Training

Community Safety • Environmental Protection • Workforce Readiness

Lifers Leaving a Legacy (LIFERS) is proud to announce a new workforce training opportunity designed to open doors to strong, sustainable careers for Oakland residents.

Through a recently awarded workforce development grant, 60 Oakland residents will have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive training experience that prepares them for employment across multiple industries. This program brings together commercial driving training, HAZMAT certification, and Urban Forestry education into one integrated learning experience designed to broaden job opportunities for participants.

At Lifers, we believe that changing economic opportunity helps change the conditions people live in. When individuals gain access to stable employment and the ability to earn a decent living, families strengthen and communities begin to thrive.

Program Overview

Training Format

This program is delivered through a hybrid learning experience:

Self-paced online instruction to complete the required coursework
In-person, hands-on training in March 2026, integrated with Lifers Community Clean-Ups

The in-person component focuses on applying safety concepts in real environments, reinforcing best practices through guided field-based learning.

What This Training Prepares You for

Participants will learn how to operate safely in environments where hazards may not always be visible or immediately obvious. The training emphasizes situational awareness, prevention, and preparedness—skills that are essential for environmental and community protection work.

Key areas of focus include:

Understanding how hazardous substances are identified and communicated
Recognizing environmental and workplace conditions that pose safety risks
Knowing how exposure can impact short- and long-term health
Using protective equipment correctly and consistently
Preventing the spread of contamination during and after work
Responding calmly and effectively to unexpected conditions or emergencies

Safety Skills You'll Build

This course provides practical knowledge that supports safer work practices, including:

Interpreting chemical information and hazard warnings
Selecting and using protective gear appropriate to the task
Following protocols that reduce risk during daily activities
Monitoring conditions that could affect personal or team safety
Understanding when work should pause or escalate due to unsafe conditions

These skills are transferable across environmental clean-ups, public works, emergency response support, and related fields.

Who This Training is For

The 40-hour training is intended for individuals who expect to have ongoing or elevated exposure to hazardous materials or environments, including those who:

Participate regularly in environmental clean-ups
Work around contaminated sites or materials
Use protective equipment as part of their role
Lead or coordinate teams engaged in environmental work

Those with limited or infrequent exposure may qualify for alternative training options.

Certification Pathway

Completion of the coursework and in-person training is a major step toward certification. To fully earn the HAZWOPER 40 credential, participants must also complete three days of supervised field experience. Lifers’ Community Clean-Ups are structured to help participants work toward this requirement while contributing to meaningful community impact.

Why Lifers Offers This Training

Workforce Training Program for Oakland Residents

A Comprehensive Training Experience

Rather than focusing on a single skill, this program provides participants with a combination of practical certifications and industry-relevant training that can lead to a variety of employment pathways.

Participants will receive training that includes:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Preparation
Training designed to help participants qualify for commercial driving opportunities in transportation and logistics—industries that keep goods moving throughout the region.

HAZMAT Certification Training
Participants will gain the knowledge necessary to pursue Hazardous Materials certification, expanding employment opportunities and increasing earning potential in the transportation sector.

Urban Forestry Training
Participants will also receive hands-on education in urban forestry, preparing them for work that supports tree care, environmental stewardship, and community infrastructure.

Together, these components create a well-rounded workforce preparation experience that equips participants with practical skills and industry-recognized credentials.

Strong Partnerships Creating Opportunity

This program is made possible through collaboration between organizations committed to expanding opportunity for Oakland residents:

Port of Oakland – Supporting workforce development connected to the region’s transportation and logistics industries
Performing Solutions – Providing CDL and HAZMAT training expertise
Common Vision – Delivering Urban Forestry training and education
Lifers Leaving a Legacy – Connecting residents to opportunity and supporting participants throughout the program

By combining these resources, the program helps ensure participants are prepared for a broad range of job opportunities across transportation, logistics, infrastructure, and community improvement sectors.

Changing Conditions Through Opportunity

This program is about more than job training—it is about helping residents access meaningful work that can change their circumstances. When people have the opportunity to earn stable wages, they can improve their living conditions, support their families, and contribute to stronger neighborhoods.

Lifers is proud to help create pathways where opportunity replaces limitation and possibility replaces barriers.

Learn More

If you are an Oakland resident interested in participating or learning more, we invite you to complete the form below.

A member of the Lifers team will follow up with additional information about the program, eligibility requirements, and upcoming enrollment opportunities.

Complete the form below to receive more information about this workforce training opportunity.

This free training is made possible from the generous support of our funding partner