Free Job Training for Camp Fire Recovery
Paradise RISE
A workforce training and economic recovery program supporting individuals throughout Butte County and surrounding areas. Paradise RISE will help up to 500 individuals gain skills and certifications in high-demand fields, at no cost, to support our communities' recovery after the Camp Fire.
Funded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. Grant No. 18-DRWD-23001 AM.1
About Paradise RISE
The Alliance for Workforce Development (AFWD) is partnering with local colleges, school districts, and employers to support the rebuilding of the communities and areas affected by the Camp Fire by investing in people. Through Paradise RISE, eligible individuals throughout Butte County and surrounding areas can train for stable, well-paying careers in the trades, healthcare, and other in-demand fields, with supportive services to help remove barriers along the way. Training and services are available across the region, and you do not need to live in Paradise to participate.
- 500individuals to be trained
- $18MCDBG-DR grant investment
- $0cost to eligible participants
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for Paradise RISE is based primarily on household income:
Income (LMI): The Primary Criterion
Your household income is at or below the low-to-moderate income (LMI) limits set by HUD for the county where you currently live. Limits vary by county and household size.
Any County Welcome
There is no residency requirement. Whether you live in Butte, Yuba, Glenn, Shasta, or another nearby county, eligibility is simply based on your own county's HUD income limits.
Ready to Train
You are eligible to work in the United States and ready to begin training.
Not sure if you qualify? That's okay. Apply anyway, and our staff will review your information and the current HUD income limits for your county with you. Final eligibility is determined during intake.
Income guidelines are based on the most recent HUD income limits for the county where you live. In Butte County, for example, limits range from roughly $54,400 to $102,600+ per year depending on household size. Different limits apply in other counties, including Yuba, Glenn, and Shasta.
Training Programs
Training is delivered in partnership with Butte College, the Paradise Unified School District (PUSD), and the Valley Contractors Workforce Foundation (VCWF). Available programs include:
- Construction & Building Trades
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Welding
- Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)
- Skilled Trades Apprenticeship
- Workforce Readiness
Program offerings are being finalized. Categories with classes open for registration are listed in the current training schedule below. Training begins Summer/Fall 2026. Sign up to be notified as more programs are confirmed.
Current Training Schedule
These grant-funded classes are open for registration now. Click a class to view dates, locations, and registration details.
- ITEC-55: Industrial Trades (NCCER Core) Butte College, Main Campus (Oroville) Fall 2026 cohorts, Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 6 weeks: Sep 9 – Oct 2 · Sep 21 – Oct 30 · Oct 12 – Nov 6 · Nov 16 – Dec 18 Eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Contact AFWD about special funding and assistance. Learn more and apply
- Mobile Construction Training (MCT) Program Valley Contractors Workforce Foundation (VCWF), an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor Hands-on training on active home builds and community construction projects, taught by NCCER Certified Instructors. Covers construction safety, tool use, construction math, material handling, residential building techniques, and workforce readiness. 40-hour modules · typically 40 to 160 hours · training plan built with AFWD Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion documenting their training hours and competencies, supporting entry into employment, registered apprenticeship programs, or further construction training. Learn more about VCWF training
- Utility Line Clearance Arborist Training (ULCAT) The Training Place at Butte College View classes and register
- Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) Level 1 Pre-Inspector The Training Place at Butte College View classes and register
More classes are added as they are confirmed. Check back regularly, or sign up to be notified when new classes open.
Supportive Services
We help remove the barriers that can get in the way of finishing training. Eligible participants may receive:
- Transportation assistance
- Childcare assistance
- Tools and uniforms
- Work and interview attire
- Training costs
- Paid work experience opportunities
- On-the-Job Training
- Other employment and training-related assistance
Apply / Sign Up
Fill out the short form below and our team will contact you about next steps. There is no cost to apply. Prefer to talk to a person? Call (530) 961-5125 or email paradiserise@afwd.org. Se ofrecen servicios en español.
Our Partners
Paradise RISE is delivered in partnership with leading local training providers and employers.
Public Notices & Program Updates
Paradise RISE is a publicly funded program. Program updates, meeting dates, and public notices will be posted here as they become available.
Have a question or comment about the program? We welcome public feedback. Email paradiserise@afwd.org or call (530) 961-5125.
Contact Us
Paradise RISE Program
Phone: (530) 961-5125
Email: paradiserise@afwd.org
TTY/TDD: 711 (California Relay Service)
Se ofrecen servicios en español. Llame al (530) 961-5125.