Workforce Gateway Internship (WGI)
About the Workforce Gateway Internship (WGI)
The Workforce Gateway Internship (WGI) is a unique opportunity for NYC high school seniors to step into real-world career training experiences— during the school day.
Whether it’s tech, healthcare, construction, education, or green energy, students are immersed in high-growth, in-demand career sectors through hands-on learning at local Workforce Training Provider sites across New York City.
"In high school, I had no idea these programs even existed. I think schools should show us workforce training the same way they show us college tours. Give students an idea of what happens on a day to day basis in those programs, what it looks like what you're going to be learning, to see if that's the right fit. [Young people] need to find out for themselves what they want to pursue, what's their passions, and if that fits their learning type."
Johvanny, Workforce Training program participant, age 22.
Shared Lane focus group.
"I’m really glad I was able to participate in this program as it gave me abetter understanding of my options as well as gaining more networking experience." Abigail H., WGI 2025 Student
How It Began
WGI was created by Shared Lane in response to questions our stakeholders were asking:
Students
How do I learn about workforce training programs?
Counselors & Youth Advisors
How can we help our students find the best match to a career training program?
Workforce Training Providers
How can we create a young adult pipeline to our training program?
Launched as a micro-internship program, the program was built from insights shared by workforce practitioners and informed by counselors in the Expanding Pathways Collaborative. The goal – to make workforce training a visible, accessible, and viable postsecondary option for students, not just an alternative to college, but a pathway to careers.
How It Works
Over the course of the micro-training experience (internship), high school seniors:
Participate in abridged introductory training at a local Workforce Provider site
Build career readiness skills, acquire technical skills and complete a capstone project
Participate in a mock admissions interview, helping to make informed decisions about their futures
This experience is more than a career preview—it’s a real-world learning opportunity to explore a future they may not have known existed.
A Growing Impact
WGI has grown from:
60 to 100
high school seniors
15 to 25
high schools participating
6 to 13
workforce provider sites
Our pilot data: 92% completion rate and 33% conversion rate to program admissions. WGI is already shifting how students—and schools—think about what comes next after graduation.
For Students. For Counselors. For Systems Change.
WGI is also a powerful tool for high school counselors, giving them direct exposure to workforce training models they can then bring back to their schools.
“I saw first-hand the power of workforce partnerships in NYC. We’ve been trying to build alternative pathways for years—and Shared Lane helped us bring that vision to life.”
Mr. B
As the program grows, WGI is embedding career-connected learning into the school experience and serving as a vital admissions pipeline for NYC's workforce training programs.
The Workforce Gateway Internship is powered by Shared Lane in partnership with:
Building Skills NY
RETI Center
Green City Force
The Hope Program
Kennedy Children’s Center
LaGuardia Community College
Change Food for Good
Rebuilding Together NYC
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT)
Per Scholas
NPower
Solar One
Program Partners
Shared Lane appreciates our partnerships with Workforce Training providers, high schools, school intermediaries and CMOs. We are grateful for the support of:
Shared Lane supports educators, youth advocates and future job seekers
"The resources provided by SharedLane have helped me learn more about various medical fields. This program has helped me achieve my future goals by preparing me for more opportunities ahead."
"I’m really glad I was able to participate in this program as it gave me a better understanding of my options as well as gaining more networking experience."
“WGI was an amazing program, and I’m so glad I got to experience it before heading off to work or trade school. It really helped me feel more prepared for what’s next.”
“This program is a great way to figure out what you want to do in the future if you’re unsure — and even if you are sure, it opens your mind to even more career possibilities."
“Being part of Green City Force was an incredible experience. I loved working in urban agriculture—especially learning about composting and its different processes. I also had the chance to explore how to improve energy efficiency in older buildings, like a church, which showed me the real-world impact of sustainability. Along the way, I gained valuable skills and connected with people who share my passion for the environment. This opportunity has truly opened doors for me, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference.”
“Students were given the opportunity to both learn essential workforce skills and immediately put them into action. For example, they were taught interview techniques and then practiced through mock interviews. They also learned about professionalism and how to present themselves—and were expected to apply those lessons in real-time. It was a powerful, hands-on learning experience.”
"This is my second time being part of shared lane and I just always enjoy seeing the students get into it and make a commitment in ways some of them have not before. You can see how the majority do learn something from this experience whether its soft skills or professional ones."
"The resources provided by SharedLane have helped me learn more about various medical fields. This program has helped me achieve my future goals by preparing me for more opportunities ahead."
"I’m really glad I was able to participate in this program as it gave me a better understanding of my options as well as gaining more networking experience."
“WGI was an amazing program, and I’m so glad I got to experience it before heading off to work or trade school. It really helped me feel more prepared for what’s next.”
“This program is a great way to figure out what you want to do in the future if you’re unsure — and even if you are sure, it opens your mind to even more career possibilities."
“Being part of Green City Force was an incredible experience. I loved working in urban agriculture—especially learning about composting and its different processes. I also had the chance to explore how to improve energy efficiency in older buildings, like a church, which showed me the real-world impact of sustainability. Along the way, I gained valuable skills and connected with people who share my passion for the environment. This opportunity has truly opened doors for me, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference.”
“Students were given the opportunity to both learn essential workforce skills and immediately put them into action. For example, they were taught interview techniques and then practiced through mock interviews. They also learned about professionalism and how to present themselves—and were expected to apply those lessons in real-time. It was a powerful, hands-on learning experience.”
"This is my second time being part of shared lane and I just always enjoy seeing the students get into it and make a commitment in ways some of them have not before. You can see how the majority do learn something from this experience whether its soft skills or professional ones."
Still Have Questions? Dive Deeper Into WGI
Explore everything you need to know about the Workforce Gateway Internship—from eligibility and program details to how schools and providers can get involved.
Ready to Get Started? Join the WGI Waitlist
Want to take part in the Workforce Gateway Internship? Whether you’re a student, counselor, training provider, or just someone excited about career pathways, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form to join our waitlist and get notified when applications open.
We’re in your lane
Shared Lane offers in-person and remote professional development for counselors and educators to plan for integrating career connected learning in their advising practices. Shared Lane's sessions uniquely center on de-siloing high school, workforce development and industry.
