CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Construction Training
Tuition-Free Construction Training in San Jose | 6-Week Program
Launch Your Construction Career with Free Training & Union Apprenticeship Path
Start your construction career with free, hands-on training that prepares you for union apprenticeship with the Northern California Laborers’ Training Center (LIUNA). In just 6 weeks, you’ll earn industry-recognized certifications and gain the skills employers demand, at no cost to you.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✓ 6 weeks of free, full-time training (240 hours)
✓ 5 industry certifications included (OSHA 10, CPR, HAZWOPER, and more)
✓ Equipment operation training (skid steer loaders)
✓ Direct pathway to Northern California Laborers’ Union (LIUNA)
✓ Job placement support and interview coaching
✓ No prior construction experience required
What You’ll Learn:
Our comprehensive program combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice to prepare you for union apprenticeship and construction careers:
Construction Fundamentals
- Construction safety and OSHA compliance
- Blueprint reading and interpretation
- Tool identification and proper use
- Job site safety protocols
- Equipment operation (skid steer loaders)
- Workplace hazard recognition
Career Readiness
- Resume building and interview preparation
- Workplace communication and professionalism
- Mock interviews with construction employers
- Job search strategies
- Soft skills for construction environments
Union Apprenticeship Preparation
- LIUNA pre-apprenticeship requirements
- Math and agility test preparation
- Union application process guidance
Certifications Earned:
- OSHA 10 Safety Certification
- First Aid / CPR-AED
- Confined Space Awareness
- Work Zone Safety & Traffic Control
- Hazardous Waste Removal (40-hour HAZWOPER)
Plus: Preparation and testing for LIUNA pre-apprentices
After Graduation
Typical Entry-Level Roles:
- Construction Apprentice with LIUNA
- Equipment Operator
- General Construction Laborer
- Parts Runner/Driver
Union Apprenticeship Pathway
At the end of the program, you’ll take the required math and agility tests to advance into the Northern California Laborers’ Training Center (LIUNA) pre-apprenticeship program. Graduates who pass LIUNA entrance requirements enter union apprenticeship earning union scale wages with full benefits.
Learn more here: https://ncdc-laborers.org
Course Details
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Goodwill of Silicon Valley, 1600 Technology Drive, San Jose
Cost: Free
Upcoming Sessions:
Spring 2026:
May 5 – June 12
Apply by April 3 | Orientation: April 28 – May 2
Summer 2026:
August 18 – September 25
Apply by July 17 | Orientation: August 11 – August 15
Fall 2026:
November 2 – December 11
Apply by October 2 | Orientation: October 26 – October 30
*All dates are subject to change
Basic Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Eligible to work in the U.S. with valid documentation
- Able to commute to San Jose
- Comfortable with basic reading, writing, and math
- Pass a basic assessment in computer literacy, math, and measurements
- Physically able to stand for 6–8 hours and lift 50 lbs.
- Available for mandatory orientation and career readiness workshops
Preferred but not required:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license