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 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
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.
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:
Louisiana Green Corps: Enviromental education and career building
Groundwork NOLA - Ground C.R.E.W.: Community improvement
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
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.
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
Hours: *** (typically flexible day, night, and weekend formats)
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)
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.
Operation Spark: Coding class/bootcamp for high school students and adults
Cafe’ Reconcile: Career development program for culinary
Liberty’s Kitchen: Career development for food service
Cafe Hope: Career development for food service with job placement oportunities and housing.
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.
(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 ***.
(Youth Sports Coach - Up 2 Us Sports)
18th Ward Sports
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. 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:
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
Good will: Job placement program for individuals.
If a traditional school setting isn’t for you, there are also independent programs you could take part in: