Frequently Asked Questions

A: GCTA offers career training in healthcare, skilled trades, and transportation. Programs include Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Coding & Billing, Electrical, Plumbing, Building Maintenance, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training. Programs and availability may change. View class schedule here.

A: Start by reviewing our current class schedule and selecting the training program that interests you. Follow the interest form instructions provided on the website to begin the enrollment process. If you are seeking Goodwill tuition assistance, you will also need to complete the Goodwill Intake process to determine eligibility for funding. Contact Goodwill Intake at 512-637-7580

A: Most classes are held at the Goodwill Career & Technical Academy at Norwood Park in Austin. Some programs are offered at other Goodwill or partner locations, and healthcare programs may include clinical or externship hours at off-site locations.

A: Class availability can change quickly as students complete the enrollment process. Submitting an interest form is the best way to let us know you are interested in a class.

A: No. GCTA serves students from throughout Central Texas. However, eligibility for tuition assistance may vary based on where you live and the funding available.

A: Age requirements vary by program. Some programs may require students under 18 to have parental consent, while CDL training has additional age and licensing requirements. Some programs also require a high school diploma or GED.

A: It depends on the training program. Some programs and certification exams require a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, while others do not. Review the requirements for your specific program before applying.

A: All GCTA programs require an academic assessment before enrollment to help determine whether students are prepared for the reading and math demands of the training. Required scores vary by program.

A: After you submit a form, the GCTA team will review your application and contact you via email with information about next steps. The first step is usually to provide a current resume. Depending on the program, these steps may include an intake appointment, eligibility or funding determination, required documentation, an academic assessment, and orientation. Submitting an interest form does not mean you are enrolled in the class.

A: Enrollment time varies based on the program, funding requirements, and how quickly required steps and documentation are completed. We encourage students to apply as early as possible and respond promptly to requests from GCTA and Goodwill staff.

A: No. An interest form lets GCTA know you are interested in a class but does not reserve or guarantee a seat. Your seat is confirmed only after you meet program requirements and complete all required enrollment steps.

A: Documentation requirements vary based on your circumstances and funding source. You may be asked to provide identification, authorization to work, proof of household income, proof of residence, and veteran documentation if applicable. View the complete Intake Document Checklist here.

A: Most GCTA students receive tuition assistance that covers some or all of the cost of training. Students may also choose to self-pay for a training program if they do not qualify for funding or prefer not to use tuition assistance. Payment arrangements are available for those who self-pay.

Beginning January 2027, students receiving tuition assistance will be responsible for a $50 registration fee before beginning training. Students who pay the full cost of tuition themselves do not pay the $50 registration fee.

A: Students receiving tuition assistance will pay a $50 registration fee to confirm their enrollment in a GCTA training program. Students who self-pay the full cost of tuition do not pay the registration fee.

A: No. GCTA does not participate in federal student financial aid programs and does not accept FAFSA funding.

A: Tuition generally includes instruction, required textbooks and classroom materials, and credentialing costs included with the program. Some programs may have additional student expenses that are explained before enrollment.

A: Class length and schedules vary by program. GCTA offers daytime and evening classes, with some programs requiring additional clinical, externship, testing, or Saturday hours. View current class dates and schedules here.

A: All GCTA occupational training programs require in-person instruction and hands-on skills practice and are not offered online.

A: Yes. GCTA offers both daytime and evening training options, depending on the program. Some programs may also require Saturday classes, clinicals, externships, testing, or other activities outside the regular class schedule. Check the Class Schedule carefully.

A: Yes, many GCTA students work while completing training. However, our programs are accelerated and have strict attendance requirements. Before enrolling, make sure your work and personal schedule will allow you to attend the entire published training schedule, including any required clinicals, externships, labs, testing, or weekend activities.

A: Regular attendance is required to successfully complete training. The first three days of class are mandatory, and students who miss any of these days will be dropped from the class. Additional absence and tardiness limits apply throughout training and vary based on program length and requirements.

A: Yes. Students must complete the 2-day orientation before beginning training. Your GCTA team will provide the date, time, location, and any documents you need to bring.

A: GCTA programs prepare students to earn industry-recognized credentials related to their field of training. Credential requirements vary by program and may include one or more certification or licensing exams.

A: Industry-recognized credentials demonstrate that you have met established standards of knowledge or skill in a particular field. They can help employers understand your qualifications and may be required for certain jobs.

A: GCTA funding is intended to help students gain new skills and credentials that support employment and career advancement. GCTA does not fund training that duplicates a credential you already hold or provides a lower-level credential in the same career pathway.

A: Yes. Eligible graduates receive employment support that includes résumé assistance, interview preparation and job-search assistance. Students are expected to actively participate and remain responsive to their assigned employment specialist. GCTA does not guarantee employment.

A: Not for every GCTA program. However, certain programs—like CDL, Plumbing and Electrical—have specific driver’s license and driving-record requirements. Review the eligibility requirements for your selected program before applying.

A: Students are responsible for arranging reliable transportation to and from training and any required off-site activities, such as clinicals, externships, testing, or training locations. Transportation assistance may be available to eligible students based on individual circumstances and available resources.

A: Yes. Depending on the program, healthcare students may have additional requirements related to clinical or externship participation. This may include proof of health insurance and immunizations. Some requirements may involve costs that are the student’s responsibility. Program-specific requirements will be explained before enrollment.

A: Yes. CDL students must meet additional eligibility and licensing requirements, including driver’s license and driving-record requirements. Additional requirements, deadlines, fees, and testing expectations will be explained during the enrollment and orientation process.