Los Angeles offers an abundance of free skills training, vocational education, and personal enrichment programs for adults looking to upskill, switch careers, or gain employability.
Over 218,000 Angelenos are currently unemployed while critical industries face talent shortages. Healthcare, technology, manufacturing, construction, transportation, food service, and retail all show strong hiring demand and above-average wages indicating opportunity areas.
Meanwhile, over 1.5 million adults lack a high school diploma or equivalency certificate which locks them out of further education and many quality jobs. Even more have some college credits but no degree.
Fortunately, thanks to public libraries, community colleges, non-profit and community organizations, low-income and disadvantaged adults can access completely free training programs covering everything from English proficiency, literacy, and math fundamentals to advanced vocational skills certifications.
These adult-focused education and upskilling opportunities provide targeted, accessible, and pragmatic learning centered on real-world job competencies. By tapping into these underused community resources, adults can gain qualifications, confidence, and capabilities to re-enter the workforce and advance their socio-economic standing despite past setbacks or current challenges.
The following guide showcases 20 of the best free training programs for adults available across Los Angeles County.
1. Los Angeles Public Library – Career Online High School
The Los Angeles Public Library offers a free online high school diploma program for adults over 19 through Career Online High School. This accredited program allows students to earn an high school diploma and career certificate in one of over 10 high-demand fields like Homeland Security, Child Care and Education, and Office Management.
The self-paced online courses feature tutors and career coaching services to support adults as they complete the program within 12-18 months. All books, learning materials, and job search tools are included free for library cardholders along with an iPad or laptop plus WiFi hotspot if technology access is limited.
Graduates earn both a legitimate high school diploma and industry-recognized career certificate – opening doors to new higher education or employment options they previously lacked without a complete secondary school education.
2. Coalition for Responsible Community Development – Jobs & Training
The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) provides free employment training programs for disadvantaged adults in Los Angeles focused on gaining skills and experience to increase employment opportunities. Programs cover growing fields like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, automotive, retail, IT fundamentals and more.
CRCD also offers vital support services during training like childcare stipends, counseling, professional clothing, transportation assistance, and even tattoo removal to reduce barriers to finding quality work. The programs range from 4 weeks to over 6 months, culminating in an industry-recognized certification. 85% of graduates gain full-time employment within 6 months earning above minimum wage.
3. Chrysalis Los Angeles – Jobs, Housing & Programs
Chrysalis Los Angeles provides customized employment services, transitional jobs, and free skills training to homeless and extremely low-income adults across LA County. Their self-paced training programs equip participants with career and life skills to secure steady employment and long-term housing – creating a path out of poverty.
Programs cover in-demand blue collar careers like landscaping, janitorial services, food service, warehouse operations, maintenance technician, groundskeeper, and general construction skills. Each 5 week program includes both classroom learning and on-the-job experience through Chrysalis‘ social enterprises allowing them to gain references. Over 500 adults graduate annually with increased employment prospects.
4. LA Kitchen – Culinary Job Training Program
LA Kitchen provides a free 12-week culinary arts and hospitality training program for adults overcoming incarceration, homelessness, poverty, substance abuse and other barriers to employment. This intensive training covers all aspects of working in a commercial kitchen from scratch cooking expertise to inventory management, food safety, customer service, financial literacy, and more.
The program has an incredible 80% job placement rate for graduates within partner organizations that value LA Kitchen‘s strong focus on personal development and responsibility. Culinary arts jobs also tend to provide above-average wages given tips. For those needing further support, LA Kitchen also offers vocational case management, legal services, housing assistance, and even addiction recovery programs.
5. Homeboy Industries – Free Tattoo Removal & Job Training
Homeboy Industries operates one of the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry programs in the world right from Los Angeles. They take a holistic approach to equipping formerly incarcerated or previously gang-involved adults with new skills, purpose, and community.
A key barrier many face is having visible anti-social or offensive tattoos that intimidate employers and perpetuate stigma. So Homeboy offers hundreds of free tattoo removal sessions – allowing individuals to transform their self-image. They also provide job readiness training tailored to food service, retail, bakery operations, maintenance roles, manufacturing, recycling, coding, and solar panel installation. Training is framed through a trauma-informed approach rooted in compassion.
6. United States Veterans Initiative – Skills Training & Education
The United States Veterans Initiative provides free career services, vocational training, and job placement specifically for veterans, active-duty military, and military family members in the Greater Los Angeles and Inland Empire regions of Southern California.
Their skills training programs focus on growth industries like construction, transportation, logistics, technician jobs, healthcare, seasonal tourism and more. Programs range from 5 days to 9 months incorporating both classroom and hands-on learning. Participants gain industry certifications as well as resources like financial counseling, legal aid services, temporary housing assistance, parenting courses, addiction support groups and tattoo removal. These wrap-around services set veterans up for success.
7. Goodwill SOLAC – Free Construction Training Program
Goodwill SOLAC (covering Southern Los Angeles County) offers an intensive 12-week construction training program called Hammer Time focused on providing industry-specific skills for building trades jobs. The curriculum combines classroom lectures, hands-on labs, site visits and volunteer projects.
Topics covered include construction math, blueprint reading, structural engineering basics, framing, site layout processes, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry skills, OSHA safety certification and fundamentals of the green construction industry. Participants use power tools, welders, electric wiring boards gaining confidence through applied learning. The program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, apprenticeships and advanced training.
8. City Plants – Green Corps Urban Forestry Training
City Plants operates a free 8-week Green Corps training program to fill Los Angeles‘ need for qualified urban foresters focused on sustainable tree care and habitat restoration. Trainees receive both classroom and field-based hands-on instruction learning species identification, inventories, pruning techniques, risk assessment, pest management and more.
In addition to vocational skills, the program also provides vital certifications like OSHA-10 Construction Industry Training, CPR Training, Wildland Fire Training and Pesticide Safety Training. Participants finish work-ready having learned the entire process from propagating to planting and maintaining trees. The program accepts LA residents, no experience needed.
9. SEIU-United Service Workers West JOBS Volunteer Program
SEIU-United Service Workers West provides free customer service and retail sales training to adults through their J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Build Success) program offered in partnership with the Salvation Army. Volunteers undergo 4 weeks of skills training focused on soft skills, operations, merchandising, POS systems, inventory, loss prevention, and customer interactions – gaining vital workplace experience.
In addition to new capabilities, graduates also earn an industry-recognized National Retail Federation credential – a seal of approval from major brands indicating work-readiness. The program also incorporates supplemental classes on finance, health & nutrition, community resources, continuing education, and technology. Post completion, participants get one year of job search support services and interview opportunities with major retailers in California.
10. Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks – Summer Day Camp Counselor Training
Each spring, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks provides free summer camp counselor training programs for adults over 18 across LA County. The one week intensive course certifies participants to work at parks and recreation day camps during the summer months overseeing school-aged children in enrichment programming spanning sports, arts, science, cooking and more.
Through a balanced curriculum of classroom lectures, small group discussions and hands-on activities, attendees build skills and confidence related to outdoor education techniques, crafts projects coordination, songs/skits directing, sports/games rule officiating, safety incident response protocols, conflict resolution strategies and general child development best practices while having fun.
The program provides a pathway to secure summer employment opportunities impacting local youth. Several city departments take part in job fairs upon completion – offering conditional job offers to candidates that exhibit strong aptitude working with children during the training.
11. Para Los Niños Charter Schools – Adult Computer Classes
Para Los Niños Charter Schools offer free adult education enrichment classes to parents and community members within their 15 public charter schools in underserved neighborhoods across Los Angeles. Although offerings vary by location, they frequently provide adult computer literacy programs covering foundational digital skills like keyboard typing proficiency, MS Office, G Suite tools, internet safety and security, sending professional emails, attaching resumes, filling out online job applications and more.
Classes generally run 6-8 weeks facilitated by school instructors or partner non-profits assisting English Language Learners. Scheduling is designed around parent hours allowing working adults to stop by and access technology resources to build digital confidence navigating life admin, saving time and money. Schools also offer supplemental programs related to GED, High School Equivalency Test Prep, English fluency Practice Groups, and citizenship exam preparation when funding allows.
12. Southern California Indian Center – Vocational Training
The Southern California Indian Center operates a federally-funded adult education and vocational skills training program called the 162 Program focused on serving the Native American population across LA county. Unemployed or underemployed adults over 18 can enroll tuition-free to gain hands-on training tailored to growing fields aligned with modern tribal economies and cultural heritage including:
- Sustainable Forestry, Wildlife Management, Horticulture, Landscaping
- Facilities Custodial Engineering, Electrical, Plumbing
- Healthcare Office Coordination, Community Health Advocacy
- Hospitality, Casino Operations, Food Service, Housekeeping
- Retail and Inventory Skills
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Truck Driving Certification
- and more
This highly personalized track runs 6-18 months incorporating both classroom and on-site field work. Participants gain new capabilities, confidence and contacts to unlock more career options improving employment outcomes and economic mobility within Native communities.
13. The LGBT Center – MiCENTRO Workforce Readiness Program
The Los Angeles LGBT Center runs an acclaimed program called MiCENTRO that provides free bilingual (English/Spanish) workforce readiness training tailored to LGBT adults gaining professional skills to confidently (re)enter the job market in industries spanning healthcare, education, government, technology, hospitality and more.
The 8-week program incorporates a well-rounded curriculum focused on building vital workplace capabilities around professional branding, resume/cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, personal presentation, computer literacy, customer service excellence and workplace etiquette/business communication.
MiCENTRO partners with a range of major employers to offer graduates direct job placement pipelines, career mentorship and networking opportunities. Supplemental services are also available related to tattoo removal, GED completion equivalency, access to professional clothing/technology and case management support addressing unique barriers LGBT adults often face in the job market.
14. Chrysalis Mariachi Project – Group Music Instruction
Chrysalis, a leading homeless services non-profit based in LA’s Skid Row neighborhood, offers free group mariachi music instruction to adults as part of their popular Mariachi Project program. Participants learn how to sing and play traditional mariachi instruments like guitar, trumpet, violin, guitarrón, vihuela and more reading sheet music and by ear during twice weekly ensemble rehearsals.
This unique opportunity fosters community belonging while building musical talents and performance skills from scratch, even for those without any past instrumental experience. Public shows allow participants to proudly showcase what they have learned while spreading awareness on Chrysalis‘ mission ending poverty and homelessness through the power of work.
Beyond mariachi mastery, the commitment and teamwork required to stage professional shows provides a self-esteem boost and vital life skills development around responsibility, leadership, confidence and cultural heritage for populations often marginalized from access to arts education and creative outlets for expression.
15. YMCA – Free Volunteer Income Tax Prep Training
The Los Angeles YMCA operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site from February-April each year providing free tax return preparation services for thousands of low-to-moderate income individuals and families. Although focused on giving back to the community, the effort also serves as a free skills training opportunity for volunteers.
Ambitious adults can take part in the IRS-certified training program to become state registered and Federally certified tax preparers – with the YMCA covering the $200 course fees. This enables volunteers to gain useful skills in income tax codes, form preparation, sensitive client service, financial coaching, and tax software systems mastery.
Several volunteers have turned this giving experience into new seasonal side jobs or full-time careers advancing their professional mobility and opening alternative pathways beyond just tax prep into financial services roles like banking, wealth management, accounting and more.
16. UCLA Health – Doula Volunteer Training Program
UCLA Health‘s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology offers an intensive doula (birth companion) certification training program multiple times per year free of charge to community members. Although focused on preparing volunteers to physically and emotionally support UCLA Health patients through pregnancy, birth and postpartum stages – the multi-week training also enables attendees to gain knowledge applicable for becoming professional doulas.
Trainees undergo over 50 hours of practical learning about birthing processes, pain management techniques, breastfeeding best practices, cultural customs, women’s health topics, advocacy basics and more. Upon completion, volunteers function as hospital doulas but could also apply their expertise gained externally in private practice given the universality of these capabilties helping mothers during childbirth.
17. Public Libraries – Career Online High School
In addition to Los Angeles Public Library branches, several other library systems across Los Angeles County offer free online high school completion programs for adults through Career Online High School. Available in public computer labs or remotely, adults can earn an accredited high school diploma with career certificate in just 12-18 months through self-directed yet supported online courses.
Library district partners include Las Virgenes Library District, Pasadena Public Library, Altadena Library District, Glendale Public Library and more – check with your local branch to confirm participation and enroll for this life-changing opportunity if you are 19+ years old and lack a high school credential.
18. One Degree – Free Classes & Training Finder
One Degree is an online search and referral tool focused exclusively on locating available local resources for low-income families across Los Angeles county – including free or extremely affordable classes and skills training programs.
Their database features over 5,000 free and reduced-cost learning opportunities searchable by category, location, eligibility criteria, start date and format. Users can easily filter and browse enrichment classes focused on teaching useful life skills and personal development like technology, food nutrition, fitness, ESL, citizenship test prep, financial literacy, vocational trades and much more.
Whether aiming to grow personal capabilities or increase employment prospects, adults can use One Degree as a centralized hub to discover nearby programming options, dates and enrollment details. Their partnerships span small community collectives, libraries, colleges, charities and government departments.
19. Visión y Compromiso – Leadership Training For Promotoras
Visión y Compromiso trains bilingual (Spanish/English) adults passionate about advancing health equity to become influential Promotoras (Community Health Workers) and patient navigators within the Latino population through their 44-hour Patient Navigation Leadership Academy offered throughout Los Angeles.
The program teaches vital competencies around conducting community health education, spreading awareness on prevention/screening, translating complex health information, making referrals, assisting underserved patients in accessing care, coordinating resources and culturally sensitive counseling strategies.
Graduates gain competencies opening doors to bridge careers in healthcare, social services and community health realms. Promotoras become trusted public health messengers and advocates embedded within their communities. Visión y Compromiso also offers participants continuing education grants, mentorship opportunities and professional development trainings for upwards mobility.
20. CHIRLA – Community Organizer Training Academy
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) based in Los Angeles provides free community organizer training programs preparing adults to champion immigrant rights and create positive social change through their Inclusive Action Leadership Academy.
Offered in-person and remotely on an ongoing basis, the training opportunities build critical capabilities around designing strategic campaigns, recruiting volunteers, developing messages, planning events, lobbying decision-makers and leading teams.
From site-specific leadership labs focused on issues uniquely impacting certain neighborhoods to mass movement bootcamps and training-of-trainers workshops, CHIRLA develops grassroots leaders ready to fight injustice and unite communities. Their trainers have decades of experience winning major policy victories to stop harmful regulations and pass laws aiding immigrant families.