Job Training Programs in San Francisco: Climb Hire's Free Courses 

Job training in San Francisco
Climb Hire provides job training in IT Support and Paid Search Marketing to help San Francisco residents launch careers in tech. Our nonprofit serves individuals from underserved communities throughout the Bay Area.
Training at no cost to you
Thanks to funding from government programs and philanthropic partners, Climb Hire training is completely free. Plus, we cover the exam fees for professional certifications, including CompTIA A+ and Meta Digital Marketing Associate.
Career development support
Beyond technical training, you'll develop essential workplace skills through personalized career mentoring, resume writing help, mock interviews, and industry connections. Over 80% of our graduates find jobs within 12 months of program completion.

IT Support program

Our IT Support program is a 6-month course that helps you build the essential skills for CompTIA A+ certification—a credential that hiring managers seek out on resumes. The program also covers the cost of both required exams (1101 and 1102).

What we cover:

  • How computer systems work, networking basics, cybersecurity fundamentals, and more
  • Practice troubleshooting using real-world methods you’ll use on the job
  • Complete hands-on projects and scenario-based exercises
  • The Google IT Support Professional Certificate (optional)
You'll need 20 hours per week to dedicate to the course: 9 hours of live online instruction and 11 hours of independent work. You'll also learn professional skills like communication and teamwork to help you ace interviews and succeed on the job.

Paid search marketing

Our 4-month Paid Search Marketing will get you certified in Google Ads Search, Meta Digital Marketing Associate, and HubSpot Inbound Marketing. We cover all certification expenses.

You’ll develop skills to:

  • Build and optimize advertising across Google and social platforms
  • Design content plans that connect with audiences and drive conversions
  • Analyze performance metrics to enhance marketing outcomes
  • Create portfolio pieces demonstrating real campaign work
This program requires 20 hours each week: 9 in live remote sessions and 11 completing projects independently. Soft skills development training is also woven throughout your coursework.

Career services

Every Climb Hire student receives comprehensive job placement support to transition into IT or marketing roles after graduation.

  • Six months of working one-on-one with a career mentor
  • Assistance building your resume, personal pitch, and online profiles
  • Practice interviews with specific feedback for improvement for job readiness
  • LinkedIn Premium membership for a year
  • Member-only job board featuring curated openings and application management tools
Our alumni have landed roles at companies such as Google, Discord, and IBM—thanks to the support they get from Climb Hire.

Extra support

We recognize that students often juggle multiple responsibilities while pursuing their education. Our SNAP partnership helps address food insecurity so you can focus on learning instead of worrying about meals.

Additional services in development include childcare support, internet access, and academic testing accommodations—helping remove barriers to your success. Check back for updates on our expanding offerings.

Prerequisites

Climb Hire welcomes applicants who meet these requirements:

  • Live in California* (or Colorado)
  • Age 24-40 years
  • Annual income below $30k
  • Authorization to work in the US
  • Access to a computer equipped with camera and microphone
  • Ability to dedicate 4–6 months to part-time study
*Includes: San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano.

Our San Francisco address

2261 Market Street STE 10955
San Francisco, CA 94114
Additional job training programs in San Francisco
San Francisco offers many job training opportunities beyond Climb Hire. If our programs don't match your career goals, consider these local alternatives:
Independent job training
Goodwill San Francisco Bay
Goodwill provides job training for Bay Area residents, including Google tech certifications, Microsoft courses, and other computer fundamentals. These programs teach job-ready skills that help you qualify for entry-level roles across the region.
San Francisco Human Services Agency
SFHSA's Public Service Trainee Program offers paid temporary positions with benefits. Six-month training includes clerical, IT, and service roles across city departments, plus job skills development. The program is open to San Francisco residents receiving CalWORKs, CAAP, CalFresh, or former foster youth.
Employment Development Department (EDD)
The state's EDD offers free workforce skills training through its Eligible Training Provider List. Programs serve displaced workers, youth, and people with disabilities with vocational courses, apprenticeships, and job workshops in areas like business, healthcare, and technology.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
SFPUC partners with unions and city agencies to offer paid apprenticeship programs in skilled trades for on-the-job training. The program provides work experience opportunities for San Francisco youth, which can lead to employment opportunities in water, power, and sewer operations.
Code Tenderloin
Located in downtown San Francisco, Code Tenderlion is a nonprofit that offers free tech education to residents from underserved communities. Enroll to learn programming, data analysis, and other in-demand technical skills while also receiving supportive services such as job search assistance.
High Road Training Partnerships
These California-funded initiatives connect job seekers with training in transportation, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors. The programs partner directly with employers to teach relevant skills for well-paying positions.
Job training from Bay Area colleges and universities
City College of San Francisco
CCSF offers apprenticeship training in trades including roofing, information security, and HVAC. Students earn wages while gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction, creating career pathways to full-time roles.
UC Berkeley Extension
Berkeley Extension offers professional certificates in project management, marketing, finance, and web development. Courses are available either on campus or online, with flexible scheduling.
University of California - San Francisco
UCSF offers workforce development programs focused on tech, science, and healthcare careers. Available to staff and community members, their programs combine technical skill-building with real-world internships and support in career development.
California Community Colleges
This statewide system of 116 colleges includes multiple campuses in San Francisco. Programs are available in many in-demand fields, from tech to engineering to automotive. Short-term certificate programs typically last under 12 months and connect you directly to entry-level careers.