How to Choose the Right Vocational School for Your SJDB Voucher

You just received your SJDB voucher—and now you're probably wondering where to start. Which schools accept the voucher? What programs sound interesting? How do you know which school will give you the best support, training, and outcome?

It can feel like a lot, especially if you’re still recovering from a work-related injury or navigating the system for the first time. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone in this process. Choosing the right vocational school doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and with the right guidance, your voucher can open the door to a new, fulfilling career.

At International College, we've helped thousands of students make the most of their vouchers, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right training can transform lives. This blog will walk you through what to look for in a school, how to evaluate your options, and what steps to take to make this opportunity truly count.

Start with Approved Training Providers

Before you fall in love with a school or program, it’s essential to make sure it qualifies under the SJDB voucher requirements. Generally, in order to qualify for tuition reimbursement under the SJDB voucher statutes, the educational program must be utilized at a California public school or with a state-certified provider on California’s Eligible Training Provider List. California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a list of eligible training providers through its CalJOBS portal, which allows you to filter by location, program type, and approval status. The voucher can also be utilized for occupational licensing or professional certification fees, related examination fees, and examination preparation course fees. It is important to note that only certain schools accept the voucher as a form of payment.

💡 International College is licensed to operate by the BPPE*, is listed as an eligible training provider through CalJOBS; and accepts the SJDB Voucher as a form of tuition supplement.

Choose a Program That Aligns With Your Career Goals

A vocational program should do more than just fill time—it should move you forward. That means choosing a program that aligns with your long-term career goals and matches your strengths and interests. Whether you're looking to work remotely, dive into a technical field, or develop creative skills that can be used in freelance or small business settings, the right program can help you transition confidently into a new line of work.

For example, if you're interested in a stable and growing field with strong job prospects, programs like Medical Billing and Coding, IT Support Technician, or Small Business Bookkeeping offer practical skills and flexibility. If you’re someone who thrives in creative environments or has a passion for design, courses in Floral Design or Cake Decoration can help you turn a hobby into a viable career path.

💡 International College offers all of these programs in English and/or Spanish with live online instruction, helping students learn skills that lead to opportunities.

Evaluate the School’s Quality, Support, and Reputation

Once you’ve identified a few programs that match your goals, it’s time to take a closer look at the schools themselves. Not all vocational schools offer the same level of instruction or student support, and this can make a huge difference in your success.

Start by looking into the qualifications of the instructors. Are they industry professionals with real-world experience? Do they teach live or only through pre-recorded modules?

💡At International College, classes are taught live online by instructors who bring years of hands-on knowledge into the virtual classroom.

Next, consider the resources and services the school offers. Are there opportunities for extra help? Will you have access to career coaching or job placement assistance after graduation?

Just as important as what happens in the classroom is how the school supports you outside of it. A school's reputation can offer helpful insight into what you can expect. Look for online reviews, testimonials, or even success stories from past students. Do students talk about feeling supported? Did they find employment after graduating? At International College, we’re proud of the feedback we receive and the strong community we’ve built—students often say they feel empowered, encouraged, and cared for throughout their entire educational journey.

💡 With more than 30 years of experience and hundreds of success stories, International College continues to be an educational resource for students using the SJDB voucher.

Understand the Program Details

Every program has different expectations, timelines, and outcomes. Before you commit, take time to review the program outline. What topics are covered? Do you feel excited about what you’ll be learning? Are the skills being taught aligned with the needs of today’s job market?

You’ll also want to consider the program's length and scheduling flexibility. If you're juggling medical appointments, family responsibilities, or part-time work, the ability to attend classes from home and work around your schedule is crucial.

💡 International College offers flexible, live-online instruction—so you can attend class from anywhere and learn in real-time from dedicated  instructors.

Think About Career Advancement and Job Readiness

Ultimately, the goal of vocational training is to help you launch—or relaunch—a successful career. That’s why it’s important to choose a school that does more than just teach the basics. Look for a school that has clear pathways to job readiness, including resume support, and interview preparation.

💡 At International College, our support doesn’t stop after graduation. We offer career coaching, resume writing assistance, mock interview sessions, and guidance on how to present your new skills to potential employers.

This kind of post-program support can make all the difference as you take your next steps.

Make the Process Easy With a Supportive Team

Navigating the SJDB voucher system can feel confusing—especially if it’s your first time dealing with state forms, deadlines, and documentation. That’s why having a strong support team behind you is essential.

Look for schools with dedicated admissions, student services, and billing departments that are experienced in handling SJDB vouchers. These teams can help you fill out the proper paperwork, communicate with your claims administrator, and keep you on track with important deadlines and eligibility requirements.

💡 International College has an experienced, bilingual support team that works directly with SJDB students every day. From enrollment to voucher submission, our staff can assist so everything is handled smoothly—so you can focus on your education, not the red tape.

We also assist students in applying for the Return-to-Work Supplement Program (RTWSP), which can offer an additional $5,000 to eligible voucher recipients.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right vocational school for your SJDB voucher is one of the most important steps you’ll take in your recovery and return-to-work journey. By selecting a school that is career-focused, and genuinely invested in your success, you give yourself the best chance of not just learning—but thriving.

💡 At International College, we are committed to helping injured workers gain the skills they need to rebuild their careers. With flexible online classes, bilingual instructors, and end-to-end support for the SJDB process, we’re here to help you succeed—every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to explore programs, confirm eligibility, and begin your new career path.

*BPPE Approval to Operate - approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in Chapter 8 of Cal. Educ. Code 94800 - 94950.