Adults in Santa Clarita who want to strengthen job skills, change careers, or re-enter the workforce have access to a wide range of free and low-cost resources through the Santa Clarita Public Library and College of the Canyons. From one-on-one technology help to industry-specific training programs, these services are designed to meet residents where they are — whether they’re brushing up on basic digital literacy or preparing for advanced technical careers.
Santa Clarita Public Library
One-on-One Help and Robust Digital Tools
At the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, Senior Librarian Kendra Fitzpatrick said the library’s most popular employment-focused service is its Book a Librarian program, which gives adults dedicated time with a staff member for hands-on assistance.
“Community members can book 30 minutes in a one-on-one session with one of our librarians to assist them with technology help — resetting passwords, creating an email, navigating digital resources, applying for jobs, building resumes, Microsoft Office help and so on,” Fitzpatrick said.
These appointments are often the first step for adults who need support navigating online job applications or learning basic computer skills. But the library’s offerings extend far beyond in-person help.
Library cardholders have free access to several digital platforms designed specifically for employment preparation:
JobNow for career assistance
Adult Learning Center for adult education and career coaching
HelpNow for academic support
VetNow for veteran assistance
Small Business Learning Center for entrepreneurship resources
Mango Languages for language learning in more than 70 languages
LinkedIn Learning for professional development through expert-led video courses
“Of these, our Brainfuse offerings are the most robust options we have for library users looking to re-skill, change careers, enter the workforce, and more,” Fitzpatrick said. “I highly recommend the no-cost services offered by our digital resource partners.”
The library also supports job seekers with practical tools: up to three hours of computer use per day, $1 in free printing daily — often used for resumes — and test prep books for exams such as Postal Worker, Pilot, Police, ASVAB, NCLEX-RN, EMT and others. Each branch also has a tablet equipped with translation services to help staff communicate with patrons in their native language.
For more information, call (661) 259-0750.
College of the Canyons
Tuition-Free Courses for Skill Building
At College of the Canyons, the School of Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) helps students develop new professional skills, complete their high school education, explore personal interests and more. All courses are offered tuition-free.
“The courses do not count for college credit, so they are often referred to as noncredit classes, and do not lead to a college degree,” explained Dianne Avery, dean of Academic Innovation and Continuing Education. “Many students begin their journey at College of the Canyons with tuition-free courses, transition to credit classes and go on to earn a degree.”
Key programs include:
Career Skills courses such as Time Management, Business Writing, Customer Service, Negotiation, Managing & Developing People, Communication Strategies, LinkedIn for Business, and Public Speaking
HR Academy certificates covering foundational human resources knowledge and employment law
Computer classes including Adobe InDesign, Word Processing Basics, Spreadsheet Basics, and Digital Communications for the Office
Medical Scribe training
Paralegal Test Prep for the NALA Certified Paralegal Exam
GNSS courses for land surveying professionals
Yoga Teacher Training
Spanish for Healthcare Workers and Educators
OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour Construction Industry Standard certification
Avery said the most effective pathways for adults looking to upskill or re-skill include Career Skills, HR Academy, computer classes, Crime Intelligence Analyst training, Personal Trainer programs, Scriptwriting/Screenwriting, Real Estate, Instructional Aide training, and Personal Care Aide training.
To ensure programs align with real workforce needs, COC relies on labor market data and input from local employers.
“All vocational programs require labor market data showing high employment potential,” Avery said. “Local businesses reach out to us and request classes to upskill and re-skill their current employees.”
Support services are also built into the program. Enrollment staff help adults who struggle with digital literacy, and a lending library provides textbooks for courses that require them. Students also have access to campus resources such as the Basic Needs Center food pantry, Career Center, Advisement, and Health Center.
The college also offers accelerated programs for those seeking quick employment, including HR Academy, Crime Intelligence Analyst, Personal Trainer, Real Estate, instructional aide training, personal care aide training, and yoga teacher training.
Two major initiatives are also underway: an adult re-entry program for those returning to the workforce, and an Inclusive Learning Institute offering courses for those with developmental disabilities.
Above all, “the School of Personal and Professional Learning gets students ready to enter the workforce by offering short-format, convenient courses that lead to up-skilling or re-skilling,” Avery added. “Because classes are tuition-free, students can try specific programs to see if they like them, and then continue with college credit classes that lead to a degree.”
Community members looking for more information about PPL can call (661) 362-3320 or visit canyons.edu/academics/schools/ppl.
Workforce & Economic Advancement
Fast-Track Training for High-Demand Jobs
For adults seeking short-term, job-ready training, the Division of Workforce & Economic Advancement (WEA) at College of the Canyons collaborates with regional employers to provide customized education, training, employment and consulting services.
“The division has served more than 500 regional companies representing multiple industries, including aerospace, distribution, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, technology, and transportation,” said Jeff Gregor, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of WEA.
Fast Track programs include:
CNC Machinist (10–12 weeks)
Low Observable Technician (15 weeks)
Commercial Driver License (CDL-A) (four weeks)
Forklift Training (single day)
The CNC Machinist program recently achieved a 100% job placement rate. The CDL program, taught at the Valencia campus with goals to expand to Canyon Country, costs $5,300 — which is considerably lower than many other truck driving schools that charge $6,000 or $7,000.
WEA also operates the Employee Training Institute, which provides low-cost training to local companies in Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Advanced Manufacturing, and APICS Supply Chain Management. Gregor said the institute trains between 1,000 and 2,000 employees each year.
“Local employers drive the training offered by the Employee Training Institute,” he said. “We design and deliver training based on the expressed needs of the company.”
Funding from state agencies and nonprofits often covers training costs for qualifying companies and students. Over the past two decades, WEA has brought more than $10 million to the Santa Clarita Valley to support workforce training.
Upcoming expansions include new courses in Mechatronics and a “Generative AI in the Workplace” program to help companies integrate AI into operations.
Community members seeking more information about Workforce & Economic Advancement can call (661) 362-5657 or visit canyonsworkforce.org.
