If you’re looking for job guarantee courses, you’ll be after a training program that offers you some certainty of employment after completion. Of course, this is understandable when you’re investing time and money into your career development.
The trouble is that while many courses claim to guarantee you a job, the reality is not that simple. These so-called guarantees are really just the promise of a refund of the cost of the course if you don’t land a job within a given time frame—usually around six months after graduation.
What’s more, they often come with numerous qualifications and conditions that you must meet in order to claim that refund. For instance, you might need to:
- Apply to as many as 10 jobs a week.
- Accept positions that might not align with your career goals (including part-time, temporary, or low-paying roles).
- Complete additional training modules.
These “guarantees” come with so many conditions, they’re hardly a guarantee at all.
We offer an alternative: Climb Hire. We’re a nonprofit providing free tech training programs to low-income working adults.
We don’t guarantee employment—and we don’t believe we should. Instead, we do everything we can to set you up for success. We offer rigorous technical training, personalized career support, and comprehensive job readiness preparation that gives you the best possible chance of finding rewarding, well-paid work.
Our results speak for themselves: 80% of Climbers find employment within a year of completing our programs, with starting salaries often exceeding $50k.
In this guide, we dive deep into what we do at Climb Hire and how we support our students’ success. Then, if you’re still interested in “job guarantee” programs, we examine five courses that claim to offer employment guarantees, helping you understand exactly what they provide and what conditions they require.
Ready to learn skills that lead to real jobs, not just guarantees on paper? Learn more about Climb Hire’s learning tracks and apply today.
Climb Hire
Free job training programs for the best chance to land a rewarding role in tech
Typically, job guarantee courses work by offering you a refund if you don’t find a job. That means they often require a significant upfront investment. But they only grant you a refund if you meet specific conditions—meaning you may not receive the refund at all.
Climb Hire takes a completely different approach to supporting your journey to rewarding employment. We offer free tech training programs in high-demand fields, with a singular focus on helping you start a successful career in tech. In fact, our funding is tied to helping our students land jobs, so we’re deeply invested in your success.
Our courses provide comprehensive technical training, so you can learn everything you need to know for a tech career. We also provide personalized job readiness training, including one-on-one coaching, resume building, and interview preparation, to help you quickly secure a well-paying job in the tech industry.
So, while we don’t guarantee you a job, we give you all the support you need to find one.
Climb Hire’s learning tracks
We offer two career-focused learning tracks in fast-growing, high-demand industries:
- IT Support: A 6-month program that prepares you for entry-level roles in the IT industry, such as computer systems support and IT support specialist. It covers key technical skills like hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting. When you graduate, you’ll be ready for the industry-recognized CompTIA A+ certification, which many hiring managers look for on resumes.
- Paid Search Marketing: A 4-month digital marketing program designed for people looking to break into marketing. It teaches you how to create and manage successful ad campaigns, resulting in three industry-recognized certifications: Google Ads, Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate, and HubSpot Inbound Marketing. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for roles like paid search specialist and digital marketing coordinator.
Both of our programs include:
- Comprehensive technical skills training + hands-on learning through real-world projects.
- Live, expert-led virtual classes with real-time feedback and support.
- Soft skills training incorporated into the curriculum, including professional communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management.
- Certification exam fees covered by us, which will save you up to $500.
Career support
We’re fully committed to helping you land a full-time, lucrative position in the tech industry. To make that happen, all of our programs come with extensive career support:
- A structured career development program that includes building a Job Search Portfolio, complete with a professionally reviewed resume, LinkedIn profile, professional bio, and elevator pitch statement.
- A dedicated Career Development Advisor who will work with you one-on-one for six months, providing personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your career goals. For instance, you’ll work on mock interviews and customized job search strategies.
- Membership in the Climb Hire Alumni Community, which offers ongoing development opportunities, networking events, and potential job referrals to help you stay connected and advance in your career.
- Access to our Alumni Network Portal, which connects you with a wide-reaching network of industry professionals, as well as curated job boards, application tracking tools, and AI-driven resources to help you accelerate your job search.
- A complimentary one-year subscription to LinkedIn Premium, which enhances your visibility to recruiters and provides an additional channel for networking with industry professionals.
These comprehensive services are a big part of why our alumni have gone on to work for top tech companies, including Google, Salesforce, IBM, and BetterUp.
For example, Miguel Ruiz landed a job at IBM and doubled his salary after graduating from a Climb Hire program:
“The soft skills I learned at Climb Hire really helped me to learn how to interact with interviewers when I was looking for a job. It feels amazing to me now on the other side. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Admission requirements
Our nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping low-income working adults launch successful careers in the tech industry. To be eligible for our programs, all you need is to:
- Be between 24 and 40 years old.
- Earn $30k or less per year.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Have access to a laptop and Wi-Fi.
- Be committed to finding a full-time job in your field after graduating.
Note: Due to funding agreements, enrollment may be limited to certain states.
Ready to take the first step towards a new career in tech? Apply to one of our free training courses in IT Support or Paid Search Marketing now.
5 Job Guarantee Courses (and the Conditions You Need to Meet)
Now that we’ve covered what Climb Hire offers, let’s look at five programs that advertise job guarantees.
We believe our approach of free training and comprehensive support is more valuable than a conditional guarantee. However, we want you to have all the information to make the best choice for your career.
1. CareerFoundry
Job guarantee courses with all learning tracks
CareerFoundry is an online education company that provides training for roles like full-stack developer or data analyst.
All of their programs come with a job guarantee, which can be a valuable perk. However, to be eligible, you must meet a number of specific requirements.
Job guarantee: Conditions you should know
The job guarantee at CareerFoundry promises a full tuition refund if you don’t secure a job in your field within six months of graduation. However, it’s important to be aware that declining a “qualified” job offer will make you ineligible for a refund.
To be covered by CareerFoundry’s guarantee, you must:
- Complete your program and pay tuition in full.
- Live in or be willing to relocate to an eligible metropolitan area.
- Be open to both remote and in-person job opportunities.
- Complete CareerFoundry’s Job Prep Course and actively work with your career specialist to develop a job search strategy, following their guidance and recommendations.
On top of that, it’s worth noting that CareerFoundry’s definition of a “qualified” job is fairly loose:
- The job must be a paid position, which can include a range of employment types such as full-time, part-time, or contract work, as well as freelance, apprenticeship, or even internship roles.
- If you’re hired and offered at least 15 hours per week for 10 weeks or more, that counts as finding a “qualified” job.
Course cost
CareerFoundry’s programs range in price from $6,555 to $8,500, depending on the learning track you choose. They offer flexible payment plans, including a monthly payment option starting at $550+ per month over 8 to 12 months.
Learning tracks and career support
CareerFoundry’s course options include:
- UX design
- UI design
- Full-stack web development
- Data analytics
- Digital marketing
- Product management
- Product design
All courses are self-paced, meaning you will study the material independently. Most programs can be completed in 3 to 6 months for full-time students or 7 to 10 months for part-time students.
Throughout your program, you’ll have the support of a personal mentor who will provide guidance and feedback as you work through the material. The hands-on projects that are part of each program will help you build the skills you need and feature in your professional portfolio.
Your assigned career support specialist and Job Prep Course will help you create a strong online presence, develop a job search strategy, and prepare for interviews.
Admission requirements
CareerFoundry’s courses don’t require prior tech experience, but you will need to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Have a laptop and Wi-Fi.
- Show sincere interest in the program of your choice.
- Have English B2 proficiency or higher (if you’re an international applicant).
2. Springboard
Tech courses with job guarantees for specific programs
Springboard offers a variety of tech training programs in fields like data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
Only some of their courses come with a job guarantee, and each has specific eligibility requirements that must be met in order to qualify.
Job guarantee: Conditions you should know
With Springboard’s job placement guarantee, you’ll receive a full refund if you don’t secure a job within 12 months of graduation. To qualify for this guarantee, you must:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English, both spoken and written, during the initial admissions process.
- Be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the US or Canada (for Toronto roles).
- Have clear background checks for the jobs you’re applying for. For example, tech roles often require criminal background checks due sensitive company data and systems access.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or have relevant industry experience, depending on the specific track.
- Complete and pass your course’s career modules.
- Apply to a minimum number of job openings that match your qualifications every week.
- Establish a professional network.
- Submit regular updates on your job search activities.
Course cost
The cost of Springboard’s job guarantee programs ranges from $10k to $14k, depending on your learning track. Financing options are available, including a deferred tuition option where you only begin to pay when you find a job.
Learning tracks and career support
Springboard job guarantee course offerings include:
- Data analytics
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
- Software engineering
- Software engineering for beginners
- UX design
Keep in mind that Springboard offers several other learning tracks that do not include a job guarantee.
Springboard’s programs are set up for independent learning, where you work through the material on your own. The courses take six or nine months to complete on a part-time schedule, except for the beginners’ software engineering course, which only takes around six weeks.
Hands-on learning is a core element, focusing on real-world projects under the guidance of a mentor to help you build a strong portfolio. Some tracks also lead to helpful industry certifications, giving you a competitive edge when you’re ready to start applying for jobs.
Career support services are also included in each program, with:
- Personalized career coaching.
- Resume and cover letter assistance.
- Job interview practice.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to a Springboard program, you’ll need to meet specific requirements, which differ depending on the course:
- Some programs are open to anyone with a passion for the subject.
- Some programs require a degree from a recognized university and/or relevant professional experience.
- You may also need to demonstrate your technical know-how by completing a survey.
3. ISSA
Courses in personal training and wellness coaching
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a well-established provider of fitness and wellness training programs. They offer a range of courses, but only their Certified Personal Trainer and Health & Wellness Coach Training programs come with a job guarantee.
Job guarantee: Conditions you should know
ISSA’s refund policy for its job guarantee courses applies if you don’t find a job within six months of completing your certification. Also, to be eligible, you must:
- Be a legal US resident with permission to work in the U.S.
- Have completed the course requirements and earned your certification.
- Meet specific requirements for your chosen program:
- Certified personal trainer: Pass the NCCPT Certified Personal Trainer exam, meet the minimum gym employment requirements, and apply and interview at no less than three gyms within six months of becoming certified.
- Health & wellness coach training: Pass the NBHWC/NBME Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Examination, meet the minimum coaching employment requirements, and apply and interview at no less than three health/wellness companies within six months of becoming certified.
Course cost
The cost of ISSA’s programs varies from $868 to $4k, depending on the program you choose and whether you finance or pay upfront.
Learning tracks and career support
ISSA offers two job guarantee courses:
- Certified Personal Trainer: A self-paced, independent-study program that covers topics like motivating clients, understanding the body’s structure, and building custom training programs. It includes a comprehensive online textbook, recorded course lectures, practice quizzes, student forum, and training for the NCCPT Certified Personal Trainer certification. The program can be completed in as little as 3 months.
- Health & Wellness Coach Training: This program includes live virtual classes, personalized mentorship, and hands-on coaching practice, covering topics such as implementing behavior change strategies and exploring key health and wellness topics. It trains students for the NBHWC/NBME Health & Wellness Coach Certifying Examination and can be completed in 12 weeks.
ISSA also offers several other courses that do not come with a job guarantee.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to an ISSA program, you have to be a legal US resident with permission to work in the US.
4. Davenport University
Bachelor’s degree programs with an employment guarantee
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Davenport University is one of the few institutions of higher education that offers an employment guarantee with several of its bachelor’s degree programs.
Job guarantee: Conditions you should know
To be eligible for Davenport University’s employment guarantee, you must meet several strict requirements:
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete your degree within six years.
- Be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Be open to exploring different job markets and willing to relocate for the right opportunity.
- Start your job search early, with a documented plan in place at least two semesters before graduation.
- Have a clean criminal record and be in good standing with the university.
- Complete a significant practical experience, such as an internship, practicum, or clinical experience, with at least 150 hours of work in your chosen field.
- Participate in at least one extracurricular activity for four semesters or more, such as a professional society, student organization, or volunteer work.
- Work with Career Services within your first two semesters and complete the Career Planning Checklist.
- Submit the Employment Guarantee application between six months and one year of your graduation date, if you haven’t found a job or started a graduate program.
As you can see, these requirements demand significant dedication to career prep throughout several years of study.
Course cost
The cost of attending Davenport University is around $30k per year. Like any university, financial aid is available through FAFSA and scholarships.
Learning tracks and career support
Davenport University’s employment guarantee for bachelor’s programs includes:
- Accounting
- Network Management and Security
- Nursing Pre-Licensure
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Cyber Defense
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Health Information Management
- Legal Studies
- Health Services Administration
Some programs are available entirely online, while others require in-person classes at Davenport campuses in Michigan. The programs typically take four years of full-time study to complete.
Davenport University’s Career Services offers things like a special platform to connect you with employers and opportunities; connections to internships and professional development; and help with career planning, resume building, and job search strategies.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to Davenport University, you must meet the university’s admission requirements, which include submitting an application, transcripts, and test scores. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as prerequisite courses or entrance exams.dick
5. Coding Temple
Coding bootcamps across various tech fields
Coding Temple offers job guarantee bootcamps with programs in different areas of tech. Their approach combines self-paced learning with daily live sessions and hands-on support.
Job guarantee: Conditions you should know
Coding Temple offers a 100% money-back guarantee for students who don’t land a job within nine months of graduating. To qualify for this guarantee, students must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have the legal right to work in the United States.
- Pass a background check (often required by tech employers to protect company data).
- Finish the program on time.
- Have strong English language skills.
- Actively apply to at least 10 relevant job openings per week.
- Participate in weekly job search workshops.
- Make at least 5 weekly GitHub commits and earn points on CodeWars until reaching level 4.
Meeting some of these requirements is essentially a full-time job in itself, requiring many hours of weekly commitment.
Course cost
The cost of Coding Temple’s programs ranges from $9k to $14k, depending on the program and if you choose to finance.
Learning tracks and career support
Coding Temple’s programs include:
- Software development
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Quality assurance (of software)
These programs blend independent study with interactive live sessions and personalized support, culminating in practical, real-world projects that prepare you for the workforce. Under the guidance of experienced industry professionals, you’ll develop a portfolio that demonstrates your value to potential employers.
Coding Temple’s career support services come with:
- One-on-one coaching and personalized mentorship.
- Technical interview training and preparation.
- Help in building your resume.
- AI-powered tools for the job search.
- Access to a network of employers and alumni.
- Education and workshops post-graduation to stay up-to-date with industry trends and skills.
Admission requirements
You don’t need previous tech experience to apply, but you’ll need to show that you have the potential to do well in the program during the admissions process.
Choose Climb Hire for real support that actually lands you a job, no strings attached
While many programs tout job guarantees, Climb Hire offers something far more valuable: a comprehensive approach to tech training and career support that truly prepares you for success in the job market.
Here’s a recap of what makes Climb Hire a standout choice compared to traditional job guarantee courses:
- No-cost training: Our programs are completely free, meaning you won’t have to pay a dime. And unlike job guarantee courses, you’ll never have to worry about paying us back, regardless of the outcome.
- Practical skills that employers want: Our hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications equip you with the skills and knowledge that are in high demand in the tech industry, making you a competitive candidate for top jobs.
- Personalized career support: Our dedicated team provides one-on-one guidance and support to help you navigate the job market, build a strong professional network, and land a job that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Apply now to Climb Hire’s free training programs in IT Support or Paid Search Marketing. We’ll give you the real support you need to land a job.