Quick answer: Barstow residents can take The Ayangbah Foundation's job training live online, so the closest classroom is wherever you have an internet connection. Programs include a 40-hour career readiness certificate, Excel, QuickBooks and a Government Contracting Academy. They're built for a city whose top employers are Fort Irwin, the Marine Corps Logistics Base and BNSF. Staff can help you check whether you may qualify for WIOA funding.
Why Job Training Matters in Barstow
Barstow has 24,804 residents (U.S. Census, 2025 estimate) and sits where Interstate 15 meets the western end of Interstate 40, with State Route 58 heading west. The city calls itself the "Hub of the West," and freight is a big reason why. In 2022, BNSF committed about $1.5 billion to expand its Barstow rail yard into the 4,500-plus-acre Barstow International Gateway, and the city updated its zoning to support logistics (Wikipedia).
The need for training is real. About 23.1% of Barstow residents live in poverty, and the median household income is $53,380 (U.S. Census, ACS 2020–2024). That's well below the U.S. median of $80,734. Barstow adults are fairly likely to have finished high school (86.6%), but only 13.2% hold a bachelor's degree. In a community this remote, practical certificates and computer skills can go a long way.
Barstow's employer list is unlike any other city's in San Bernardino County. According to the city's 2025 report (as summarized on Wikipedia), the top employers are Fort Irwin National Training Center (8,451 employees), Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow (1,935), BNSF Railroad (1,000), Barstow Unified School District (750), the Outlets at Barstow (450), Raytheon Technical Services (393), Barstow Community Hospital (360) and Barstow Community College (309).
Career Training Options for Barstow Residents
Here's how our programs line up with Barstow's mix of military, rail and retail jobs. Every one is available live online. See all programs and classes.
- Government Contracting Academy: A cohort-based program covering SAM.gov registration, certifications and proposal writing, for local businesses that want to compete for federal work.
- Friday Contracting Workshops ($97, or 4 for $297): Short, focused sessions if you want to explore contracting before joining a full cohort.
- Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training (40 hours, $1,200): Resumes, interviews and workplace skills for jobs on base, at the rail yard or at the Outlets.
- Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials (12 hours, $297): The office skills used every day in logistics, scheduling and administrative support.
- QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials (12 hours, $297): For bookkeeping roles at small businesses serving travelers along I-15 and I-40.
- Industry certifications (coming in 2027): Forklift and OSHA 10 are planned, which fit Barstow's logistics growth. Join the interest list.
Rail, Logistics and Federal Work in the Hub of the West
Barstow's two largest employers are federal installations, and a defense contractor ranks sixth. That means federal dollars flow through the local economy, and small businesses that know how to register in SAM.gov, earn the right certifications and write a good proposal have a better shot at that work. Our Government Contracting Academy teaches those steps in a cohort, so you learn alongside other business owners. If you're looking for a job instead, the planned BNSF Barstow International Gateway signals growth in rail and logistics. Strong Excel skills, a career readiness certificate and good interview habits will help you stand out.
Taking Classes Online from Barstow
Our classes stream live, so you see and talk with your instructor and classmates in real time. Join from home, from the library or on a break, using a computer, tablet or phone. Day, evening and Saturday sessions fit rotating shifts on base or at the rail yard. If you're ever in San Bernardino, you're welcome to visit our classroom at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, downtown.
Free Help Paying for Training
Some Barstow residents may qualify for help paying for training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). We'll help you check eligibility and register in CalJOBS. The nearest America's Job Center is the High Desert AJCC, 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville, CA 92395, (760) 552-6550. San Bernardino County Workforce Development also holds hiring events in Barstow from time to time, including at the Harvey House on North 1st Street. Learn more in our guide to WIOA training.
For Employers in Barstow
Barstow's employer list is led by Fort Irwin (8,451 employees), Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow (1,935) and BNSF Railway (1,000). With so many military households nearby, we help veterans and military spouses turn service experience into civilian resumes and interview skills. See our guide to hiring veterans and military spouses or explore employer solutions.
How to Get Started
- Apply online. It takes about five minutes.
- Meet with our team to check funding eligibility and build your career plan.
- Pick your schedule: day, evening or Saturday, in person or online.
- Start class. See upcoming dates on the class schedule.
Not sure yet? Join the free info session any Monday at 5 PM, or call or text (909) 454-7076.
FAQ
Can I take job training classes online from Barstow?
Yes. Every Ayangbah Foundation program is offered live online, so Barstow residents can attend without driving to San Bernardino.
How can a Barstow business get government contracts?
Start by registering in SAM.gov and learning which certifications apply to you. Our Government Contracting Academy and Friday workshops walk you through registration, certifications and proposal writing.
Is there forklift training in Barstow?
Forklift certification is coming in 2027. Join our interest list now, and consider the Career Readiness certificate and Excel course in the meantime.
Where is the nearest America's Job Center to Barstow?
The High Desert AJCC on Bear Valley Road in Victorville, (760) 552-6550. Our staff can help you get your CalJOBS account ready before you call.
Are there Saturday job training classes for Barstow residents?
Yes. We offer day, evening and Saturday options, all available live online.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Barstow city, California (2025 population estimate; ACS 2020–2024); City of Barstow 2025 principal employers, via Wikipedia; Wikipedia, "Barstow, California"; San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department.