Low to No-Cost Career Training Programs in Phoenix

Identifying a career that aligns with our interests is a challenging task for many. Before finding my place in talent acquisition, I held a number of minimum wage jobs in food & beverage, healthcare, hospitality, and grocery where I felt frustrated by a lack of opportunity for career advancement.

With the rising cost of a four-year education, nonprofit and for-profit companies are answering the call to upskill the workforce through low-cost and free job training programs.

These eight unique programs offer opportunities for Phoenix learners interested in-demand careers from tech sales and customer success to semiconductor technicians.

Maricopa Community Colleges Quick Start Program for Semiconductor Technicians

Focus: Semiconductor Technicians help manufacture semiconductors (essential components of electronic devices). These technicians work in a clean room environment and wear "bunny suits" (an overall garment to minimize contaminants).

Upon successful completion, learners have an opportunity to interview with employer partners looking to hire thousands of entry-level technicians starting at $20 - $25 per hour depending on experience.

Time commitment: Classes meet in-person for 10 days (4 hours per day in the mornings or evenings).

Participating campuses include Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and Mesa Community College.

Cost: Students are responsible for a $15 registration fee and will receive a $291 tuition stipend upon completing the class and passing the NIMS Technician Certification test. Students who fail to pass the certification test successfully will be responsible for paying the $291 tuition.

Aspireship

Focus: Aspireship is a career development platform that helps learners launch and grow careers in customer success, tech sales, revenue operations, software engineering and more.

Time commitment: All foundations programs offer a remote, on-demand learning curriculum with time commitments ranging from 10-30 hours.

Learners have access to the material 24/7 and can learn at their own pace with interview prep support following program completion.

Cost: A one-time commitment of $180.

Per Scholas IT Training

Focus: Per Scholas offers two distinct programs for Phoenix learners: IT Support and Future Powered by TEKsystems.

IT Support offers the opportunity to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the CompTIA A+ certification, equipping learners with knowledge to fill a wide range of entry-level technology jobs.

Future Powered courses are designed to prepare candidates from any background for the tech industry with in-demand roles with TEKsystems.

The program offers a variety of curriculums including full stack java developer, low voltage telecomms, end-user desktop support, react, data engineering, and cybersecurity.

Time commitment: Both programs offer 12-15 week remote or hybrid courses that run Monday-Friday (9 am - 5 pm).

Cost: No cost.

APS Pre-Apprentice Program

Focus: Arizona Public Service (APS) offers the largest utility Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Arizona where apprentices are paid to learn to become a journeyman, lineman, electrician, or polyphase meterman.

Apprentices work outdoors in a team environment, while receiving in-classroom and on-the-job training.

Time commitment: A 9 - 12 month program. APS hires pre-apprentice line workers, electricians and polyphase metermen once a year. All opportunities will be posted in the fourth quarter of 2023 or the first quarter of 2024.

Cost: This is a paid job starting around $28/hour with benefits. Upon completion of the Pre-Apprentice Program, graduates are eligible to apply for a position in the APS Apprenticeship Program.

Phoenix Center for the Arts BIPOC Arts + Art In Mind Program

Focus: The Phoenix Center for the Arts has developed Art in Mind and BIPOC Arts to establish and train arts & culture teaching artists for education, community centers, senior centers and other arts education & engagement environments. The teaching artists-in-training receive further professional development through mentorship and the program’s community-building sessions with their fellow cohort of co-learners.

Time commitment: A six-month weekly curriculum on the history, skills, and concepts related to teaching artistry in the US. After completing the training, artists are placed in a paid position to practice those skills.

Cost: No cost.

Year Up

Focus: Year Up is a job training program with a mission to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that all young adults (ages 18-29) gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education.

Year Up offers professional training opportunities, a corporate internship with a respected company, and the ability to earn while you learn with regular stipends during training and internships.

Current course offerings in Phoenix include investment operations, helpdesk/desktop support, application development and support, customer success, and banking.

Time commitment: Year Up is a 3-step job training program that takes one year or less to complete. Phoenix offers an on-campus and virtual option.

Cost: No cost.

Phoenix Job Corps

Focus: Phoenix Job Corps provides career training and education for 16-24 year olds in the following areas: carpentry, cement masonry, plastering, office assistant, clinical medical assistant, and security services.

Time commitment: Depending on the program, Job Corps students can be in training anywhere from eight months to three years.

Cost: No cost.

Arizona Career Development Center

Focus: ACDC provides job skills training, apprenticeship programs and employment placement services to individuals who are historically challenged with seeking and retaining employment in the greater Phoenix area.

The Basic Skills to Construction program provides participants with the career and technical education needed to secure meaningful employment in the construction industry.

Time commitment: The three-week course provides graduates with accreditation from the National Center for Construction Education & Research.

Cost: No cost.

*Interested in additional registered apprenticeships programs? View this list from the Department of Economic Security.