California is home to 116 community colleges that dutifully serve 2.1 million students
California boasts one of the largest networks of community colleges and the most robust public workforce training program in the country.
Community colleges in California provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete at a high level in today’s economy.
California community colleges are at the forefront of providing industry-leading career and technical training for some of America’s most in-demand occupations and emerging green technologies.
Through partnerships with local industry leaders, they’ve developed impressive training curriculums and continually produce some of their region’s top performers in the workforce.
Their diverse programs range from health care to manufacturing to construction to cybersecurity to computer science and beyond.
In fact, community colleges in California offer variations of eleven career paths with over 250 occupational pathways. The 11 career paths they offer include:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Advanced Transportation & Renewables
- Agriculture, Water & Environmental Technologies
- Energy, Construction & Utilities
- Global Trade & Logistics
- Health
- Information & Communication Technologies & Digital Media
- Life Sciences & Biotech
- Public Safety & Service
- Retail, Hospitality & Tourism
- Business & Entrepreneurship
Many of these career paths and their associated occupational pathways are hosted at multiple community colleges in California
Allowing students statewide to pursue career training in northern California that is equally in demand in southern California and vice versa.
Which made developing our list of Top 10 Community Colleges in California even more difficult. However, we decided to focus this list on the community colleges with impressive career technical education and workforce training programs that are focused on our country’s most in-demand health care, manufacturing, construction, technology, and transportation occupations.
#1 Chaffey College
In 2020, Chaffey College awarded more than 6,400 degrees & certifications which was the most in the college’s history.
Chaffey College was established in 1883 and is one of the oldest community colleges in California.
With 3 Inland Empire locations – Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, and Fontana.
It serves more than 20,000 students annually with 6 academic programs that house the college’s 200 degree and certification programs. They include:
- Arts, Communication, & Design
- Business, Technology, & Hospitality
- Health, Wellness & Athletics
- Manufacturing, Industrial Design, & Transportation
- Public Service, Culture & Society
- Science Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Why We Love Chaffey College
The crown jewel of Chaffey College is the Industrial Technology Learning Center (INTECH) for short. T
his public-private partnership (P3) between Chaffey College and California Steel Industries, Inc. (CSI) is the first of its kind for the California Community College System.
The INTECH Center provides industry-leading training designed to meet entry-level employment requirements for careers in Building Operations, Construction, Energy & Utilities, Facilities, HVAC, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Distribution. Offering training programs for
- Additive Manufacturing
- Construction & Forklift
- HVAC-R
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Welding
- Office Occupations
Featuring an impressive Industrial Electrical & Mechanical Pre-Apprenticeship program.
That prepares students for careers as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Electrical Assembler, Millwright, Control System Technician, and much more.
Additionally, INTECH offers a variety of paid internship opportunities for students who qualify as “Triple-A” candidates based on their Attitude, Aptitude, and Attendance.
The InTech Center is 100% self-funded and is housed in a 33,000 square foot facility that features six classrooms, a computer lab, a mechatronics lab, an electrical lab, and a mechanical lab.
For more information please contact:
Rosalinda Rivas – Workforce Development Coordinator
909-652-8482
#2 City College of San Francisco
Founded in 1937, City College of San Francisco has evolved into a leader in multicultural, accessible, and affordable education. Boasting 11 citywide campus locations that serve more than 60,000 students annually.
City College of San Francisco is the first in the nation to offer free college tuition to all CCSF students who are San Francisco residents.
Hosting an unparalleled selection of classes with more than 250 degree and certification programs.
All housed in 8 academic and career communities:
- Arts, Media & Entertainment
- Business, Management, & Entrepreneurship
- Communication & Languages
- Education & Child Development
- Health & Safety
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Society, Culture, & Social Justice
- Tools & Trades
Why We Love City College of San Francisco
City College of San Francisco is leading the change in workforce development, job readiness, and post-secondary reform.
Aligning student’s aspirations with the needs of the regional economy.
By consistently researching, investing, and implementing data-driven practices to deepen the knowledge and skills of its students.
In addition to City College’s robust career education & guidance programs.
CCSF hosts 8 Registered Apprenticeship partnerships with local industry partners and the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards.
The programs include:
- Cyber Security Apprenticeship – California Apprenticeship Initiative
- Plastering Apprenticeship – Joint Apprenticeship Committee
- Plumbing Apprenticeship –UA Local 38 Plumbers & Pipefitters
- Roofing Apprenticeship – West Bay Counties Roofing & Waterproofing JATC
- Gardening / Horticulture Apprenticeship – Apprenticeship San Francisco
- Automotive Pre-Apprenticeship – California Apprenticeship Initiative
- CityBuild Academy Pre-Apprenticeship – Office of Economic & Workforce Development
For more information please contact:
Cecilia Jones – Management Assistant, Workforce Development
415-452-7038
#3 Allan Hancock College
Founded in 1937, Allan Hancock College’s main campus is located in northern Santa Barbara County and is ranked among the top community colleges in the country.
Allan Hancock College is well-known for its English as a second language program, its professional theatre program, and for providing superior support services for its students.
Committed to fostering an inclusive educational culture, Allan Hancock College has developed pathways and curriculums that build valuable skills while students achieve their personal, academic, and career goals.
The college offers degrees and certificates in more than 100 areas of study and serves more than 20,000 students annually between its four locations.
All of which are accessible through 11 areas of interest:
- Arts, Media, & Entertainment
- Business, Finances, & Information Technology
- Education & Child Development
- General Studies
- Health Sciences
- Hospitality, Wellness, & Recreation
- Industrial Technology & Manufacturing
- Language & Literature
- People, Culture, & Society
- Public Services
- Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
Why We Love Allan Hancock College
Allan Hancock College offers 32 Career Education programs with more than 140 career-ready degrees and certificates.
These programs offer courses directly related to preparing you for a job or career in a current, or emerging occupation that doesn’t require Bachelors or post-secondary degree.
Allan Hancock College’s Career Academy curates a set of short courses and practical resources to help career seekers quickly prepare for finding a job, taking the next steps in their career, or starting a business.
The tuition-free courses and certificates focus on four key areas: business, design, technology, and career education.
In as little as two days, you can complete an accelerated course in practical areas such as:
- Resume Writing
- Career Preparation
- Organizational Leadership
- Office Technology
- Microsoft Office Basics
- Beginning Computer Skills
- Business Website Development
- Starting and Sustaining a Business
For more information please contact:
Lynn Mayer – Career Center Coordinator
805-922-6966 x3217
#4 Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College, established in 1913, located on 153-acres in northeast Bakersfield has four other campus locations in Delano, Downtown Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield.
With several alternative learning locations throughout Kern County.
Bakersfield College educates over 40,000 students annually and these students are representative of the diverse communities the college serves.
BC’s rigorous and supportive learning environment promotes equity and fosters students’ abilities to think critically and communicate effectively.
While learning the competencies and skills in order to engage productively in their communities.
Bakersfield College groups its degree and certificate programs together into 10 Learning & Career Pathways.
- Agriculture, Nutrition, & Culinary Arts
- Arts, Communication & Humanities
- Business
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Industrial Technology & Transportation
- Public Safety Training
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
- Personal & Career Exploration
Why We Love Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College’s Career Education prepares students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers.
BC is at the forefront of preparing students to succeed in fast-growing, high-growth industries around the country.
The college has developed a Program Pathways Mapper to make it easier for potential students to explore programs semester-by-semester.
These visual maps are also accompanied by videos and learning outcomes, all designed to expedite a student’s progress towards program completion.
In partnership with Job Corps Scholars, Bakersfield College launched the ENCORE Program.
Which stands for Empowering the Next-Generation for Career Opportunities and Readiness for Employment.
Which targets out-of-school youth ages 16-24, providing a pathway to self-sufficiency and livable wages.
Through the provision of employment opportunities upon completion of a Career Technical Education (CTE) certificate program.
For more information please contact:
Career Education
certificates@bakersfieldcollege.edu
661-395-4089
#5 Fresno City College
Fresno City College, established in 1910, has a rich and diverse history of working collaboratively with the local community to enhance the economic and social development of the region.
FCC has 6 signature programs that have established them as regional leaders in Dental Hygiene, Respiratory Care, Radiologic Technology, Registered Nursing, Health Information Technology, and Fire Technology education.
Offering a robust selection of 120 associate degrees and 96 certificate programs. All housed within 9 educational divisions:
- Allied Health, Physical Education & Athletics
- Applied Technology
- Business Education
- Career & Technology Center
- Fine, Performing & Communication Arts
- Humanities
- Library & Student Learning Support Services
- Math, Science & Engineering
- Social Sciences
Why We Love Fresno City College
Fresno City College has a longstanding history of providing California’s Central Valley with quality career and technical education.
Built upon imparting students with hands-on, applied learning that will enable them to succeed in today’s competitive workforce.
FCC features nearly 150 career & technical education programs that are structured within 12 CTE program clusters.
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Arts, Media & Entertainment
- Business, Marketing, Retail, Recreation & Culinary Arts
- Construction, Energy, Utilities & Architecture
- Education & Early Childhood Education
- Human Services, Substance Abuse Counseling & Social Work
- Information/Computer Technology & Digital Media
- Life Sciences, Archaeology, Biology & Chemistry
- Mechanics & Transportation
- Medical & Health Sciences
- Police, Fire & Emergency Services
- Supply Chain, Warehouse & Logistics
For more information please contact:
Career & Technology Center
559-265-5700
#6 Columbia College
Columbia College, established in 1968, is located on 280 acres of forestland in the Sierra foothills and has been described as one of the state’s most beautiful community colleges.
Where students are inspired to become inquisitive, creative, and thoughtful life-long learners.
Columbia College offers over 40 areas of study, including certificates, Associates Degrees, and university transfer preparation.
That is structured into 14 areas of interest:
- Arts & Humanities
- Automotive & Welding
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Children & Teaching
- Culinary & Hospitality
- Emergency Services
- English & Communication Studies
- General Education
- Forestry & Forestry Resources
- Health Care
- Kinesiology & Athletics
- Lifelong Learning & Community Education
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Why We Love Columbia College
Columbia College has a broad range of career technical education and apprenticeship programs that align with the state’s most in-demand workforce needs.
With a knowledgeable faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, it is a premier destination for CTE.
Their 7 CTE programs include:
- Auto & Welding Technology
- Business & Office Technology
- Children & Teaching
- Culinary & Hospitality
- Emergency Services
- Graphic Design & Computers
- Natural Resources
In addition to its CTE programs, Columbia College also hosts four registered apprenticeship programs and certifications.
- Child Development Apprenticeship
- Forestry & Natural Resources Apprenticeship
- Hospitality Management Apprenticeship
- Fire Science Pre-Apprenticeship
For more information please contact:
Tiffany Moore – Sr. Administrative Assistant
209-588-5142
#7 Cerritos College
Founded in 1955, Cerritos College is one of California’s premier community colleges offering comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable education and career training.
Where students are empowered to succeed academically and socially in a supportive environment.
In 2020, Cerritos College awarded 5,300 degrees and certificates which was the most in school history.
Cerritos College serves an average of 22,000 students annually that participate in over 180 areas of study and 87 degree and certification programs.
These programs are situated under 10 academic divisions:
- Business Education
- Fine Arts & Communication
- Liberal Arts
- Kinesiology
- Health Occupations
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Science, Engineering & Math
- Technology
- Community Education
- Adult Education
Why We Love Cerritos College
Cerritos College offers multiple CTE pathways for our nation’s most in-demand occupations.
They’ve actually laid out complete career pathway roadmaps to guide students on their journey and prospective students in their decision-making process.
All career pathways are housed under 7 academic divisions and feature over 40 career pathways.
Additionally, Cerritos College hosts 4 apprenticeship program partnerships as part of their adult education division.
- Field Ironworkers Reinforcing Apprenticeship
- Field Ironworkers Structural Apprenticeship
- Electrical Apprenticeship
- Fire Sprinkler Apprenticeship
For more information please contact:
Kathy Hogue – CTE Coordinator
562-860-2451 x2535
#8 Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College, established in 1929, is one of the most vibrant and diverse community college campuses in the country.
Empowering more than 18,000 students every year from diverse communities to achieve their educational and career goals.
Offering more than 100 degree and certification programs.
All of which are housed in 9 career & academic pathways:
- Business, Entrepreneurship, & Law
- Health Science
- Languages, Humanities, & Communication
- Performing Arts & Entertainment
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math
- Visual Arts & Design
- Foundational Skills
- General Education
Why We Love Los Angeles City College
Career Technical Education (CTE) takes center stage at LACC and is demonstrated by its lasting dedication to developing advanced workforce opportunities for students.
Meeting Los Angeles’ workforce needs with high-quality and relevant curricula.
Featuring 17 CTE departments with 7 certificate programs that can be completed in under two years.
They include:
- Animation
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Prosthetic Technology
- Engineering
- Film/Video Production
- Music
- Personal Training
For more information please contact:
Kenneth Simkins – CTE Outreach Coordinator
323-953-4000 x2594
#9 American River College
American River College has undergone a few name changes since it was first established in 1942.
When it embarked on its mission to provide an academically rich and inclusive environment that inspires critical thinking and educational achievement.
Offering a wide variety of degree, certificate, and career education programs.
Contained within 6 HomeBase Career Pathways that explicitly prepare students to work in their chosen field.
- Business HomeBase
- STEM HomeBase
- Arts HomeBase
- Language & People HomeBase
- Health & Services HomeBase
- Manufacturing, Construction & Transportation HomeBase
Why We Love American River College
First and foremost, we admire American River College’s commitment to social justice and equity through transformative leadership and community engagement.
The inclusive environment of ARC is only highlighted by its robust career education program offering.
With CTE curriculums designed to improve job skills and marketability in today’s highly competitive workforce.
American River College offers over 115 certification programs facilitated according to the following 11 industry sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Advanced Transportation & Renewables
- Agriculture, Water & Environmental Technologies
- Energy, Construction & Utilities
- Global Trade & Logistics
- Health
- Information & Communication Technologies & Digital Media
- Life Sciences & Biotech
- Public Safety & Service
- Retail, Hospitality & Tourism
- Small Business
For more information please contact:
Ana Lukawski – Sr. Administrative Assistant
916-484-8492
#10 San Diego City College
San Diego City College, established in 1914, is a 60-acre educational cornerstone of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, San Diego.
Built on a rich history diversity and multicultural learning, San Diego City College is committed to the tradition of academic freedom and student empowerment.
Placing the highest priority on student learning and achievement.
Offering 250 degree and certification programs to more than 17,000 students annually.
All academic and career education programs are facilitated through SDCC’s 5 schools:
- School of Arts
- School of Behavioral & Social Science, Consumer & Family Studies
- School of Business, IT, & Cosmetology
- School of Health & Exercise Science
- School of Math, Engineering, Science, & Nursing
Why We Love San Diego City College
With more than 200 degree and certification programs, San Diego City College’s Career Training provides students with the skills and abilities to stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing workforce.
The magnitude of SDCC’s career training makes it nearly impossible not to find a career that inspires you.
They offer high-quality career training for:
- Accounting
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Environmental Control Technology
- Business Studies
- Child Development
- Community Health Work
- Computer Business Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Cosmetology
- Commercial Music
- Electricity
- Electronics
- Energy & Geo-Environmental Engineering
- Gerontology
- Information Technology
- Machine Technology
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Mental Health Work
- Nursing
- Sustainable Agriculture
For more information please contact:
Transfer & Career Center
619-388-3685
OJT Supports Community Colleges in California
Community colleges offer a distinct learning environment and are recognized for smaller class sizes, and individualized instruction.
That is less financially burdensome than a four-year public college or university.
However, the true value of the community college experience is the career education students receive that prepares them for the workforce.
According to the California Community Colleges Task Force on Workforce Job Creation and a Strong Economy, the labor market is increasingly demanding a more skilled workforce and 65% of all job openings in the U.S. will require some postsecondary education or training – though not necessarily a four-year degree.
