Construction Fundamentals – Laborer’s Pre-Apprenticeship description: (Programs are offered at NO COST to clients)
This construction fundamentals program ensures participants gain the tools and basic knowledge to start a new career in the construction field:
- Students will earn certifications for: OSHA 10 safety training, First Aid/ CPR-AED, Confined space awareness, Work zone safety & traffic control, Hazardous waste removal.
- Review safety requirements and learn hands on training in Construction fundamentals, Blueprint reading, and Skid steer loaders.
- Employment preparation training, such as resume development and mock interviews.
- After the 6 week course students will complete the math and agility test to meet the pre-apprenticeship requirements with Northern California Laborers’ Training Center (LIUNA).
Eligibility Requirements
Our mission is to help individuals who currently face barriers to employment launch a rewarding new career. To ensure every participant has the best possible chance of reaching graduation and securing a job, you must meet the following criteria to be considered for enrollment:
- Resident of Santa Clara County*
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Unemployed or underemployed (e.g. earning less than $52,000/year)
- Able to learn and communicate effectively in English**
- Have reliable transportation
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- Pass pre-assessment in basic computer literacy, math skills & measurements
- HSD/GED preferred but not required
- Driver’s license is preferred but not required
- In good physical health; ability to stand for 6-8 hours and lift up to 50 lbs
- Availability to attend Mandatory Orientation the week prior to session start date
- Able to arrive on time at, and actively participate in, all class sessions and activities
- In a stable living situation (a safe, consistent place to stay)
- Have a solid plan in place for caregiving responsibilities
- If justice-impacted: not currently awaiting trial or sentencing for a charge that could result in incarceration
- Committed to securing employment in the field in which you receive training
*We will consider residents of adjacent counties (San Benito, San Mateo, Alameda, and Santa Cruz) for enrollment on a space-available basis and provided other requirements are met.
**All of our courses are taught exclusively in English, and unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to provide translation for those who cannot learn and communicate in English.
Not sure if you qualify?
If you’re facing challenges in any of these areas or have questions about your specific situation, please reach out to us via email: cte@goodwillsv.org. Our team is here to talk through your options and may be able to connect you with resources to help you get ready for a future session.
Career Opportunities:
- Construction Apprentice
- Equipment Operator
- Parts Runner or Driver
Course Information:
- Days: Monday – Friday
- Length: 6 weeks
- Time 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Location: Goodwill of Silicon Valley – 1600 Technology Drive, San Jose, CA 95110
2026 Class Dates:
Start: 2/02/26 – End: 3/13/26
Attend Information Session and Apply by: 1/9/26
Mandatory Pre-class Orientation and Career Readiness Training: 1/26/26 to 1/30/26
Start: 5/04/26 – End: 6/12/26
Attend Information Session and Apply by: 4/3/26
Mandatory Pre-class Orientation and Career Readiness Training: 4/27/26 to 5/01/26
Start: 8/17/26 – End: 9/25/26
Attend Information Session and Apply by: 7/17/26
Mandatory Pre-class Orientation and Career Readiness Training: 8/10/26 to 8/14/26
Start: 11/02/26 – End: 12/11/26
Attend Information Session and Apply by: 10/2/26
Mandatory Pre-class Orientation and Career Readiness Training: 10/26/26 to 10/30/26
NOTE: All dates are subject to change