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.
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
Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3)
Basic Construction Techniques
Forklift Operation
Material Handling
Construction Math
Employability Skills
Certifications
OSHA 10
CPR/First Aid/AED
Workzone Safety/Traffic Control
Hazardous Waste Operations
Blueprint Reading
Construction Fundamentals
And more…
Local union & contractors visits/presentations
Transportation stipend
Tool belt, tools, & personal protective equipment (PPE)
Opportunity to test into the Laborers Union
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.
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:
Fall 2026:
Session: October 26 – December 18
Deadline to apply: October 8
*All dates are subject to change
Basic Requirements:
Our mission is to help individuals who currently face barriers to employment launch a rewarding new career. To ensure every participant has the best possible chance of reaching graduation and securing a job, you must meet the following criteria to be considered for enrollment:
- Resident of Santa Clara County*
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Unemployed or underemployed (e.g. earning less than $52,000/year)
- Able to learn and communicate effectively in English (All courses are taught exclusively in English)
- Have reliable transportation
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- Pass pre-assessment in basic computer literacy, math skills & measurements
- HSD/GED preferred but not required
- Driver’s license is preferred but not required
- In good physical health; ability to stand for 6-8 hours and lift up to 50 lbs
- Availability to attend Mandatory Orientation the week prior to session start date
- Able to arrive on time at, and actively participate in, all class sessions and activities
- In a stable living situation (a safe, consistent place to stay)
- Have a solid plan in place for caregiving responsibilities
- If justice-impacted: not currently awaiting trial or sentencing for a charge that could result in incarceration
- Committed to securing employment in the field in which you receive training
*We will consider residents of adjacent counties (San Benito, San Mateo, Alameda, and Santa Cruz) for enrollment on a space-available basis and provided other requirements are met.
Not sure if you qualify?
If you’re facing challenges in any of these areas or have questions about your specific situation, please reach out to us via email: cte@goodwillsv.org. Our team is here to talk through your options and may be able to connect you with resources to help you get ready for a future session.
