Quick answer: Montclair residents can start job training at The Ayangbah Foundation with no diploma and no experience required. Our 40-hour career certificate, computer skills classes and free youth programs are offered in person in San Bernardino, a direct Metrolink ride from the Montclair Transit Center, and live online from home.
Why Job Training Matters in Montclair
Montclair is a compact city of an estimated 37,563 residents (U.S. Census, 2025 estimate) on the western edge of San Bernardino County. It also faces real economic pressure: 17.7% of residents live in poverty, and the median household income is $77,659. About 74.2% of adults 25 and older have a high school diploma, and 18.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (U.S. Census QuickFacts, 2020–2024 ACS).
Montclair is also diverse and multilingual. Roughly 72.5% of residents are Hispanic or Latino, 30.8% were born outside the United States, and 57.9% speak a language other than English at home (U.S. Census QuickFacts). About 10.7% of residents under 65 have no health insurance.
The city has long been a retail destination. Montclair Plaza, now Montclair Place, opened in 1968 and was built to strengthen the city's tax base, according to the City of Montclair. Retail and service jobs are a common first step for residents, and training is how many people move from those entry-level roles into steadier careers with better pay.
Career Training Options for Montclair Residents
Every program below welcomes beginners. No diploma or prior experience is required. See all programs and classes.
- Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training (40 hours, $1,200): a four-week certificate covering resumes, interviews and workplace skills, ideal for a first job or a fresh start.
- Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials (12 hours, $297): basic computer skills that move retail workers toward office, inventory or supervisor roles.
- Public Speaking & Communication Lab: build confidence speaking with customers, managers and interviewers.
- Internships and Work Experience: we are an approved worksite for San Bernardino County Workforce Development, so eligible participants may gain real job experience.
- Future Leaders Academy: a free Saturday workshop for young people, with lunch provided.
- Youth Substance Use Prevention & Leadership (ages 12–26): fentanyl awareness, naloxone training and leadership skills.
A Fresh Start: Training Without a Diploma
With roughly one in four Montclair adults lacking a high school diploma, many residents assume training programs are not for them. Ours are. You can enroll in our career certificate without a diploma or work history, and our team will help you build a resume that highlights what you can already do, from customer service at a retail counter to caring for family. If you have never held a formal job, our work experience placements through Workforce Development can give you something real to list. Young people and families can also take advantage of our free Future Leaders Academy and our youth prevention program, which teaches fentanyl awareness and how to use naloxone.
Getting to Class from Montclair
Montclair has one of the best transit connections in the region. The Montclair Transit Center is a major hub served by Metrolink, Foothill Transit and Omnitrans, and Metrolink's San Bernardino Line runs from Montclair east to San Bernardino, near our classroom at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII. Drivers can take I-10 east. If travel is not practical, every class is also offered live online, so you can join from home.
Free Help Paying for Training
Montclair residents may qualify for tuition help through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Our staff will help you check eligibility and register in CalJOBS. The nearest county job center is the West Valley America's Job Center of California, 9650 9th Street, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, (909) 941-6500, open weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Learn more in our guide to WIOA training.
For Employers in Montclair
Montclair has been a retail destination since Montclair Plaza, now Montclair Place, opened in 1968. Store managers can send associates to our customer service and public speaking training, and promising team members can add Excel skills for inventory and supervisor roles. Read 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
Can I get job training without a high school diploma in Montclair?
Yes. None of our programs require a diploma or prior experience. Montclair residents can start with our 40-hour career certificate or a 12-hour computer skills class.
Can I take the train from Montclair to job training in San Bernardino?
Yes. Metrolink's San Bernardino Line stops at the Montclair Transit Center and runs east to San Bernardino, where our classroom is located. You can also join any class live online.
Is there a free youth leadership program near Montclair?
Yes. Our Future Leaders Academy is a free Saturday workshop for youth with lunch provided. We also run a substance use prevention and leadership program for ages 12 to 26.
How do I get work experience if I have never had a job?
We are an approved worksite for San Bernardino County Workforce Development internships and work experience. Our team can help you see if you are eligible.
Do you offer Saturday job training classes?
Yes. We offer day, evening and Saturday sections, both in person and online. Upcoming start dates are October 17 and November 23.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Montclair city, California (2025 population estimate; 2020–2024 American Community Survey); City of Montclair, "About"; Wikipedia, "Montclair, California"; San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department, job seeker locations.