career bridges
About
The COCD Career Bridges program transforms potential into opportunity. COCD provides employer-aligned training that prepares individuals for high-demand careers with financial stability and growth potential, currently in healthcare or construction and skilled trades.
COCD’s innovative approach treats language and workplace readiness as essential industry infrastructure—the foundation you need to succeed from day one. Every aspect of our program is designed and validated by actual employers, ensuring you’re prepared to meet real workplace expectations, safety standards, and professional requirements.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Discipline-Specific Terminology
Master the specialized vocabulary and concepts essential to your chosen field, from medical protocols to construction specifications.
Graphs, Statistical Information, and Mathematical Foundations
Build confidence working with the technical data, measurements, blueprints, and calculations used daily in professional environments.
Industry Communication Norms
Learn to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders using the professional standards expected in your industry.
Workplace Expectations
Understand and demonstrate the reliability, safety awareness, and professionalism that employers value.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
All legal immigrants who know the English (Roman) alphabet and who know how to access their email via their phone and a computer may apply. Candidates’ English skills are assessed upon admission.
Based on our initial assessment, students are placed into level 1, 2, or 3, each leading to a paid, high-demand apprenticeship or internship after three months.
CAREER PATHS
Construction & Skilled Trades
Launch a career building the infrastructure our communities depend on, with training aligned to fields such as roofing, plumbing, and carpentry.
Healthcare
Prepare for vital roles in the healthcare system for urgently needed positions such as medical assistants and pharmacy technicians.
Program Entry Points
| Begin | End | Duration | Hours M-F | Total Hours of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 12, 2026 | April 3, 2026 | 12 weeks | 9:00 am – 2:30 pm | 270 |
| April 13, 2026 | July 2, 2026 | 12 weeks | 9:00 am – 2:30 pm | 270 |
| July 13, 2026 | Sept 4, 2026 | 8 weeks | 9:00 am – 4:45 pm | 270 |
| September 14, 2026 | December 4, 2026 | 12 weeks | 9:00 am – 2:30 pm | 270 |
Program Guidelines and Policies
All students enrolled in career bridge and pathway programs are expected to adhere to the following guidelines and policies.
To learn more, read the complete COCD’s Program Guidelines and Policies.