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!
Upcoming Career Education Events
Attend the 2026 Student Success Conference and learn about your career and academic options at Santa...
Automotive Transportation Technology Certificate Options 🚗🔧
"Get your hands dirty, your mind sharp, and drive your own future."
Must Pass: VAUTO 668
Must Pass One: VBUS 243, VBUS 400, ESL 520, HSMTH 190
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.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
Register Now 
Dive Deeper "Understand the heart of the machine, and you'll know how to keep it beating."
Must Pass All: VAUTO 668, VAUTO 672
Must Pass One: VBUS 243, VBUS 400, ESL 520, HSMTH 190
Learn about tear-down, assembly, diagnosis, accurate measurement, and repair of gasoline automotive engines. Get equipped with the skills and knowledge to maintain modern vehicle systems and repair engines.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
"Master the mechanics, from the first spark to the final gear."
Must Pass All: VAUTO 668, VAUTO 672, VAUTO 676
Must Pass One: VBUS 243, VBUS 400, ESL 520, HSMTH 190
Learn about the primary automotive systems used in modern vehicles. Learn about the theory, operation, diagnosis, and service procedures of automatic and manual transmissions and transaxles.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
"You're not just driving a bus; you're connecting a community. Keep Orange County moving."
Must Pass All: VBUS 340, VAUTO 674
Requirements: Must be 18+ and have a valid CA Driver's License.
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."
Must Pass All: VAUTO 670, HSMTH 190
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, ESL 520
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.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
Business Management Certificate Options 🏢💼
"Balance your skills, credit your effort, and watch your future profit."
Must Pass All: VBUS 280, VBUS 281
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, ESL 520
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."
Must Pass All: VBUS 292, VBUS 340
Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
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."
Must Pass All: VBUS 559, VBUS 590, PRNT 558, PRNT 562
Must Pass One: (ESL 520, VBUS 400) and be 18+ living in California.
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."
Must Pass: VBUS 590
Must Pass Two: VBUS 035, VBUS 243, VBUS 281, VBUS 290, ABE 044, ABE 018, ESL 520
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."
Must Pass All: VBUS 340, VCNST 610, VCNST 620
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, VBUS 402 and be at least 18 years old, possess minimum 7th-grade English and Math literacy, provide proof of U.S. work eligibility, pass a drug test, hold a valid Driver's License, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (or be concurrently enrolled in a diploma/GED program while in the construction program).
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."
Must Pass: VCNST 630
Must Pass One: (VBUS 400, ESL 520) and be 18+ living in California.
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."
Must Pass All: VMFG 680, HSMTH 190
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, ESL 520
Explore a career in machining! learn about fundamental operations on lathes, milling machines, grinders, and more.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
"Fuse your passion with your skill, and forge a career that's as strong as steel."
Must Pass: VCNST 101
Must Pass One: VBUS 243, VBUS 400, ESL 520, 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.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
Creative Arts & Media Certificate Options 🎭👗
"Your imagination is the canvas, and technology is your brush. Design the world you want to see."
Must Pass All: VDMA 302, VDMA 310
Must Pass One: (VBUS 400, VBUS 303, ESL 520) and be 18+ years old.
Learn industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud. Get foundational skills
for graphic designers, artists, photographers, web designers, programmers, and animation
artists.
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"Whether by thread or by pixel, design the style that defines tomorrow."
Must Pass: VFDM 100
Must Pass One from Each List: (VFDM 105, VDMA 310) and (VBUS 400, ESL 520) and be 18+.
Get the skills you need to enter the fashion industry! Students can choose to develop their 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."
Must Pass All: VFPA 150A, VFPA 150B, VFPA 152, VFPA 255
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, ESL 520
Learn theatrical stylings, acting techniques, and technical skills that support and enhance performances. Get equipped with the abilities and techniques necessary for the entertainment industry.
*Only register now if you have already met with a theater arts faculty member. Learn More to understand why*
Culinary Arts & Hospitality Certificate Options 🧑🍳
"Rise to the occasion, sweeten the world with your skills, and craft your own success."
Must Pass: VFOOD 005 and Two of (VFOOD 212, VFOOD 214, VFOOD 216)
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, HSMTH 190, ESL 520
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."
Must Pass All: VHOSP 201, VBUS 243
Must Pass One from Each List: (VBUS 118, VFOOD 005) and (VBUS 400, ESL 520) and be 18+ living in California.
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."
Must Pass All: VFOOD 200, VFOOD 005, VFOOD 210
Must Pass One: (VBUS400, ESL 520, HSMTH 190) and be 18+ living in California.
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.
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*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
Health & Human Services Certificate Options ❤️🩹
"In the smallest cells lie the biggest solutions. Be the future of discovery."
Must Pass All: VHLTH 704, VHLTH 705, HSMTH 190
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, ESL 520
Learn a the basic principles of biotechnology and how to use standard laboratory equipment.
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*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
"The noblest art is that of making others happy. Your compassion is your strength."
Must Pass All: VHLTH 109, VHLTH 110
Must Pass One: (VBUS 400, ESL 520) and be 18+ living in California.
This program prepares you to assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities with daily living activities at the person's home or in a care facility.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
"In the heart of healthcare, compassion is the most vital sign."
Must Pass All: VHLTH 101, VHLTH 102, VHLTH 103, VHLTH 104
Must Pass One: VBUS 402, ESL 520 and attend the mandatory VHLTH 101 orientation, submit a completed admission package, and, if selected for VHLTH 102, pass the CNA state exam while also possessing a state-issued ID, a Social Security or ITIN number, a valid BLS/CPR certification for healthcare professionals, and documented immunity or immunizations for Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B, and Influenza (plus potential COVID-19 vaccines), in addition to passing a physical exam, a TB test or clear chest X-ray, and a LiveScan background check.
Get equipped with the knowledge and skills to be a certified nurse assistant. Help
patients with daily activities, take vital signs, assist with basic medical equipment,
and provide comfort and support.
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"Precision in the pill, care in the process. Be the vital link in the chain of health."
Must Pass All: VHLTH 799, HSMTH 190
Must Pass One: VBUS 400, ESL 520
Learn pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug development processes. Study prescription labeling and drug classification systems and the law and ethics of pharmacy practice.
*Only register now if you have already met with a counselor. Learn More to understand why*
Office Administration Certificate Options 🏢💼
"Be the organization in the chaos and the hub that keeps the wheel turning."
Must Pass All: VBUS 125, VBUS 270
Must Pass One from Each List: (VBUS 400, ESL 520) and (VBUS 244, VBUS 245, VBUS 304)and be 18+ living in California
Start a versatile career performing clerical work and administrative duties. Prepare
for office support positions with advanced keyboarding and office management skills.
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"Be the voice that solves the problem and the smile that brightens the day."
Must Pass All: VBUS 124, VBUS 243
Must Pass One from Each List: (VBUS 400, ESL 520) and (VBUS 118, VBUS 258, VBUS 270)
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."
Must Pass All: VBUS 260, VBUS 262
Must Pass One from Each List: (VBUS 400, ESL 520) and (VBUS 118, VBUS 124)
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."
Must Pass All: VBUS 501, VBUS 502, VBUS 503
Must Pass One from Each List: (VBUS 259, VBUS 500) and (VBUS 400, VBUS 402, ESL 520)
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."
Must Pass All: VDMA 320, VBUS 303
Must Pass One: (VBUS 243, VBUS 400) and be 18+ years old.
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.
"Every click, every connection, every system. It all starts with the fundamentals."
Must Pass All: VBUS 570, VBUS 572
Must Pass One: (VBUS 243, VBUS 400, ESL 520) and be 18+ years old.
Learn to navigate and thrive in today's digital world with computer basics. Practice using and maintaining modern technology.
"No system is perfect. Be the one who knows how to fix it, secure it, and keep it running."
Must Pass All: VBUS 450, VBUS 576
Must Pass One: (VBUS 400, VBUS 243, ESL 520) and be 18+ years old.
Gain hands-on training using computer components and operating systems. Enhance your skills in assembling, disassembling, servicing, troubleshooting, and upgrading computer and networking systems.
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.
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.
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.