Quick answer: Looking for job training in Highland? Highland residents can train for retail, customer-service and small-business careers at The Ayangbah Foundation, just down SR-210 in downtown San Bernardino, or join any class live online. Options include a 40-hour Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship certificate, QuickBooks, Excel and free youth leadership programs. No diploma or experience is needed.
Why Job Training Matters in Highland
Highland has about 57,614 residents (U.S. Census, 2025 estimate) and is still growing. Education levels lag behind some neighboring cities. About 79.6% of adults have a high school diploma and 22.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2020–2024). The poverty rate is 17.1% (U.S. Census), one of the higher rates in the East Valley. For many families, a short and affordable training program is a realistic way to move into steadier, better-paying work.
The City of Highland describes itself as a primarily residential community. Its newest jobs are coming from retail and commercial growth. According to the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2024–25, a Costco Wholesale warehouse of about 161,000 square feet opened in March 2025 in the Greenspot Village and Marketplace area. It joins Lowe's, Stater Bros., Grocery Outlet, In-N-Out and Starbucks along Greenspot Road. A Tractor Supply store opened in the Town Center area in May 2025. Hundreds of new homes and apartments are also being built.
New stores and new neighborhoods mean new jobs: cashiers, team leads, office staff, bookkeepers and small-business owners serving a growing population. Those jobs reward reliability, customer service, basic computer skills and confidence, and you can build all of them in a few weeks.
Career Training Options for Highland Residents
We focus on practical skills that help Highland residents get hired, get promoted or start something of their own. See all programs and classes.
- Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training (40 hours, 4 weeks, $1,200): job search, interviewing and workplace skills, plus a certificate.
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business workshops: plan and launch a service business for Highland's growing neighborhoods.
- QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials (12 hours, $297): keep the books for your own business or a local shop.
- Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials (12 hours, $297): skills for retail back-office and supervisor roles.
- Youth Substance Use Prevention & Leadership (ages 12–26): fentanyl awareness, naloxone training and leadership skills.
- Future Leaders Academy: a free Saturday workshop for youth, with lunch provided.
Retail Growth and Small Business Opportunity in Highland
Highland's Greenspot Road and Town Center corridors are filling in with major retailers, and new housing brings demand for local services like cleaning, landscaping, childcare, food and home repair. That creates two paths. One is getting hired and promoted in retail and customer service, where our Career Readiness certificate and Public Speaking & Communication Lab help you interview well and lead a team. The other is starting your own business. Our Entrepreneurship & Small Business workshops and QuickBooks course cover the basics of pricing, bookkeeping and staying organized. If you'd like to sell to public agencies, the Government Contracting Academy walks you through SAM.gov registration, certifications and proposal writing.
Getting to Class from Highland
Highland borders San Bernardino, so the trip is short. Most drivers take SR-210 west and exit toward downtown San Bernardino to reach 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII. If evenings are busy with family or work, join any class live online and take part in real time from home.
Free Help Paying for Training
Highland residents may qualify for tuition help through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Our team can help you check eligibility and register in CalJOBS. Funding isn't guaranteed. Your nearest county job center is the East Valley America's Job Center of California, 500 Inland Center Drive, Sp. 508, San Bernardino, CA 92408, (909) 382-0440. We are also an approved worksite for internships and work experience through San Bernardino County Workforce Development. Learn more in our guide to WIOA training.
For Employers in Highland
Highland's Greenspot Road corridor keeps adding retailers, including a Costco that opened in March 2025 next to Lowe's, Stater Bros. and In-N-Out. New stores need cashiers and team leads who can handle customers with confidence, and our customer service and public speaking training builds exactly that. See our retail and hospitality training guide or partner with us.
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
Where can I get job training in Highland, CA?
The Ayangbah Foundation is a short drive from Highland in downtown San Bernardino, and every class is also offered live online.
How do I start a small business in Highland, CA?
Our Entrepreneurship & Small Business workshops and QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials course cover planning, pricing and bookkeeping. The Government Contracting Academy helps if you want to bid on public contracts.
Are there free youth programs near Highland?
Yes. Our Future Leaders Academy is a free Saturday workshop with lunch provided. Our Youth Substance Use Prevention & Leadership program serves ages 12–26.
Can I get paid work experience through a job training program near Highland?
We're an approved worksite for internships and work experience through San Bernardino County Workforce Development. Our staff can explain how eligible participants are placed.
Do I need a high school diploma for job training in Highland?
No. Our programs require no diploma or prior experience. Classes start October 17 and November 23.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Highland city, California (V2025 population estimate; ACS 2020–2024); City of Highland Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, FY ended June 30, 2025 (letter of transmittal); City of Highland, City Profile; San Bernardino County Workforce Development, Job Seekers.