The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training program is a NO-COST short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers, and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help both individuals and employers in the County grow.
Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program
New to Tech Learners
New to Tech Learners who need basic digital skills to get a well-paying job.
“Computer Basics Class” teaches essential computer skills that are needed in daily life.
Current Workers
Current Workers who already have some basic digital skills but need training and/or specific industry certifications to quality for more opportunities.
Certifications/Credentials in Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) are available!
Small Businesses
Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs and Employers who need to modernize their business and implement e-commerce to grow and stay competitive.
“Get Your Small Business Online Class” teaches website creation and online marketing.
About the Program
The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training program is a NO-COST short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers, and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help both individuals and employers in the County grow.
This initiative (recently extended through December 2024!) was made possible by State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who developed the project idea and secured $5 million in state general funds for a Digital Upskilling pilot in Ventura County.
Check out our Updated Impact Report to learn about the program’s impact!
3-Year Program Goals
Train 400 people by December 2024
- 200 learn computer basics
- 100 receive Information and Communications Technology upskilling
- 50 workers earn CompTIA A+ or Security+ certificates
- 50 workers complete Amazon Web Services certificates
- 100 small businesses & entrepreneurs get their business online
SUCCESSES TO DATE
So far, the program has trained 440 students in computer basics, 181 students have received Information & Communications Technology upskilling and 88 businesses got their business online!
Scalable Pilot Program
Develop a rapid Digital Upskilling pilot that can be expanded across California.
SUCCESSES TO DATE
Our team is working on developing replication toolkits. The first is available now! The Computer Basics Replication Toolkit includes curriculum and instructor tools in English and Spanish for FREE.
Higher-Paying Jobs
Place 100-200 people in higher-paying jobs.
SUCCESSES TO DATE
- 53% of Computer Basics students said the course helped them get a better job
- Students who complete Information Computer Technologies certificates get support applying to higher-paying jobs
- Business owners receive FREE individual consulting to help their business grow
Timely Updates
- Computer Basics Replication Toolkit Available NOW!
In addition to the program’s training goals, the initiative strives to create a replicable model that can be expanded statewide. Marking the first major stride towards achieving this goal, EDC has released a replication toolkit for our Computer Basics class. Curriculum and instructor tools are available at NO-COST in English and Spanish. Check out the toolkit here!
- The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program Made a BIG Impact in 2023
The Program has been highly effective in training adult learners needing basic computer skills, current workers seeking industry-specific certifications and entrepreneurs looking to modernize their business. Check out our success to date under our Program Goals section!
- Looking to Learn Computer Basics?
Check out the class that has increased students' comfort using a computer from 45% to 73% and the Internet from 52% to 74%! 53% of our students trained said the class helped them get a better job.
- CompTIA A+ and Security+ Courses are Accepting New Students
Did you know that A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles? Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. What are you waiting for?
Class Offerings Throughout Ventura County
| CLASS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Computer Basics Class | Learn how to use a computer, search the internet, use email and more |
| CompTIA A+ | Learn cutting-edge fundamentals of computer hardware, software and troubleshooting |
| CompTIA Security+ | Gain core cybersecurity knowledge to secure systems, software and hardware |
| AWS Cloud Foundations – GOAL EXCEEDED, CLASS CLOSED | Get an overall understanding of cloud computing services, applications and use cases |
| AWS Cloud Architecting – GOAL EXCEEDED, CLASS CLOSED | Learn the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on Amazon Web Services |
| AWS Cybersecurity – GOAL EXCEEDED, CLASS CLOSED | Get hands-on experience with Big Data analysis with practical, real-world examples |
| AWS Data Analysis – GOAL EXCEEDED, CLASS CLOSED | Learn cybersecurity principles and services for cloud computing |
| Get Your Small Business Online | Learn the principles of building a website, e-commerce and digital marketing |
Program Partners
Other Ways to Increase Your Digital Skills
Free Online Classes For Ventura County Residents
The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County offers access to free online training for Ventura County residents in a variety of different topics such as Microsoft Office and Project Management. Participants who pass a course with an 80% or higher earn a certificate of completion that can strengthen your resume.
- Sign up today! CLICK HERE
- Click “Jobseekers” then “Register for Free”
- Take as many courses as you want for 12 weeks!
