Who Can Apply?
- Must be 17 years or older
- No high school diploma or GED required
- Criminal history is not disqualifying
- U.S. work authorization not required for enrollment
- English and Spanish instruction available
- No prior experience required for most programs
How It Works
Apply Online
Complete our free 4-step application. Takes about 5 minutes. No documents needed at this stage.
Admissions Interview
Our admissions team will contact you within 2–3 business days to schedule a brief phone or in-person interview.
Enrollment & Orientation
Once accepted, you'll receive your cohort start date and attend a mandatory orientation at our East Harlem facility.
Start Training
Show up, learn, and build your career. Instructors, tools, and certification prep are all provided — free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. RTI programs are 100% free to students — no tuition, no application fee, no hidden costs. RTI is funded by public and private grants and donations.
Do I need a high school diploma or GED?
No. RTI's programs are open to adults 17+ regardless of educational background.
Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
Yes. A criminal history is not disqualifying for enrollment at RTI.
How long do programs take?
Programs range from 1 week (Flagger Training) to 11 months (Carpentry). Most healthcare programs are 6–12 weeks, and most trades programs are 2–5 months.
Are programs available in Spanish?
Yes. Several programs are offered in Spanish, and our admissions team is bilingual. See individual program pages for language availability.
How do I know when the next cohort starts?
Contact our admissions office at (212) 722-5000 or apply online. We'll tell you the next available start date for your chosen program.
Apply Online
Complete our 4-step application in about 5 minutes. Our admissions team reviews every application.
Start ApplicationInfo Sessions
Attend a free information session at our East Harlem facility. Meet instructors, tour labs, and ask questions.
Request Info Session