CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Free Facilities Maintenance Training in San Jose | 6-Week Program

Launch Your Career in Building Maintenance, HVAC, or Construction

Start a rewarding career in facilities maintenance with our free, hands-on training program. In just 6 weeks, you’ll gain essential skills in HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and building maintenance, plus earn industry certifications that lead to employment.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

6 weeks of free training (120 hours)
5+ industry certifications included (OSHA-10, EPA 608, NATE, and more)
Morning OR afternoon schedule options
Hands-on + online learning combination
Job placement support included
No prior experience required

Goodwill of Silicon Valley - Job Training

What You’ll Learn:

Our comprehensive program combines live instruction, online learning, and hands-on practice to prepare you for real-world facilities maintenance work:

Building Systems

  • HVAC basics (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
  • Plumbing systems and repairs
  • Electrical systems fundamentals
  • Residential and commercial construction

Maintenance Skills

  • Building upkeep and cleaning
  • Painting and surface preparation
  • Window and door maintenance
  • Equipment operation and safety

Career Readiness

  • Resume building and interview skills
  • Workplace professionalism
  • Job search strategies
  • Employer expectations

Certifications Earned:

  • Graduate job-ready with industry-recognized credentials:
  • OSHA-10 Safety Certification
  • EPA 608 Universal Certification (Core, Type I, Type II, Type III)
  • NATE Ready to Work
  • Facilities Maintenance Certificate (Interplay Learning)
  • Additional specialized certificates available in HVAC, Electrical, Construction, and Plumbing
These certifications qualify you for entry-level positions at property management companies, commercial buildings, and maintenance contractors.

After Graduation

Typical Entry-Level Roles:

  • HVAC Installation Assistant or Technician
  • Building Maintenance Technician
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician
  • Property Maintenance Worker
  • Building Operations Assistant

Career Advancement Path: 

Entry-Level Tech → Facilities Technician → Building Engineer → Facilities Manager

Course Details

Schedule: Monday–Friday, choose your shift:
• Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Afternoon: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Duration: 6 weeks (120 hours)

Location: Goodwill of Silicon Valley, 1600 Technology Drive, San Jose

Cost: Free

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Spring 2026: February 23 – April 3

    Apply by January 23 | Orientation: Week of February 16

  • Summer 2026: May 18 – June 26

    Apply by April 17 | Orientation: Week of May 11

  • Fall 2026: August 31 – October 9

    Apply by July 26 | Orientation: Week of August 24

  • Winter 2026: December 14 – January 29*

    Apply by November 16 | Orientation: Week of December 7

    *Course length extended due to winter holidays (12/24-25, 12/31, & 1/1/27)

    This program is in high demand, and space is limited. Apply early to secure your spot.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for anyone seeking a stable career in building maintenance and trades, including:

  • People seeking hands-on, skilled careers
  • Career changers interested in the trades
  • Those unemployed or underemployed
  • Anyone comfortable with physical work
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:

 

  • Comfortability with physical labor and using hand and power tools
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to obtain a passing score on an assessment of basic computer literacy, math, and measurement skills
  • Resident of Santa Clara County*
  • Unemployed or underemployed (e.g. earning less than $52,000/year)
  • 18 years of age or older and interested in securing meaningful employment in automotive repair with opportunities for economic growth
  • Valid authorization to work in the United States, such as U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or an employment authorization card
  • 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
  • Able to learn and communicate effectively in English**
  • 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.

  • ABC NorCal – Associated Builders and Contractors of Northern California
  • LiUNA – Laborers International Union of North America
  • JobTrain – Opening pathways to quality careers for people of diverse backgrounds throughout the Bay Area.
  • SEI – Strategic Energy Innovations

Community & Industry Partners

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Veteran Status (provide one of the following):
  • DD214
  • VA ID card or other official documentation confirming veteran status

  • Verification from the SQUARES system

Household Income (for all household members):
  • Two months of recent pay stubs

  • Most recent tax return (Form 1040)

  • Documentation for disability, pension, or retirement income

Identification & Family Information:
  • Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID) for each household member

  • Birth certificates or custody papers to confirm dependents

  • Social Security cards for all household members

Housing Verification:
  • Lease agreement, or

  • A letter from a shelter, institution, or transitional housing provider

QUALIFYING FOR SUPPORT

To participate in Veteran Family Services, the head of household—or their spouse—must be a U.S. veteran, and the household must meet low-income guidelines (at or below 80% of the area median income).

 

Our team will guide you through each step of the eligibility process with care. Here’s what we’ll need to verify:

 

Our goal is to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible, because you’ve served, and now it’s our turn to support you.

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