Want to get a good job, but don't want to go to a traditional four year college?
Searching on sites like careeronestop or onlytradeschools.com will give you a better idea of the breadth of opportunities (but not all programs!) available: phlebotomy, air traffic control, radiation tech, plumbing, cosmetology, solar installation, interior design, home-health, fire technology, video production, drug & alcohol counseling, EMT, sound tech, computer technology, culinary arts, make-up design, hospitality, welding, electrical work, pharmacy tech, nursing, dental assistant, massage therapy, CNC machining, personal fitness training, policing...
Research certificate and degree programs at community colleges or technical schools near you. If you are seeking training in an area not offered by a local school (like aircraft maintenance, nursing, or IT training) look further from home. Some community colleges offer online courses and others provide on-campus housing, but many community or technical college students find apartment housing near their schools.
Research vocational training opportunities in your region. There are job centers across the US and some states or regions offer more targeted programs like JVS in San Francisco.
Many industries have apprenticeship opportunities where you can learn on the job. You can learn more about apprenticeships here. You can search for apprenticeships in a number of fields (cybersecurity, plumbing, IT, hydraulic technicians, pastry, etc) through the national listings on the site. Search here for electrical apprenticeships in your area.
Look for specific schools that offer training in your area of interest, but be thoughtful about for-profit institutions. Does this institution have a good placement rate? Do a high percentage of students pass state or national certification exams? Don't pay for a high cost program when plenty of lower cost programs are available!
Job Corps has 120 Campuses Nationwide.
Los Angeles Job Corps offers training to become an: Automotive Service Worker, Certified Nurse Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Cisco Certified Network Assistant, Computer Network IT Specialist, Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse, Medical Administrative Assistant, or Office Administrator.
Building and Construction Trades
Office Work (Business and Finance)
Early Childhood Education
Electrical and Utilities Work
Fashion, Cosmetology, and Interior Design
Health Science and Medical Technology (including pharmacy and radiologic tech)
Maintenance
Security
Automotive Service
LA Valley College offers certificates and associates degrees in a number of fields including:
Manufacturing
Sustainable Construction Management
Electronics
Allied Health Preparation
Child Development
Nursing
Respiratory Therapy
See the Career and Alumni Resources Page for more information about specific programs and organizations created to help young people with autism gain skills and find jobs.
Here are a few:
Game Gen helps students transition from playing games to creating games.
Exceptional Minds provides training, experience, and job placement for artists with autism interested in careers in digital arts and animation.
AFA HUB offers technology certificate programs in the fields of animation, video game design, film, and visual effects.
Lime Connect