Job Training Program

Seven paths toward real work in the community. You choose your path. You go at your own speed. There are no deadlines. You first job is to work on yourself!

No Barriers Job Training Philosophy

Job Training at No Barriers is for adults who want to work, or who want to find out whether working is for them. It is built around one idea: almost nobody loses a job because they could not learn the task. People lose jobs because of everything around the task — getting there, getting along with people, knowing what to do on a hard day, and understanding what a paycheck means for their benefits.

So we teach all of that, alongside the actual job skills. And we do it without a clock, because a program that rushes people teaches them that they are behind.

Choose a path....

Everyone sees all seven before choosing. You can visit the places, talk to people doing the work, and take your time deciding. If you start one and it is not right for you, you can change.

Consumer Advocacy

Self-advocacy, disability rights, public speaking, and the paid jobs that exist in advocacy work.

Food and Service Jobs

Kitchens, cafés, counters, and school and hospital food service. You earn your California Food Handler Card early.

Self Employed

Selling on eBay and Etsy, craft fairs and markets, pricing, shipping, and keeping the books.

Custodial

Custodial work as a real trade — equipment, safety, chemicals, and a recognized certificate.

Trail and Community Cleanup

Outdoor crew work with parks, land trusts, and public works. Tools, teamwork, and visible results.

Community College

Getting enrolled, getting your fees waived, and getting the accommodations you are entitled to.

Peer Coaching

Learn your rights and the law, then train to support other people through the Job Training Program.

Everyone learns the same core skills

Whichever path you choose, you take the same core courses. They are life skills first and job skills second — they are just as useful at home, at the shops, or at an appointment as they are at work.

Getting ready for the day

Taking care of yourself-Routines that fit your actual morning, and clothes and shoes that fit the job.
Food and rest-Eating before a shift, packing a meal, sleeping enough, and planning the week ahead.
Getting there-Riding the bus or train on your own, reading a schedule, and having a back-up plan when something goes wrong.

Being around people

Talking with people at work-Asking for help, taking feedback, small talk, interviews, and asking for what you need.
Phones and email-Setting up voicemail, calling in sick, texting a supervisor, and spotting scams.
Handling stress-Noticing what your body does, knowing your warning signs, and having strategies that actually work for you.
Not burning out-Pacing yourself so a job lasts, and knowing the difference between a bad day and too much.

Money

Managing your money-Smart spending, making it last the month, saving, and knowing your rights over your own money.
Working and your benefits-What a paycheck actually does to SSI, and what it does not do. See below.