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 17 – September 25
Apply by July 17 | Orientation: August 10 – August 14
Fall 2026:
November 2 – December 11
Apply by October 2 | Orientation: October 26 – October 30
*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**
- 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.
**All of our courses are taught exclusively in English, and unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to provide translation for those who cannot learn and communicate in English.
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.
