Quick answer: Colton residents can take career training at The Ayangbah Foundation, just minutes away in downtown San Bernardino, or join the same classes live online. Options include a 40-hour Career Readiness certificate, Excel, QuickBooks, public speaking and government contracting, with day, evening and Saturday schedules. A free info session runs every Monday at 5 PM.
Why Job Training Matters in Colton
Colton, known as the "Hub City," grew up around the railroads, and its location between I-10 and I-215 still makes it a center for jobs in healthcare, education, retail and logistics. About 53,400 people live in Colton (U.S. Census, 2025 estimate).
The city's largest employers include Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (about 3,500 employees), Colton Joint Unified School District, Walmart, Lineage Logistics and the County of San Bernardino (City of Colton financial report, 2021). Many of those employers hire for office, administrative and customer-facing roles, not just clinical or warehouse work.
The education gap is real: about 75.5% of Colton adults have a high school diploma and 16.6% hold a bachelor's degree, while roughly 13.7% of residents live in poverty. Practical, short-term training can open doors that a degree alone is not required for.
Career Training Options for Colton Residents
The Ayangbah Foundation is a San Bernardino nonprofit offering hands-on classes that lead to a certificate, a better job, or a business of your own. Every class is offered in person and live online.
Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training: a 40-hour certificate program covering leadership, digital marketing, financial literacy and business development.
Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials: 12 hours of formulas, charts, Word and Outlook, the skills behind most office and administrative jobs.
QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials: invoices, bills, bank reconciliation and reports.
Public Speaking & Communication Lab: practice interviews and presentations with recorded feedback.
Government Contracting Academy: for Colton small businesses that want to win city, county and state contracts.
Youth Prevention & Leadership and Future Leaders Academy: free programs for young people, including fentanyl awareness, mentorship and college planning.
Office and Administrative Careers
Hospitals, school districts and public agencies all need people who can manage records, schedules, spreadsheets and customers. These roles often value computer skills and professionalism over a four-year degree. Our Excel, QuickBooks and Career Readiness classes help you build those skills and a portfolio you can show employers.
Getting to Class from Colton
Our classroom is at 255 N. D Street in downtown San Bernardino, a few minutes north of Colton via I-215 or Mount Vernon Avenue. Omnitrans buses connect Colton with downtown San Bernardino. You can also join every class live online.
Free Help Paying for Training
Colton residents may qualify for free or reduced-cost training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The nearest America's Job Center of California is the East Valley AJCC at Inland Center Mall, 500 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino (909-382-0440), just across the city line. Our staff can help you register in CalJOBS and check whether you may qualify.
For Employers in Colton
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, with about 3,510 employees, is Colton's largest employer, alongside Colton Joint Unified, Walmart and Lineage Logistics. For hospital and clinic teams, we offer front-office training in scheduling software, customer service and clear communication with patients. Read our healthcare front-office training guide or view 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
Is there job training near Colton, CA?
Yes. The Ayangbah Foundation offers career training in downtown San Bernardino, minutes from Colton, and the same classes live online.
Can I take classes online from Colton?
Yes. Every class is offered in person and live online, with day, evening and Saturday options.
Do I need a diploma or experience?
No prior experience or diploma is required.
Is free training available for Colton residents?
You may qualify for WIOA funding through the East Valley America's Job Center. We help you check eligibility and register in CalJOBS.
Are there free programs for Colton youth?
Yes. Our Future Leaders Academy and youth prevention programs are free, and lunch is provided at Saturday workshops.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (Colton city, California); City of Colton Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (2021); San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department.