New Year, New Career: Goodwill Launches Career Training Programs in 2026

The start of a new year is an opportunity to reset and take meaningful steps toward the future you want, and Goodwill of Silicon Valley is here to help make that possible.   

Our Career Technical Education (CTE) Program offers no-cost, short-term training in high-demand, industry-specific fields to help participants build practical skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and gain the confidence to pursue stable, well-paying careers. 

In 2026, Goodwill of Silicon Valley is launching several new CTE courses for anyone living in Santa Clara or San Benito County who is ready to commit to training. This includes military veterans, individuals returning from incarceration, people experiencing homelessness, and those who are unemployed or underemployed. Our hands-on programs are paired with guidance and support to help participants stay on track and succeed.  

If you’re motivated to learn and build new skills, you belong here.  

New Programs: 

Facilities Maintenance Program: 

• 6-week program 

• Learn HVAC, electrical, plumbing, & construction basics 

• Safety certifications: OSHA-10, NATE Ready to Work, EPA 608 

• Apply for our next cohort by January 23 

VR Automotive Repair Program:

•  8-week program, limited to 5 participants 

• Immersive Virtual Reality training in automotive repair 

• Earn ASE certifications in maintenance & light repair and brakes 

• Apply for our next cohort by February 9   

Programs Returning in 2026: 

Dental Assistant Program: 

• 5-week program  

• Fundamentals of oral anatomy, chairside assisting, equipment handling, infection control, X-ray techniques 

• Certifications: CPR/First Aid, Infection Control, Radiation Safety, DPA, Coronal Polish 

• 2026 Session information will be available soon 

Medical Assistant Program:

• 11-week program + 160-hour externship 

• Clinical and administrative skills, medical terminology, billing & coding, patient care 

• Certifications: CPR, JobTrain , optional NCCT certification 

• Applications accepted on a rolling basis 

Electrical Fundamentals Program: 

• 4-week program 

• Construction core & electrical awareness 

• Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER, ABC NorCal Pre-Apprenticeship, CPR/First Aid, Electrical Trainee card 

• Apply for our next cohort by April 20 

Construction Fundamentals – Laborer’s Pre-Apprenticeship:

• 6-week program  

• Safety, blueprint reading, hands-on construction, math & agility testing for pre-apprenticeship 

• Certifications: OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR-AED, Confined Space, Work Zone Safety, Hazardous Waste Removal 

• Apply for our cohort by January 9 

Who Can Apply:

• Adults 18+ in Santa Clara or San Benito County (some programs include additional counties)

• Eligible to work in the USA

• Meet program-specific physical, educational, or technical requirements 

If you’re ready to invest in yourself and take the next step forward, we’re ready to help you get there. 

Sign up today to get more information.