Climb Hire's free IT training for San Diego residents launching tech careers
IT training in San Diego
Climb Hire offers an IT training program available to San Diego residents, no prior experience or extensive tech knowledge required. Our course focuses on practical, job-relevant skills and provides structured support for low-income adults working toward entry-level positions in tech.
Zero cost—including certifications
All Climb Hire students pay nothing for our program. Training is funded through public and philanthropic support. We also cover the cost of both CompTIA A+ certification exams, a credential many employers expect for entry-level IT roles.
Built-in career support
From the start, you’ll work on more than just technical skills. The program includes structured support with resumes, interviews, and navigating the hiring process. We help you move from training into employment quickly, with over 80% of graduates securing jobs within a year.
At Climb Hire, I️ was surrounded by an incredibly supportive community with similar goals. The skills taught were very challenging but the Fellows provided a safe space to learn and ask for help when needed. 5 months later… I’ve built a network of professionals and peers, and most importantly, I secured a job within the tech industry. Climb Hire allowed me to reinvent myself, something I wouldn’t have been able to do alone. I’m incredibly grateful for this life-changing journey.
IT Support Training
This six-month, fully remote IT Support program prepares you for CompTIA A+ certification, a widely recognized foundational credential in IT. You’ll receive live, instructor-led training to help you build a strong technical foundation and confidence working with core systems and networks, including:
- Operating systems and how devices connect within a network
- Troubleshooting and resolving common hardware and software issues
- Understanding basic cybersecurity principles and system protection
- Working through real-world scenarios through technical exercises that reinforce core concepts
You’ll also have the opportunity to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate as an additional credential.
Expect to commit about 20 hours per week between live classes and independent coursework.
Career preparation
Job readiness support is built into our program. Some class time is dedicated to professional development, and you’ll also work one-on-one with a Career Development Advisor once you graduate.
Together, that support includes:
- Building a strong, targeted resume
- Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
- Practicing interviews
- Learning how to clearly communicate your skills to employers
You’ll also receive one year of LinkedIn Premium and access to our Alumni Network Portal, which includes job leads and employer connections.
This level of support will not only help you get certified but also land your first IT support role quickly.
More than 80% of graduates secure employment within a year of completing the program.
Additional services
Many of our students are balancing jobs, family obligations, and financial stress. We recognize that training alone isn’t always enough.
Climb Hire partners with SNAP so eligible students can access food assistance while enrolled. Our goal is to reduce barriers so you can stay focused and complete the program.
We’re also continuing to expand our support services, which may include assistance with childcare, internet access, and learning accommodations.
Prerequisites
To qualify for enrollment, you must:
- Live in California (or Colorado)
- Earn $30k per year or less
- Be between 24 and 40 years old
- Have legal authorization to work in the US
- Have reliable access to a computer with a microphone and webcam
- Be able to commit 20 hours per week for six months
Meet our climbers
Elysia Brewster
Former: Substitute Teacher
Current: Loan Consultant Associate
“I always felt that my lack of higher education would prohibit me from getting a good job. At times I was even uncomfortable engaging with educated white people. I’ve worked since I was 15 years old, barely making ends meet. Through Climb Hire I was able to learn skills that would help me secure and land a great job. Thankfully, I am able to provide for my children and pave the way.”
Chris Randolph
Former: Customer Service
Current: Loan Processing Expert
"I️ started in the workforce at 18 years old but always doubted that I would be able to obtain a career I loved without a college education. Climb Hire has given me the confidence l needed to get my foot in the door at organizations that would have otherwise been out of reach. I'm excited to be starting a new journey with Better and look forward to staying connected with the Climb Hire community.”
Fiona Wen
Former: Stay-at-home Parent
Current: Loan Consultant Associate
“The reason I joined Climb Hire is because I wanted to be a financially independent woman. I wanted to prove to my family that I am worth more than being a stay home mom. It was a long journey of job hunting. I'm beyond grateful for my new role at Better.”
Karine Durand
Former: Family Assistant
Current: Marketing Associate
“Climb Hire really helped me discover the tools and habits to make my life more organized and efficient which translated really well to a corporate environment. In my new role as a Marketing Associate at BetterUp, I’ve been using a lot of the soft-skills concepts we learned, such as effectively communicating during group projects by establishing clear expectations and checking in with my project mates.”
Austin Sanchez
Former: Retail Sales
Current: Software Engineering Apprentice
"I lost my vision after eleven years of being able to see and it changed the way I make decisions. It wasn’t until I took the risk of joining the Climb Hire that I discovered the strength I gained from living with a disability. With all of these new skills I gained at Climb Hire, I was able to land a position with IBM as a Software Engineering Apprentice.”
Miguel Ruiz
Former: Food Worker
Current: Software Engineering Apprentice
"I️ worked as a cook in a Silicon Valley company's cafeteria for nearly six years. I felt stuck. Despite the adversities of having no formal education and English being my second language, I knew there was more in me. My Climb Hire community kept me strong and focused on my goal. I landed my first job in tech and am a Software Engineering Apprentice at Bluewolf, an IBM Company. I am so proud to be a Climber and an IBMer!”
Our San Francisco address
2261 Market Street STE 10955
San Francisco, CA 94114
San Francisco, CA 94114
Other IT programs in San Diego
Climb Hire may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are other IT training options in San Diego to consider.
This partnership between UCSD and Google Career Certificates includes 15-month training pathways in business intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. You'll earn dual certificates and receive job search support, work readiness training, and access to paid work opportunities.
New Horizons offers live online IT training in areas such as cloud computing and cybersecurity. Programs include certification prep for Microsoft, AWS, Cisco, Red Hat, and other major vendors, along with virtual labs, class recordings, and flexible scheduling options.
GA offers online tech bootcamps in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Python, and more. Programs are available full-time or part-time with live instruction, project-based coursework, and built-in IT career coaching.
Global Knowledge offers a variety of remote, instructor-led information technology training courses, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, project management, and software development. Many courses prepare you for certifications such as CompTIA, Apple, Microsoft, and Cisco.
ONLC provides IT training in San Diego across a range of certifications, including CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and other tracks, covering different IT fundamentals. Students can choose live online instruction, self-paced courses, or attend training through the North/Mission Valley office.
San Diego Colleges and Universities with IT training options
SDCCE offers IT certificate programs ranging from 18 to 36 weeks, with online, hybrid, and in-person options. Programs span beginner pathways through advanced tracks, covering desktop support, system administration, cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and DevOps technologies.
CIAT, located in National City, offers accredited degree and certification training in IT administration, cloud, cybersecurity, networking, web development, data analytics, and more. Programs combine live instruction, hands-on learning, industry certifications, and career services support.
UCSD Extended Studies offers short-term technology certificate programs in areas such as programming, cybersecurity, database management, and software quality assurance. Programs run 12 to 15 months and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.
USD offers tech certificate and bootcamp programs ranging from 12 to 28 weeks in areas like AI and machine learning, DevOps, and data engineering. These live online programs are open to the public and support a defined career path in tech.
SDSU Global Campus provides online cybersecurity training through stackable programs that range from foundational certificates to more advanced tracks. Pathways include cybersecurity associate training as well as specialized SOC analyst and cyber threat intelligence programs.