Most Frequently Asked Questions
 

Where is the Skills Center located? 
The Charles A. Jones Skills and Business Education Center (Skills Center) is located in the heart of Sacramento County and serves students from the immediate area as well as from outlying areas of the county and beyond. 

What is Vocational Training?
Vocational training programs at the Skills Center provide job training for the many employers of the county in fields of electronics, medical, business, automotive, food/culinary arts, court reporting, truck and bus driving and more. 

Students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds attend the Skills Center to take advantage of a varied selection of vocational and academic programs.

The population and businesses of Sacramento County and surrounding regions are experiencing tremendous growth, providing a variety of employment opportunities for trained individuals.  Major employers in the area are the State of California, County of Sacramento, Sutter Medical Center, University of California Medical Centers, Mercy San Juan Health Care, Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, and the Sacramento City Unified School District, to name only a few.

Low-cost, short-term training offered during the week, evenings and Saturdays provides a schedule of classes that meets the needs of the diverse community.

Who can take classes?
Classes are open to anyone 18 years of age.

When are classes offered?
Most classes start every six weeks and some classes start every other six weeks.  Please check the schedule for details. 

What is student enrollment process for daytime classes?
Individuals interested in attending any of the courses offered from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Skills Center must attend an orientation held on Wednesday mornings at 8:15 a.m.  During the orientation the potential students are given an overview of program offerings, school policies and an introduction to the various community contacts that form the partnerships with the Skills Center.  Students are given the opportunity to discuss the program with instructors, visit the classrooms and ask questions specific to the program area.  After this orientation, the students are given an assessment test (basic reading, writing and math test). 

What is student enrollment process for evening classes?
Individuals interested in attending any of the courses offered after 3:00 p.m. by the Skills Center must come to the Administration Office and pay the material fees to enroll.  Please call the office for details at 433-2600 Ext. 1000.

What is the cost?
Vocational Training Programs are tuition-free but you have to pay material fees and the cost of the books.  Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.  Please call the office for details at (916) 433-2600 Ext. 1000 or visit the Financial Aid Office.