How to Research Job Training Programs for Single Mothers

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

In a crisis? Call 211 for immediate assistance finding local emergency resources, childcare, housing, and food assistance.

Looking for quick training program leads?

Contact your local American Job Center for WIOA-funded programs
Visit CareerOneStop.org for training program searches
Call your local community college’s continuing education department
Check Goodwill.org for free job training programs

Main Points

This guide will teach you how to:

Identify your career goals and match them to training programs
Find legitimate programs in your area that fit your schedule and budget
Ask the right questions to avoid wasting time and money
Navigate funding options including free programs
Balance training with parenting responsibilities
Evaluate program quality and job placement rates
Plan for childcare and transportation during training

Unlike other articles that just list programs, this guide teaches you the skills to research and evaluate programs yourself – so you can find opportunities that truly fit your life.

Understanding Your Starting Point

Before diving into program searches, you need to understand where you are now. The median income for families led by a single mother in 2023 was about $39,120, well below the $125,980 median for married couples. This income gap makes choosing the right training program crucial – you can’t afford to waste time or money on the wrong path.

Among mothers who had children under age 3, the unemployment rate for those with other marital statuses was about three times higher than that for married mothers (8.1 percent versus 2.4 percent). These statistics aren’t meant to discourage you – they’re meant to show why strategic planning matters.

Assess Your Current Situation

Start with these honest questions:

Financial Reality Check:

How many months can you manage with reduced or no income during training?
Do you have reliable childcare arrangements?
Can you access transportation consistently?
Are you eligible for any government assistance programs?

Time Constraints:

How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to training?
Do you work shifts that limit your availability?
Are your children’s schedules predictable?

Skills Inventory:

What work experience do you have (even if it’s not recent)?
What are you naturally good at?
What skills have you gained from parenting (organization, multitasking, problem-solving)?

Setting Realistic Career Goals

Too many single mothers jump into the first training program they hear about without considering whether it matches their long-term goals. This leads to starting and stopping programs multiple times – something many single mothers experience, as highlighted in research about women who “slip back and forth” and “don’t always finish what I start.”

Research Labor Market Demand

Before choosing any program, research which jobs are actually hiring in your area. Use these tools:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook – Shows which careers are growing fastest and median salaries CareerOneStop’s Occupation Profile – Local job market data by occupation Indeed.com or LinkedIn Jobs – Search actual job postings to see what employers want

The Family-Sustaining Wage Test

According to the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona, for a single parent with a preschooler, family-sustaining wage is about $42,000. However, this varies significantly by location. Use the MIT Living Wage Calculator to determine what you need to earn in your specific area.

Match Skills to Industry Growth

The Pathways program encourages mothers to enter industries that tend to employ more men—because those industries tend to pay better. Consider fields like:

Healthcare technology
Skilled trades (electrician, plumber, HVAC)
Information technology
Supply chain management
Advanced manufacturing

Types of Training Programs Available

Understanding different types of programs helps you choose what fits your situation best.

Federal Programs

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and provides funding for training programs. Available services include tuition assistance (up to $9,000 per program), books allowance, uniforms/supplies and vocational guidance.

To be eligible for WIOA Adult programs, you must be:

18 years or older
A U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Meet income requirements (generally at or below 200% of the Lower Living Standard Income Level)

Find WIOA programs: Contact your local American Job Center

Community College Programs

Community colleges offer certificate programs that typically last 6 months to 2 years. These are often your best value for money and frequently accept federal financial aid.

Advantages:

Accredited programs
Evening and weekend classes available
Often have childcare services
Established relationships with local employers

Disadvantages:

Longer time commitment
May require prerequisites
Less flexible scheduling than some alternatives

Private Training Schools

These focus on specific skills and can get you job-ready quickly, but require careful research to avoid scams.

Red flags to watch for:

Guarantees of job placement
High-pressure sales tactics
Requests for large upfront payments
No accreditation information
Reluctance to provide graduate employment statistics

Apprenticeships

These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing single mothers to learn and earn simultaneously. They typically last 1-4 years and lead to industry-recognized credentials.

Find apprenticeship opportunities: Apprenticeship.gov

Online Training Programs

Can offer flexibility but require strong self-discipline. Make sure any online program you consider:

Is accredited by a recognized agency
Offers hands-on learning opportunities
Has strong job placement support
Provides access to industry-standard software/equipment

How to Research Training Programs

Step 1: Create Your Search Strategy

Start with a list of careers that interest you and pay family-sustaining wages in your area. Then research training requirements for each.

Use these search terms:

“[Career name] certificate program [your city]”
“[Career name] training [your state]”
“WIOA approved training programs [your area]”
“[Career name] apprenticeship [your region]”

Step 2: Gather Basic Information

Create a spreadsheet with these columns for each program you find:

Program Name	Duration	Cost	Schedule	Prerequisites	Contact Info

Step 3: Verify Legitimacy

Check accreditation: Use the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs

Verify school legitimacy: Search the school name + “complaints” or “reviews” and check:

Better Business Bureau
State licensing boards
Student review sites (but take individual reviews with a grain of salt)

Step 4: Research Employment Outcomes

This is where many people stop researching, but it’s the most important step. Ask every program for:

Job placement rates: What percentage of graduates find employment within 6 months? Starting salaries: What do graduates typically earn in their first year? Employer partnerships: Do they have relationships with local employers? Graduate references: Can they connect you with recent graduates?

Critical Questions to Ask Program Representatives

Don’t just accept marketing materials. Call or visit and ask these specific questions:

About the Program

“What is your job placement rate for graduates in the past two years?”
“What is the median starting salary for your graduates?”
“How many hours per week will I need to study outside of class?”
“What prerequisites do I need, and how long will it take to complete them?”
“Do you offer evening or weekend classes?”
“Is childcare available on-site?”
“What equipment or software will I need to purchase?”

About Support Services

“Do you offer tutoring or academic support?”
“Is there career counseling and job placement assistance?”
“Do you help with resume writing and interview preparation?”
“Can you provide references from recent graduates?”
“What happens if I need to take a break due to family emergencies?”

About Costs and Financial Aid

“What is the total cost including all fees, books, and supplies?”
“Do you accept WIOA funding?”
“What other financial aid options are available?”
“Are there payment plan options?”
“What is your refund policy if I need to withdraw?”

Red Flag Responses

Walk away if you hear:

“We guarantee you’ll get a job”
“You need to enroll today to get this price”
“We can’t give you specific employment statistics”
“Everyone who completes the program finds work immediately”
“You need to pay the full amount upfront”

Evaluating Program Quality

Accreditation Matters

Only consider programs accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures the education meets quality standards and that you can use federal financial aid.

Check Industry Recognition

The best programs are recognized by industry associations. For example:

Healthcare programs: Accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP
Technology programs: CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft partnerships
Skilled trades: Affiliated with unions or industry associations

Visit the Facilities

If possible, tour the training facility. Look for:

Modern, well-maintained equipment
Clean, organized classrooms
Students actively engaged in learning
Instructors available to answer questions
Job placement resources visible

Talk to Current Students and Graduates

Ask the program to connect you with current students and recent graduates. Ask them:

How well did the program prepare them for the job market?
What were the biggest challenges?
Would they recommend the program?
Are instructors knowledgeable and helpful?
How accurate was the promised job placement assistance?

Finding and Applying for Financial Aid

Free Federal Programs

WIOA Training: WIOA funding can also help provide support services necessary to enable individuals to successfully participate in apprenticeship programs such as tools, books, and uniforms.

Pell Grants: All single moms, including pregnant mothers, qualify for a Pell grant. These grants don’t need to be repaid and can cover up to $7,395 per academic year (2024-2025).

Apply for federal aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

State and Local Programs

Many states offer additional funding for workforce development. Search “[your state] workforce development grants” or contact your state’s workforce agency.

Scholarship Opportunities

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: For low-income women 35 and older
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: For low-income women with children
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards: For women who are primary wage earners for their families

Employer-Sponsored Training

If you’re currently employed, ask your HR department about:

Tuition reimbursement programs
Skills training partnerships
Professional development funds

Planning for Practical Challenges

Childcare Solutions

Research childcare subsidies: Program leaders even fought successfully to change a state law so that parents pursuing higher education are eligible for public child care subsidies.

Contact your state’s childcare assistance program: Search “[your state] childcare assistance” or call 211.

Consider these options:

Family or friend support networks
Childcare exchanges with other single parents
Programs with on-site childcare
Evening classes when older children can supervise younger ones

Reality check: Finding reliable, affordable child care is an impediment for many single mothers trying to continue their studies. Have backup plans for when primary childcare falls through.

Transportation Planning

Research public transportation routes and schedules
Look into carpooling with other students
Consider online programs if transportation is a major barrier
Factor gas and vehicle maintenance costs into your budget

Managing Your Current Job

If you’re employed:

Talk to your supervisor about flexible scheduling
Consider whether part-time work is possible during training
Understand your company’s education benefits
Plan for reduced income during training

If you’re receiving benefits:

Contact your caseworker before starting training
Understand how training affects your benefits
Ask about supportive services during training

Program Comparison Framework

Use this framework to compare your final program choices:

Program Quality Scorecard

Rate each program from 1-5 in these areas:

Academic Quality (25%)

Accreditation status
Industry recognition
Instructor qualifications
Curriculum relevance

Practical Fit (35%)

Schedule compatibility
Location/transportation
Childcare availability
Financial affordability

Career Outcomes (40%)

Job placement rates
Starting salary potential
Employer partnerships
Ongoing career support

Making the Final Decision

Choose the program with the highest total score that you can realistically complete. Remember: it’s better to complete a “good enough” program than to start and stop an “ideal” program multiple times.

Succeeding Once You Start

Set Yourself Up for Success

Create a support network:

Connect with other students, especially other parents
Maintain relationships with program staff
Join professional associations in your field
Find mentors in your chosen industry

Develop time management systems:

Use calendars and planning apps
Set up dedicated study spaces
Establish routines that work for your family
Plan for the unexpected

Warning Signs to Watch For

Consider changing programs if you experience:

Consistent lack of instructor availability
Outdated curriculum or equipment
No meaningful job placement assistance
Hidden fees or cost increases
Inability to maintain grade requirements despite effort

Special Considerations for Different Groups

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

An estimated 2.9 to 3.8 million LGBT people live in rural communities across the United States. LGBTQ+ single parents may face additional challenges in training programs.

Resources:

PFLAG – Support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families
Movement Advancement Project – Rural LGBTQ+ resources
Contact training programs directly to ask about their non-discrimination policies

Single Mothers in Rural Communities

Rural areas present unique challenges including limited program options and transportation barriers.

Strategies:

Research online programs accredited in your state
Look into distance learning options at community colleges
Contact your state’s rural development office for resources
Consider programs that offer intensive weekend formats

Tribal Community Members

Nearly half of the 574 federally recognized tribes are now served by a Tribal TANF program, which enables them to better meet community needs, deliver services in ways that honor their culture.

Resources:

Contact your tribal employment office for specific programs
RURAL.gov Tribal Programs
Tribal colleges often offer workforce development programs

Single Fathers

While most resources focus on single mothers, single fathers face many of the same challenges with additional stigma.

Special considerations:

Of the single parent households in the United States, 26.4% (about 2.8 million) were male-led households.
Look for parenting support groups that welcome fathers
Research whether training programs have adequate family support services

Resources by Region

National Resources

Training Program Databases:

Financial Assistance:

FAFSA
Benefits.gov
Call 211 for local assistance programs

Childcare Support:

Regional Workforce Boards

Every state has workforce development boards that can provide local training program information:

Find your local board: CareerOneStop Local Help

Services typically available:

Career counseling
Skills assessments
Training program referrals
Financial assistance for approved programs
Job placement assistance

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if a training program is legitimate?

A: Check three things: accreditation (use the Department of Education database), job placement rates (ask for specific numbers), and reviews from graduates (ask the program for references). Avoid programs that guarantee jobs or pressure you to enroll immediately.

Q: Can I really afford to take time off work for training?

A: Many programs offer evening or weekend classes specifically for working adults. Look for WIOA funding, which can provide income support during training. Also consider part-time programs that let you keep working while training.

Q: What if I don’t have reliable childcare?

A: Start by applying for childcare assistance through your state program. Some training programs offer on-site childcare. Consider online programs or evening classes when older children can supervise younger ones. Always have backup childcare plans.

Q: How long do most training programs take?

A: It varies widely. Certificate programs range from 3 months to 2 years. Shorter isn’t always better – make sure the program provides enough training to be job-ready. Research what employers in your area actually require.

Q: What if I start a program and can’t finish?

A: Before enrolling, understand the program’s withdrawal and refund policies. Look for programs that offer stopping and starting points, especially if you’re using federal financial aid. Some programs allow temporary breaks for family emergencies.

Q: Should I choose the cheapest program available?

A: Not necessarily. Consider the total return on investment – a slightly more expensive program with better job placement rates and higher starting salaries may be worth the extra cost. Free programs funded by WIOA are often excellent options.

Q: How do I balance training with being a good mom?

A: Accept that this will be a challenging period. Involve your children in age-appropriate ways (let them know you’re working toward a better future for the family). Set realistic expectations and ask for help when you need it. Remember that you’re modeling persistence and goal-setting for your children.

Q: What if I don’t have a high school diploma?

A: Many states offer Adult Basic Education (ABE) and GED programs, often free of charge. Some training programs will accept you while you’re completing your GED. Contact your local adult education center for options.

Q: Can I get training for a completely different field from my experience?

A: Yes, but research the job market carefully. Career changers often succeed in growing fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Consider how your existing skills (including parenting skills like multitasking and problem-solving) might transfer.

Q: What if there aren’t good training programs in my area?

A: Look into online programs from accredited institutions. Some programs offer intensive weekend formats. Consider whether relocating for a high-quality, short-term program might be worth it. Contact your state workforce board – they may have resources you haven’t found.

Disclaimer

Job training program details, costs, and availability change frequently. Always verify current information directly with program providers and funding agencies. Eligibility requirements for financial assistance programs may vary based on individual circumstances and location. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career counseling or financial advice. While we strive to provide accurate information, readers should independently verify all details before making training program decisions.

About this guide

This guide was researched and written to provide single mothers with practical, actionable information for finding and evaluating job training programs. The information is based on current government resources, workforce development research, and best practices from successful programs across the United States. It is updated regularly to reflect changes in available programs and funding opportunities.

Visit A Single Mother for more helpful guides and community support for single mothers.