Career Education
Real Skills. Real Careers.
Free career training that opens doors. Earn a state-approved certificate or take individual classes to build the skills employers want. We have options for you. Get started today!
Automotive Transportation Technology Certificate Options 🚗🔧
"Get your hands dirty, your mind sharp, and drive your own future."
- VAUTO 668: Introduction to Automotive Vehicle Systems
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
*If you would like to move on to Automotive Technology Systems & Engines, you must also take VAUTO 672: Engine Repair
*If you would like to move on to Automotive Technology Systems, Engines, & Transmissions, you must also take VAUTO 672: Engine Repair and VAUTO 676: Automatic and Manual Transmissions & Transaxles
Learn the basics of auto repair and maintenance including general vehicle maintenance and engine repair. You will also learn best practice safety procedures and and the basics of vehicle systems.
Register Now "You're not just driving a bus; you're connecting a community. Keep Orange County moving."
- VBUS 340: Career Exploration (Bus Operator/Driver Program Orientation)
- VAUTO 674: Bus Operator/Driver Training
Become an important part of what keeps Orange County moving as you help others reach their destinations safely.
"Power the world's heavy hitters. Where there's big machinery, there's a big opportunity."
- VAUTO 670: Preventative Maintenance Inspection
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
You will learn the basic knowledge and skills in light, medium, and heavy-duty truck maintenance. Safety, inspections, and hands-on practice you need for the diesel and heavy equipment field.
Business Management Certificate Options 🏢💼
"Balance your skills, credit your effort, and watch your future profit."
- VBUS 280: Accounting Terminology
- VBUS 281: Introduction to QuickBooks
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work
Discover the power of QuickBooks while learning basic accounting concepts through hands-on practice.
"The world is your market. Learn its language, navigate its trade, and claim your success."
- VBUS 292: Global Business Professional (CGBP) Certification Exam Preparation & Practice
- VBUS 340: Career Exploration
Learn to develop strategic plans, manage sales and marketing, evaluate financial risks, and everything you need to pass the NASBITE International certification exam.
"To shape the future, you must first nurture the present."
- VBUS 559: Business Practices in Family Childcare
- VBUS 590: Start a Small Business (Childcare)
- PRNT 558: Early Childhood & Development for Family & Childcare Providers
- PRNT 562: Health Education for Family Daycare Providers
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
Learn how to care for and support children. Build skills to successfully operate a small business. Understand the Health Education and licensing requirements to start your own childcare center.
"Don't just dream of success. Build it. Your vision, your rules, your future."
- VBUS 590: Introduction to How to Start a Small Business
- VBUS 035: Generative AI for Small Business
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- VBUS 281: Introduction to QuickBooks
- VBUS 290: Business Terminology
- ABE 044: Leadership Basics Part 1
- ABE 018: Leadership Basics Part 2
- ESL 520: English for Work
Get skills to become an entrepreneur! Develop a business plan. Get Licenses & permits Learn about branding to increase your sales!
Construction & Skilled Trades Certificate Options 🏗️
"Build a stronger foundation for your community and your career."
- VBUS 340: Career Exploration
- VCNST 610: Vocational Construction Technology Module 1
- VCNST 620: Vocational Construction Technology Module 2
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- VBUS 402: Workforce Power Skills
Start 'building' your future today for a career in construction. From carpentry to building techniques, get the skills you need. Learn how to get a union apprenticeship.
"Be the expert who brings comfort. Your skills are always in season."
- VCNST 630: Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Build entry-level skills in the repair and servicing of HVAC technology. Maintain refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating equipment used in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
"From a raw blueprint to a finished part, you are the creator. Precision is your power."
- VMFG 680: Basic Machining Concepts and Operations
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Explore a career in machining! learn about fundamental operations on lathes, milling machines, grinders, and more.
"Fuse your passion with your skill, and forge a career that's as strong as steel."
- VCNST 101: Introduction to Welding
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skill
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills (VBUS400)
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
You will be introduced to shop safety, proper use of tools and equipment, and basic fundamentals through the introduction of various welding processes currently used in the welding and metal fabrication industry.
Creative Arts & Media Certificate Options 🎭👗
"Your imagination is the canvas, and technology is your brush. Design the world you want to see."
- VDMA 302: Web Design
- VDMA 310: Introduction to Digital Media Arts
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- VBUS 303: Adobe Photoshop
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Learn industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud. Get foundational skills for graphic designers, artists, photographers, web designers, programmers, and animation artists.
"Whether by thread or by pixel, design the style that defines tomorrow."
- VFDM 100: Introduction to the Fashion Industry
- VFDM 105: Beginning Sewing
- VDMA 310: Introduction to Digital Media Arts
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Get the skills needed to enter the fashion industry! You can choose to develop skills in sewing physical clothing or designing them digitally in software like Adobe Illustrator.
"Whether in the spotlight or behind the curtain, you are the magic that makes the story come alive."
- VFPA 150A: Rehearsal and Performance in Production
- VFPA 150B: Technical Theatre in Production
- VFPA 152: Tour Ensemble
- VFPA 255: Motion Picture Performance Production
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Learn theatrical style, acting techniques, and technical skills that improve performances. Get equipped with the best techniques for the entertainment industry.
Culinary Arts & Hospitality Certificate Options 🧑🍳
"Rise to the occasion, sweeten the world with your skills, and craft your own success."
- VFOOD 212: Baking & Pastry Basics
- VFOOD 214: Introduction to Bread Making
- VFOOD 216: Introduction to Cakes and Decorating
- VFOOD 005: ServSafe® Food Handler
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness
- ESL 520: ESL English for Work 2
*If you would like to move on to Tier 2 in Baking & Pastry, you must also take VFOOD 220: Introduction to Baking & Pastry
Practice baking and pastry principles and techniques. Learn to prepare bread, pastries, cakes, and decoration. Get what you need for a career as a baker or pastry cook in hotels, restaurants, bakeries, or even your own home business.
"Welcome the world. Be the one who creates experiences that become memories."
- VHOSP 201: Career Focus - Hospitality Services
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- VBUS 118: Introduction to Windows
- VFOOD 005: ServSafe Food Handler
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Explore a career in hospitality, including food services and hotel/motel/resort front desk services. Learn customer service skills to understand customer behavior and loyalty in a diverse and global society.
"It's not just food; it's an experience. Turn up the heat on your passion and serve your future."
- VFOOD 200: Line Cook Training
- VFOOD 005: ServSafe® Food Handler
- VFOOD 210: ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Exam Preparation, Review & Practice
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: ESL English for Work 2
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
Turn your passion for food into a fulfilling career. Master basic cooking techniques which can be used to create an endless variety of dishes. Learn the skills and techniques needed to get started in the culinary industry.
Health & Human Services Certificate Options ❤️🩹
"In the smallest cells lie the biggest solutions. Be the future of discovery."
- VHLTH 704: Introduction to Biotechnology
- VHLTH 705: Introductory Biotech Lab
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Biotechnology Specialization!)
Learn a the basic principles of biotechnology and how to use standard laboratory equipment.
"The noblest art is that of making others happy. Your compassion is your strength."
- VHLTH 109: Introduction to Caregiving*
- VHLTH 110: Caregiver Training
*Must complete Introduction to Caregiving (VHLTH109) to register.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
This program prepares you to assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities. Learn to help with daily living activities at the person's home or care facility.
"In the heart of healthcare, compassion is the most vital sign."
- VHLTH 101: Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program
- VHLTH 102: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Theory
- VHLTH 103: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Skills Lab
- VHLTH 104: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Clinical
- VBUS 402: WorkForce Power Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
Get equipped with the knowledge and skills to be a certified nurse assistant. Help patients with daily activities, assist with basic medical equipment, and provide comfort and support.
"Precision in the pill, care in the process. Be the vital link in the chain of health."
- VHLTH 799: Introduction to Pharmacy Technology
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
Learn pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug development processes. Study prescription labeling and drug classification systems and the law and ethics of pharmacy practice.
Office Administration Certificate Options 🏢💼
"Be the organization in the chaos and the hub that keeps the wheel turning."
- VBUS 125: Introduction to Keyboarding II
- VBUS 270: Introduction to Microsoft Outlook
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
- VBUS 244: Introduction to Databases using MS Access
- VBUS 245: Introduction to Desktop Publishing using Microsoft Publisher
- VBUS 304: Introduction to Electronic Presentations using MS PowerPoint
Start a versatile career performing clerical work and administrative duties. Prepare for office support positions with advanced keyboarding and office management skills.
"Be the voice that solves the problem and the smile that brightens the day."
- VBUS 124: Introduction to Keyboarding I
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
- VBUS 118: Introduction to Windows
- VBUS 258: Navigating the Internet
- VBUS 270: Introduction to Microsoft Outlook
Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to deal directly with customers as a company representative.
"Be the versatile, essential professional who makes the modern office possible."
- VBUS 260: Introduction to Word Processing Using MS Word
- VBUS 262: Introduction to Spreadsheets using Excel
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
- VBUS 118: Introduction to Windows
- VBUS 124: Introduction to Keyboarding I
Do you like working on different types of tasks? Do you want experience working in an office? Get the skills you need to work in a wide range of industries.
Technology IT Certificate Options 🧑💻⚙️
"The new language of the world is digital. Gain the fluency to work, connect, and succeed."
- VBUS 501: Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier 2
- VBUS 502: Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier 3
- VBUS 503: Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier 4
- VBUS 259: Orientation to Computers
- VBUS 500: Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Success - Tier 1
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- VBUS 402: Workforce Power Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Learn the technology skills you need for the future! Practice using technology for work, social media, finding information online, completing forms, and more!
"Take your vision to new heights. The sky is not the limit; it's your new office."
- VDMA 320: Introduction to Drone Pilot Training
- VBUS 303: Adobe Photoshop
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
Learn the ins-and-outs of legally flying a drone. Practice basic flight maneuvers and specific tasks like recording video and aerial mapping. Training will also include safety and emergency procedures.
"No system is perfect. Be the one who knows how to fix it, secure it, and keep it running."
- VBUS 450: Basic Computer Repair & CompTIA A+ Certification Preparation
- VBUS 576: Computer Basics: Systems and Networking Essentials
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Gain hands-on training using computer components and operating systems. Enhance your skills in building, servicing, troubleshooting, and upgrading computer and networking systems.
"Every click, every connection, every system. It all starts with the fundamentals."
- VBUS 570: Information Technology (IT) Basics Tier 1
- VBUS 572: Information Technology (IT) Basics Tier 2
- VBUS 243: Introduction to Customer Service Skills
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2
Learn to navigate and thrive in today's digital world with computer basics. Practice using and maintaining modern technology.
Career Development for Everyone
Our Career Education program is the noncredit division of Santa Ana College, offering free workforce training and certificates. Unlike credit classes, there are no enrollment fees, no prerequisites, and no placement tests required.
You'll learn hands-on skills and earn certificates of completion. Classes are available in-person or online with flexible schedules. Students can transition to credit career programs at SAC through articulation, or enroll in both at the same time.
Career Education Classes
Our career education classes are available online, in-person, or a combination of both. Some programs include hands-on learning, so you may attend classes both online and on campus.
Getting started:
Once your registration is processed, you'll receive an email with your teacher's contact information.
For online classes:
Your teacher will email you a Zoom link before class starts, or you can access class through Canvas. Both work from your computer, tablet, or phone. Check your email for details from your teacher.
Dive deeper into Career Education Workforce Training at Your Speed
The Career Lab offers career training at your own pace with personal support. Study on your own using online and hands-on materials, and get one-on-one help from instructors when you need it.
Taking an online class? Use our computers on-site. Choose from lots of classes in business, technology, and more. Work at your own speed, on your own schedule.
Build new skills, prepare for certifications, or explore careers. The Career Lab lets you learn your way.
Dive Deeper into The Career Lab Be Ready for Your Next Job Opportunity
The Career Center offers free support to help you stand out to employers. Meet with career counselors for personalized guidance on your career path and job search strategy.
Get help creating a professional resume, practice your interview skills with expert feedback, and discover job openings that match your training.
Our staff connects you with local employers and helps you present your best self. From career counseling to application to interview to job offer, we're here to support every step of your journey.
Dive Deeper into The Career Center Get College Credit for What You Already Know!
If you have work experience, training, or credentials from a job, the military, a trade, or your home country, you may be able to earn college credit without retaking a class. This is referred to as Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).
CPL can save you time and money on your path to a degree or certificate.
Dive Deeper into Credit for Prior Learning