packaging and product preparation
Order fulfillment, sorting, bundling, and small parts packaging
Inventory control and basic warehousing
Workplace safety and food processing equipment
Mail handling, including shipping and receiving
Program Timing & Duration
Monday–Friday for six weeks
9 AM–3 PM daily
Programs

Clean Energy Technician Training

Community Work Services' 12-week APEX Clean Energy Program delivers hands-on workforce training to help individuals launch careers in the clean energy sector. Following the NCCER-accredited curriculum, students complete 360 hours of classroom and field-based instruction using advanced virtual training tools. This intensive program prepares graduates for job placement and long-term career growth in renewable energy.

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Program Highlights:
360 hours of in-person, hands-on clean energy training
NCCER and OSHA-30 Certifications
Focus on solar, wind, and alternative energy systems
Stipends available for eligible participants
Support with job placement and career planning
Program Timing & Duration
Monday–Friday for 12 weeks

9:00 AM–3:00 PM daily
Programs

Culinary Training

Our Culinary Training Program helps students prepare for entry-level positions in the rapidly growing food services sector. Training involves a mix of classroom curriculum with hands-on experience, and job placement assistance.

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Program Highlights:
Training in knife skills, food prep, and meal planning
Customer service, inventory management, and POS systems
Food safety and sanitation best practices
Prepares participants for the ServSafe Handler's exam
Eligible for employment with the CWS Culinary Team
Program Timing & Duration
Monday–Friday for 6 weeks
7:30 AM–1:30 PM daily
Programs

At Your Service: Hotel & Hospitality

The At Your Service Certificate Program prepares participants for careers in the growing hospitality industry through eight weeks of hands-on training using the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s START (Skills, Tasks, and Results Training) Curriculum.

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Program Highlights:
Practical, industry-specific training for front-line hospitality roles
Focus on key tasks, soft skills, and foundational hospitality knowledge
Flexible, concise instruction tailored to individual positions
Culminates in a certification exam and professional designation
Prepares participants for their ServSafe Certification
Program Timing & Duration
Monday–Friday for eight weeks
9 AM–3 PM daily
Programs

Commercial Cleaning

This six-week program provides hands-on training in industry-standard cleaning techniques using eco-friendly products, while emphasizing workplace safety and compliance.

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Program Highlights:
Training in universal precautions and safety data sheet management
Techniques in waxing, stripping, buffing, and stain removal
Use of Green Seal™ certified cleaning products
Includes OSHA 10 General Industry Certification
Program Timing & Duration
Monday–Friday for six weeks
9 AM–3 PM daily
Programs

Energy Infrastructure Academy

In partnership with National Grid, this 8-week, pre-apprenticeship program prepares individuals from underrepresented communities for entry- to mid-level union careers in the energy sector. Participants gain hands-on technical experience, certifications, and mentorship to build pathways into full-time roles at National Grid.

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Program Highlights:
OSHA Certification and EIA Certificate of Completion
On-Site National Grid real-world experience with technical and soft skills development
Exposure to roles such as Meter Service Representative, Pipe Handler, and Utility Helper
Participants may be flagged for National Grid hiring opportunities
Program Timing & Duration
Monday–Friday for eight weeks

8:30 AM–3:00 PM daily
Stipend
Up to $2,400 total
Programs

Incarcerated Support

Community Work Services partners with correctional facilities to deliver industry-recognized job training to incarcerated individuals. Programs include Commercial Cleaning and Culinary Training, equipping participants with hands-on experience, essential certifications like OSHA 10 and ServSafe, and reentry-focused job readiness to support stable employment.

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Program Highlights:
Training in universal precautions and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management
OSHA 10 General Industry Certification upon completion
Hands-on instruction in stripping, waxing, buffing, and stain removal
Training in knife skills, food prep, and meal planning
Prepares participants for the ServSafe Handler's exam
and more...
Programs

Bridges to Employment at CWS

Bridges to Employment (B2E) is a weekly, hands-on job search training program that provides personalized support to help participants find jobs, get hired, transition into employment, and thrive in the workplace. Whether you're overcoming significant employment gaps, returning to the community after incarceration, or taking steps forward in your recovery, B2E gives you the tools, confidence, and guidance to successfully navigate every stage of the job search journey.

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Program Highlights:
Dedicated guidance on your job search strategy
Resume preparation support to showcase your strengths and get noticed
Interview guidance to present yourself professionally and boost confidence
Technical support for online applications and navigating job boards
Opportunities to learn about employer expectations and job success
Location
174 Portland Street Boston, MA, 4th Floor in Computer Lab

Tuesday: 10:00 - 12:00AM (Non-English speakers)
Wednesday: 9:00 - 11:00AM (MRC)
Thursday: 9:00 - 11:00AM (Non-English Speakers), 11:00AM - 12:00PM (Program Graduates)
Friday: 9:00-11:00AM (Active Program Participants)
Success Stories

Lives Changed Through CWS

June 26, 2025
Russell Smith

Russell is currently focused on obtaining permanent housing and exploring additional training opportunities.

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April 14, 2025
Kevin Fowler

Kevin is working hard to rebuild his life after incarceration by taking various training classes and courses.

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February 19, 2025
Heather Henderson

Heather secured a position with At Your Service Staffing, where she now applies her certification and training across a range of hospitality roles.

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December 30, 2024
Deline Leandre

Deline enrolled in the At Your Service - Hotel & Hospitality Training Program and earned a prestigious American Hotel & Hospitality Training Program.

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October 29, 2024
Hector

Hector is a recent graduate of our Apex Clean Energy Institute (ACEI) Training Program.

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August 2, 2024
Ross

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April 8, 2024
Roberto

Roberto is a recent graduate of the National Grid Energy Infrastructure Academy.

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February 21, 2024
Bony

After successfully completing JRT, Bony continues to serve as a participant worker providing translation assistance to our migrant participants.

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Lyanet Vasquez

“Being homeless is just not an excuse.”

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Danielle McInnis

“I felt like I needed more. I needed a push. I needed to build my career more. So, I decided to start something new. And CWS helped make it happen!”

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Donald Haynesworth

“I have a whole new life, a whole new energy. It’s a great feeling. CWS is allowing me to be the man I want to be, for me and for my child.”

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News & Insights

In the Media

Stay up to date on our work as we strive to empower individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential.

February 19, 2025
CWS Winter Newsletter 2025
February 4, 2025
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards More Than $850,000 to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Prepare for Employment
December 30, 2024
CWS December Newsletter
October 29, 2024
CWS Fall Newsletter