Job Training Programs in Sacramento: Free Options from Climb Hire
Job training for residents of Sacramento
Climb Hire offers two specialized job training programs in IT Support and Paid Search Marketing. Sacramento residents from underserved communities can enroll to gain practical, in-demand skills that lead to stable, higher-paying career opportunities in tech.
Free job training
Climb Hire’s programs are fully funded through public and philanthropic support. Students pay absolutely no tuition costs. Certification exam fees for industry-standard credentials like CompTIA A+ and Google Ads Search are also covered.
Career support beyond the classroom
Our programs come with hands-on career support to help you land a job. That includes one-on-one mentoring, help updating your resume, practice interviews, and direct networking with local tech employers. Over 80% of Climbers secure a job within a year of completing the program.
Most certification programs just provide the technical skills, but improving your soft skills can go a long way, especially with your professional network. … I used to be afraid to speak up or answer questions, but Climb Hire has been supportive and helpful, in both my professional and personal life. Sure, you could self-train on these certifications, but it’s this community that gave me the confidence and energy to prepare myself for both taking the exam and interviewing.
IT Support training program
Climb Hire’s IT Support pathway runs for six months and prepares you for entry-level roles such as IT Support Specialist or Help Desk Technician. The program builds the core knowledge needed to pass both CompTIA A+ certification exams—an industry-recognized credential many employers require for IT support jobs.
The curriculum covers:
- Computer hardware, software, and operating systems
- Basic networking concepts, including connectivity and IP addressing
- Cybersecurity fundamentals to protect systems and data
- Structured troubleshooting methods used in real IT support environments
You'll also complete hands-on labs and practical projects based on common help desk tasks. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is available as an optional add-on.
Plan to commit about 20 hours per week, including live online classes and independent coursework, with professional skills training woven throughout.
Paid search marketing program
This four-month Paid Search Marketing program prepares students for entry-level roles in digital marketing, specifically focused on paid advertising. Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to:
- Launch and manage pay-per-click campaigns
- Optimize ads across search and social platforms
- Interpret performance data to improve results
- Develop portfolio-ready campaign projects
The training prepares you for industry-recognized certifications, including the Google Ads Search Certification, Meta Digital Marketing Associate Certification, and HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification. All exam costs are fully covered.
You'll need to dedicate around 20 hours per week, split between live instruction and independent assignments. It also includes career-readiness training to help you build the soft skills needed for interviews and success in a new career.
Career support services
Every student receives dedicated job placement support after graduation.
These services include:
- Six months of individualized career coaching
- Personalized resume support and help refining your elevator pitch
- Mock interviews with detailed feedback to improve your answers and confidence
- One year of LinkedIn Premium to expand your network and apply strategically
- Access to a members-only job board with curated openings and application tracking tools
Our extensive support has led to Climbers landing roles at companies like IBM, Google, and other major employers in Sacramento and across California.
Additional student support
Many adults pursuing job training are also managing work schedules, family responsibilities, and tight budgets. Climb Hire offers practical support to help reduce those pressures while you focus on completing the program. That’s why we offer a SNAP (CalFresh) partnership to help reduce food insecurity while you’re enrolled.
We’re also working to expand our support services to include:
- Connections to local childcare resources
- Assistance with securing reliable internet access for online classes
- Testing accommodations when needed
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 options for job training in Sacramento
If our tech programs at Climb Hire aren’t aligned with your goals, here are some other job training opportunities and local job center resources in the Sacramento area.
Sacramento Job Corps offers free, in-person training for young adults ages 16 to 24, with on-campus housing included. Students receive hands-on instruction in fields like construction trades, healthcare, carpentry, security services, and more.
SRCC is a paid, one-year work training program for Sacramento County residents between the ages of 18 and 26. You'll work on conservation and community projects—such as park development, habitat restoration, and emergency response—while attending classes.
The CCC is a paid work and training program for young adult residents across California, including Sacramento. You'll spend one year working on conservation, park improvement, and emergency response projects, with residential and non-residential options available.
Offered through The Salvation Army, this free, full-time training program includes a 16-week Culinary Arts course and a four-week Construction track. Programs provide hands-on training, industry partnerships, and support for individuals rebuilding their lives after homelessness, addiction, or major life setbacks.
NCCT is a free pre-apprenticeship program in the greater Sacramento area serving adults facing employment barriers. You'll receive state-approved training in construction basics, safety, and multiple trades, preparing you for union apprenticeships and entry-level construction careers.
Located in Citrus Heights, NCE offers accredited, career training in Medical Assisting, HVAC/R, Electrician, and Lab Assistant/Phlebotomy. Programs include day and evening options and prepare you for industry certifications in healthcare and technical fields.
Job training at Sacramento colleges and universities
SCC offers career education programs across fields like healthcare, business, aviation, engineering technology, computer information systems, and skilled trades. Students can earn workforce-ready certificates, associate degrees, or complete transfer pathways to four-year universities.
UEI College is a private vocational school with a campus in Sacramento. It offers diploma programs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Most Programs can be completed in as few as 10 months.
Asher College is a private career school with a Sacramento campus offering training in healthcare, business, and IT. Programs include Medical Billing and Coding, Business Administration, and IT certifications, with flexible schedules and career services support.
Sierra College (in nearby Rocklin) offers certificate programs in fields such as IT, Welding, Medical Assisting, Automotive Technology, and Construction Management. Certificates typically require about 16 to 30 credits and get you ready for entry-level jobs in your industry.