Job Training Programs

Search for Job Training Programs

• Louisiana Workforce Commission: Search statewide for training programs registered with the state

• WhereWeGo: An aggregator of job training programs in New Orleans that focuses on Health Care, Business Services, Skilled Trades,  and Digital Media / Technology.

Community Colleges

Community colleges offer technical education programs to help train you in a number of different fields from welding to software engineering to phlebotomy to cosmetology and many, many more.  Follow the links below to explore more of the programs offered at these schools.

• Delgado Community College: Main campus located by city park with other locations on both the east and west banks. 

• Nunez Community College: In Chalmette past the Lower 9th

Job Training Programs

The following is a break down of the various job training programs across the city.   Follow the links for more information, and I'll include some notes that I have.

Multiple programs

• New Orleans Career Center (NOCC): Located just outside the Treme, in addition to having programs for HS students, they provide free adult training in Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Welding, Pharmacy Tech, and Medical Assistant. Program lengths vary by program and by individual, and apply by filling out the interest form and either contacting their adult training staff via email adulttraining@nolacc.org or giving them a call (504) 372-1502.

• Job Corps: a no excuses, zero tolerance program that has CNA, CMA, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, and other programs.  Its located on Airline Highway right on the border of Orleans & Jefferson Parish.  For questions, call 504-484-3566.

• WhereWeGo:  This website aggregates different job training programs in the city into a single spot.  "Many of our trainings lead to careers over $50k a year. Most of them don’t require debt. Some of them even pay you to learn. They’re not too good to be true, they’re just usually too hard to discover. That’s why we do the searching, so you can do the starting. "

• Goodwill Technical College: 

• LinkedIn Learning

Building Trades / Skill Crafts / Construction

• Rebuilding Together New Orleans: Housing program

• Louisiana Green Corps: Enviromental education and career building

• Groundwork NOLA - Ground C.R.E.W.: Community improvement

• Limitless Vistas

• Deep South Center for Environmental Justice: Environmental Career Worker Training Program (ECWTP) Located at 9801 Lake Forest Blvd in New Orleans East, this free, 12-week training equips participants from the New Orleans Metro area with essential hands-on skills in environmental remediation, construction, and emergency response. Trainees receive a stipend to support transportation and meals, training covers basic skills (math, computer literacy, life skills) and technical certifications such as lead abatement, asbestos removal, mold remediation, hazardous waste operations, and OSHA safety—plus industry-recognized credentials and OSHA workplace cards upon completion. Participants are expected to attend *** (days of the week, time range) over the 12-week period. Eligibility criteria include being 18+, unemployed or underemployed, fully vaccinated for COVID‑19, a resident of the local metro area, able to pass TABE testing and a drug test, and possessing a valid driver’s license or state ID, Social Security card, and *** (additional docs, if any).  To apply, complete the online application and pass required assessments/interviews (applications accepted ***). For more information or assistance, contact Jeremy Davis, Worker Training Program Manager, at jeremyd@dscej.org or call ***.

• South East Louisiana Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO

  • Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 60 

• Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC):  Currently (4/25/2020) offering Electrical (2 & 4 years) and Instrumentation, and they also have offered carpentry, pipefitting, & welding.  Tuition ranges between $750-$1500 per semester with classes in the evenings. 

• Youth Rebuilding New Orleans: Based out of 1933 Hope Street in New Orleans, this free, part-time construction training opportunity spans 3 months, offering teens aged 16–21 hands‑on experience rebuilding homes while gaining job-readiness, leadership, financial literacy, social‑justice awareness, and mental-health support. Participants receive on‑site protective gear, mentorship, and an enriching network of volunteers; upon completion, they earn industry‑recognized credentials such as basic construction safety and *** .  Training takes place *** (days/times) over the 12‑week period. To be eligible, youth must be 16–21, local or out‑of‑state (summer cohorts), submit a waiver, and provide ID/guardian signature if under 18, plus ***.  To apply, interested applicants can email Prince@yrno.com — they’ll be guided through an application, waiver, and brief onboarding process; spaces fill quickly, so early contact is encouraged.

Commercial Driver's License - CDL 

It is recommended that in addition to getting your CDL, if you are interested in long-haul truck driving that you build up proficiency maintaining automobiles and trucks, so an automotive or Motor Vehicle Tech program like the one at Delgado is a good bet. 

Additionally, in order to get your CDL, you must first get your regular driver's license.  Go here for more info on how to do that.

Once you have your license, you can enroll in the following programs in New Orleans

Delgado Community College – CDL / CVO Training Course

• Address: Delgado River City Site:  709 Churchill Parkway, Avondale, LA 70094

• Hours/Format: A 5–6 week course with both day and evening class options starting several times per year (e.g., July 1–Aug 15; Aug 4–Oct 3 (evenings); Sept 15–Nov 7; Nov 3–Dec 12; Jan 5–Feb 20; through June 2026) 

• Price: ~$495–$500 for the ELDT/knowledge-theory content; behind-the-wheel training and DMV exam fees are additional. Scholarship support available through PepsiCo and other partners 

• Includes: Industry-aligned ELDT curriculum (air brakes, inspections, vehicle maneuvers, backing, logbooks, etc.). Theory training satisfies FMCSA standards; completion allows scheduling of the state CDL exam.

Thrive New Orleans – Commercial Driver’s Licensure Classes

• Address: Thrive 9th Ward, 3600 Desire Parkway.

• Hours: CDL classes are held in two-week sessions from Monday-Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

• Phone:  504.564.7739

• Price: Free for qualified participants through funded cohort; includes training, exam prep, and CDL testing

Coastal Truck Driving School – Harvey Campus

• Address: 1182 1st Avenue, Harvey, LA 70058 

• Hours: *** (typically flexible day, night, and weekend formats) 

• Phone: (985) 386‑5600 or 1‑800‑443‑3780 

• Price: Four-week CDL A/B training around $5,650–$6,000 total (160 hours classroom + driving + testing), with tuition assistance available through VA, WIOA, and state programs

University of New Orleans – Entry‑Level Driver Training (ELDT)

• Address: UNO Division of Professional & Continuing Education, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148

• Hours: *** (self‑paced online modules plus scheduled behind‑the‑wheel sessions)

• Phone: 855‑520‑6806

• Price: Class B ELDT $495; Class B→A upgrade ELDT $395 (covers theory; behind‑the‑wheel training and DMV testing are additional)

Cosmetology 

• Delgado Community College: Community college based in Louisiana.

• Blue Cliff College: Cosmetology college with several locations in Louisiana.

• Louisiana Barbers Union – Barber Apprenticeship Program: Based in Metairie (2901 Ridgelake Dr., Suite 202), this registered 2‑year apprenticeship is a low-cost career path for aspiring barbers—requires a $100 application fee, $310 registration, and $120/month apprentice fee, while apprentices earn at least minimum wage through shop-based work alongside formal training . Over two years, apprentices complete 4,000 practical shop hours and 288 theory hours (online tests and reviews), culminating in a state Barber Stylist license and a national apprenticeship completion certificate . Applicants must be 17 or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a licensed Master Barber and shop to train under . Bring these documents with your application: passport‑size photo, driver’s license or state ID, Social Security card, and official high school/GED transcript—cosmetology hours may count toward credit .  To apply, submit the Barber Apprentice Application with fees and required documents, get matched with a Master Barber/shop, and start on-the-job hours. For more info or to begin, contact UFCW Local 496 at (504) 828‑7942 or shawkins@ufcw496.org.

Creative Digital Media/ Technology 

• Operation Spark: Coding class/bootcamp for high school students and adults

• Urban League: Cyber Security Apprenticeship

Culinary 

• Cafe’ Reconcile: Career development program for culinary

• Cafe Hope: Career development for food service with job placement oportunities and housing.

• NOCHI Culinary Certificate Program offers a six-month, hands-on training experience that prepares students for real careers in the food and hospitality industry. Classes run Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and students complete 650 hours of instruction in Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry. Tuition is about $16,951, but financial aid, scholarships, and Workforce Development funding are available. Graduates earn industry-recognized credentials such as ServSafe® certification and complete a pop-up café capstone, gaining both skills and experience. Applicants must submit a full application including a high school transcript or GED, immunization records, references, and an interview. To get started, visit https://nochi.org/certificate or contact admissions@nochi.org / 504-635-0011 for more information.

Early Childhood Education (Day Care / Pre-school Teacher)

• Early Childhood Teacher Corps (AmeriCorps) & LECEA Apprenticeship – Coordinated by For Providers By Providers (4PXP): Located at 1678 N Broad St, New Orleans, this dual-pathway opportunity provides two ways to start a career in early childhood education: a part‑time AmeriCorps teaching service through the Teacher Corps (Sept–Aug, 900 service hours) with a living allowance ($12,600 HT / $9,450 RHT) and an education award, and a federally‑registered, paid apprenticeship (LECEA) combining on‑the‑job training in licensed childcare centers with classroom instruction —both paths include free training and culminate in the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, plus Louisiana’s Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate.  AmeriCorps service typically runs M–F, approximately 8 a–2 p, matching size and schedule of your host site, with uniforms provided and transportation support available my.americorps.gov. The apprenticeship includes classroom‑based learning schedules (depends on your placement site, but typical M-F hours of operation) and on‑site coaching by exemplar teachers; eligibility: 17+, high school diploma/GED, able to work in the U.S., and placement at a participating early childhood center forprovidersbyproviders.org. To apply, complete the  ECE Program Interest Form  linked here, submit required documents (ID, diploma/GED, Social Security card), and interview with program staff; contact Letara Vellos (AmeriCorps) at letara.vellos@forprovidersbyproviders.org / (504) 264‑3690, or Danielle for the apprenticeship at Danielle@forprovidersbyproviders.org 

• Delgado Community College – Child Development Associate (CDA) Preparation Certificate: Located on the City Park Campus (615 City Park Ave, New Orleans), this free (grant-funded), part-time certificate program spans 18 weeks and includes 135 clock hours across three evening courses — Tuesday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. plus select Saturday sessions . It prepares aspiring early childhood educators to earn industry-recognized credentials, including the Child Development Associate (CDA) and the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate, with support for portfolio development, job-embedded coaching, and career-ready skills. To qualify, you must be employed for at least six months at a Type III (publicly funded) childcare center, be an active LA Pathways member, and submit a completed application, resume, letter of recommendation, and background check, plus attend a Zoom orientation. Applicants should email Lisa Melson (lmelso@dcc.edu) to begin—she can guide you through enrollment, grant applications, and setting up your online intake and in-person coaching sessions. For more info, call (504) 671‑6511.

Environmental 

(Limitless VISTA, Groundwork Ground Team)

• Deep South Center for Environmental Justice: Environmental Career Worker Training Program (ECWTP) Located at 9801 Lake Forest Blvd in New Orleans East, this free, 12-week training equips participants from the New Orleans Metro area with essential hands-on skills in environmental remediation, construction, and emergency response. Trainees receive a stipend to support transportation and meals, training covers basic skills (math, computer literacy, life skills) and technical certifications such as lead abatement, asbestos removal, mold remediation, hazardous waste operations, and OSHA safety—plus industry-recognized credentials and OSHA workplace cards upon completion. Participants are expected to attend *** (days of the week, time range) over the 12-week period. Eligibility criteria include being 18+, unemployed or underemployed, fully vaccinated for COVID‑19, a resident of the local metro area, able to pass TABE testing and a drug test, and possessing a valid driver’s license or state ID, Social Security card, and *** (additional docs, if any).  To apply, complete the online application and pass required assessments/interviews (applications accepted ***). For more information or assistance, contact Jeremy Davis, Worker Training Program Manager, at jeremyd@dscej.org or call ***.

Health Care

• Nursing: NOCC, The Healthcare Training Institute, Blue Cliff in Metarie, Delgado (City Park or Sidney Collier campus), or Advanced Nurse Training

• Advance Nursing Training (ANT), located at 515 O'Bannon St, New Orleans, LA 70114 in New Orleans, offers hands-on healthcare programs designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in nursing and allied health. ANT provides training for Nursing Assistants, Practical Nurses, Certified Medication Aides, and Phlebotomy Technicians. Costs and times are dependent upon the specific program you're looking for and include both classroom and clinical instruction. Graduates earn credentials approved by the Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Department of Health, and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. To apply, visit ant-nola.com or contact admissions@antnola.com or 504-266-5773 with questions or concerns.

• Nursing Assistants Network Association: Located at 4509 Freret St., New Orleans, they offers an accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program designed to get you job-ready in just 3 weeks for approximately $570 tuition. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate qualifying you to sit for the Louisiana state CNA exam and begin working in hospitals, nursing homes, or home-health care settings. Classes include both classroom and practical clinical instruction, with eligibility requiring age 18+ (or younger with guardian consent), a high school diploma/GED, a valid ID, and completion of a health screening and background check. To apply, call (504) 891-8088 or email LatrinaBates@ymail.com, and ask about the next enrollment date, payment options, and required documentation.
  
  They also provide courses in Dialysis Tech, Electrocardiogram Tech, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Tech, and Phsyicatric Tech

Medical Billing:

• Goodwill Technical College – Medical Billing & Coding Program: Located at 3400 Tulane Avenue, Suite 2100, New Orleans (with main campus at 2740 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119). Goodwill Technical College:  this program offers aspiring healthcare professionals the chance to gain hands-on training in medical billing, coding, electronic claims, and health-data management. The technical diploma spans approximately 990 clock hours (55 credits)  and tuition/fees are charged at $144 per credit hour plus a program access fee of $199.99 (tuition rates vary).   Upon completion you’ll receive the diploma and be eligible to take industry-recognized coding credentials such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.
  
  Eligibility requirements include a high school diploma or GED and meeting the college’s admissions standards. To apply, complete the online application or visit the campus to speak with admissions, and contact the program at (504) 889-5568 or email gtcadmissions@goodwillno.org for more details.

Dental Assistant: Blue Cliff

Other Allied Health programs

• EMT: National EMS Academy – EMT Program (New Orleans) & Acadian Ambulance (in conjunction with South Louisiana Community College)... City of New Orleans: Complete the 6 months long academy where they will obtain EMR and then EMT certification before moving on to field training. (504) 658-2929 emsemployment@nola.gov

• Phlebotomy Technician / Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

  • Delgado Community College: Students interested in health care can earn their Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential through several local programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on lab experience. Delgado Community College offers a one-semester phlebotomy technician program at its City Park campus, preparing students to take a national certification exam after completing coursework and a three-week clinical practicum

  • St. Agatha Career School in New Orleans East provides a nine- to ten-week course for about $1,200, with flexible morning, evening, and weekend options designed for adult learners.

  • Elise Phlebotomy Training Center in Harvey offers hybrid and in-person training that can be completed in roughly ten weeks, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to sit for a national exam. Most programs require participants to be 18 or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, and complete standard health and background checks.

  • Phlebotomy Training Specialists – New Orleans
    Located in New Orleans, Phlebotomy Training Specialists offers a hands-on certification program that prepares students for entry-level careers as Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT). The course costs $1,195, with a $100 deposit required to hold a seat, and includes 48 hours of in-class training designed to be completed in 3 to 6 weeks. Students gain practical experience in blood draws, safety, and specimen handling, and are eligible to sit for the National Phlebotomy Certification Exam (NHA) upon completion. Classes are offered morning (9 a.m.–1 p.m.), evening (6 p.m.–10 p.m.), and weekend (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), providing flexible scheduling options.
    
    Applicants must be 18 years or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, and present a valid photo ID. To apply, students can register directly through the Phlebotomy Training Specialists website or by calling (888) 531-8378 for enrollment assistance.

  • The LifeShare Phlebotomy School in New Orleans offers a 6-week, hands-on certification program that trains students in professional blood collection and lab procedures. Classes meet Monday through Friday, 5–9 p.m., and tuition is $2,000 plus a $160 learning platform fee. Graduates earn a LifeShare Certificate of Completion and are eligible to take a national phlebotomy certification exam. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and a laptop. To apply, submit the downloadable application to phlebotomyschool@lifeshare.org at least four weeks before the session start date.

  • Other programs include Unitech, the Healthcare Training Institute, NANA, and ANT

Legal

Interested in law, courts, or legal careers? Loyola University New Orleans offers a self-paced Paralegal Certificate Program through their Professional and Continuing Studies division. Based in New Orleans, this program helps students build real legal skills - like research, writing, contracts, and trial preparation - and can be finished in about 6 months. Once you complete the program, you’ll earn 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a Loyola University Certificate of Completion, which can strengthen your resume and open doors to entry-level legal jobs or further education.

• Schedule: You can work at your own pace - no live class times. New sessions start on the 15th of each month, and you’ll need to sign up by the 14th to join the next one.

• Cost: Tuition information and any available discounts or scholarships are shared during Loyola’s info sessions.

• Eligibility: Open to adult learners - no degree required.

• Credential: Loyola Certificate + 36 CEUs (an industry-recognized measure of professional training).

You can register online through Loyola’s admissions portal. If you have questions, reach out to PACS@loyno.edu or visit the program page for details.

Real Estate

Delgado Community College - While eligible for financial aid, this program has historically been online courses, but it offers the opportunity to be trained in both the skills needed to pass the real estate license AND be successful in real estate.  See more info here. 

Donaldson Educational Services – Real Estate License Program (Metairie)

Donaldson Educational Services, located in Metairie, offers Louisiana’s required 90-hour Real Estate Salesperson pre-licensing course to help students prepare for the state licensing exam and start a career in real estate. Classes are offered online or in-person, with options including a two-week day program (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.) or a six-week evening program (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–8:30 p.m.). Course costs vary by format, ranging from $–$***, and students receive the certification needed to take the Louisiana Real Estate Commission licensing exam upon completion.

To apply, students can register directly through donaldsoneducation.com/license  or visit their **Metairie campus at ******, or contact them at (504) 456-1785 for enrollment details.

Burk Baker School of Real Estate & Appraising – Metairie Campus

Located at 110 Veterans Blvd, Suite 470, Metairie, LA 70005, the Burk Baker School offers Louisiana Real Estate Commission–approved pre-licensing courses for aspiring real estate salespeople and brokers. The 90-hour Real Estate 101 Salesperson Pre-Licensing course costs **** and can be completed in either two weeks (daytime classes, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.) or three weeks (evening classes, Monday–Wednesday, 6–9:30 p.m.). Students receive printed textbooks, six months of online course access, and a certificate qualifying them to sit for the Louisiana Real Estate Licensing Exam.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED; additional documentation such as a government-issued ID may be required (****). To apply, visit BurkBaker.com & to register for an upcoming session or call **** for more information.

Sports 

(Youth Sports Coach - Coaching Across America)

18th Ward Sports

TWIC Card

For folks looking to work on the river or offshore, many jobs either provide you with your TWIC Card OR ask you to have it before you apply.  The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also known as TWIC®, is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels.

Eligibility for a TWIC Card is based on:

1. 1. US Citizenship

   2. Ability to provide required Documents (see here for a walkthrough of docs or here for  

   3. Clean record (see here for a list of disqualifying offenses)

   4. **If someone is under 18 years but wants to get their TWIC Card, they will need to bring their guardian with them to the TWIC application appointment)**

 TSA conducts a security threat assessment (background check) to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential.  In addition to paying the ~$125.25 fee, you can:

• Apply Online

• Schedule an appointment

• New Orleans TWIC Provider:  IdentoGO: 1881 Rousseau St., Ste 3, New Orleans, LA 70130 -- Monday - Friday: 07:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

NOLA Certification Programs:

• https://www.uno.edu/certificates

• https://www.nunez.edu/academics

• https://www.dcc.edu/academics/programs.aspx

• http://www.suno.edu/page/certification-only

If a traditional school setting isn’t for you, there are also independent programs you could take part in:

• https://www.nhneworleans.com/training-and-certifications

• https://www.techtalentsouth.com/courses/

• https://goodwillno.org/programs/goodwill-certified-training-programs/