Job training in Lake County
Learn a new skill, earn a certificate or start a new career close to home. Many of these programs are free or pay you while you learn.
Paid while you learn
Programs that pay you while you train.
Apprenticeships in California
Learn a trade or career on the job while you earn a paycheck, with classes alongside. The state keeps a search tool of approved apprenticeship programs.
California Division of Apprenticeship Standards
415-703-4920
Source California Division of Apprenticeship Standards
BUILD construction training
Paid construction training for Lake County adults who face barriers to work. No construction experience is needed.
Construction Fundamentals pays $16.90 an hour, 30 hours a week for 4 months. A Solar and HVAC track pays $20 an hour for 6 months. Graduates get safety certifications and letters of recommendation.
Source North Coast Opportunities BUILD page
Trades, health and public safety
Hands-on training for building trades, emergency medical work and more.
Certified Nursing Assistant training
The Lake County Office of Education Medical Training Program prepares you for the state CNA exam. Classes meet Monday evenings at the Hance Education Center in Lakeport, with clinical hours at Rocky Point Care Center.
The fee is $1,500, which includes books, fingerprinting and the state exam. You must be 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent when the program starts. A Medical Assistant program is offered too.
707-262-4100
Source Lake County Office of Education Medical Training Program page
Help paying for training
Ways to have your training paid for.
Training paid for by job programs
If you are looking for work or were laid off, CareerPoint Lake County may be able to pay for approved training. Call 707-708-3826. Approved schools and programs are listed on the state training list in CalJOBS.
Source California EDD Eligible Training Provider List page, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay
Colleges
Career certificates at our three community colleges.
Woodland Community College, Lake County Campus
Career certificates in welding, culinary arts and baking, drinking water and wastewater technology, chemical dependency counseling, accounting, business and medical office work, and early childhood education.
15880 Dam Road Extension, Clearlake
707-995-7900
Source Woodland Community College Lake County Campus page
Mendocino College Lake Center
College classes, career education and support services in Lakeport. Check the class schedule for what is taught at the Lake Center each term.
2565 Parallel Drive, Lakeport
707-263-4944
Source Mendocino College Lake Center page
Teach Lake County
An online teaching credential program for working adults from the Lake County Office of Education, with a credential and master's degree option.
707-262-4100
Source Lake County Office of Education Teach Lake County page
Adult schools and free classes
Short classes, English, and high school diploma programs, many free or low cost.
Lake County Adult School
Earn a high school diploma, or learn about other local diploma and equivalency options.
1152 S. Main Street, Lakeport
707-245-6366
Visit Lake County Adult School
Source Lake County Office of Education Adult School page
Career Online High School at the library
Adults 19 and older can earn a high school diploma and a career certificate online through Lake County Library, with an academic coach. The library can award scholarships.
Source Lake County News (July 2025)
Ready to look for work?
See local jobs across Lake County.
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