State’s Jobless Flock to Training Centers : Education: Demand for classes has swelled as a result of layoffs and restructuring in many Southland industries.

As the number of unemployed in the state has grown to more than a million people, thousands are flocking to universities, community colleges, job-training centers and vocational schools in search of new careers.

“It’s a desperate situation, trying to make room for all the people,” says Kim Huggett, spokeswoman for the California community college system.

California has lost 750,000 jobs in the last two years. Illustrating how tough times are--and how badly workers want new skills--more than 1,000 people recently waited for up to six hours to enroll in tuition-free training classes in nursing and medical technology at the North Orange County Regional Occupation Program. Many began lining up before 4 a.m.

To many people, losing a job means losing control. Employment psychologist Mitchell Marks says the best way to regain that sense of control is to act positively. He says job training can be an important first step for many.

Community colleges in California offer extensive programs designed to train the work force in fields that include health services, public safety, computers, automotive technology, engineering and agriculture, among others.

At El Camino Community College, for example, the automotive technician courses are affiliated with Toyota and train students to work in Toyota dealerships, as well as independent garages and other dealerships. Cerritos Community College has similar programs affiliated with Ford Motor Co. and other auto makers.

Extension services and continuing education programs in the California State University and University of California systems also offer a variety of training courses in dozens of fields, including entrepreneurship and real estate investing, as well as other services.

For example, UCLA Career Development Counseling Services offers a series of testing, counseling and assessment programs designed to help people choose new careers. The cost ranges from $50 to $750, depending on how extensive the services are.

On Saturday, UCLA will host a seminar, “Emerging Career Options for Engineers,” designed especially for aerospace and defense workers who have lost their jobs. The fee is $50.

At the Cal State system, says Frances Chiles, director of extension services at the Los Angeles campus, the university is focusing certificate programs for job-training in the areas of health services, emergency management and community service, international business and human resources management.

Training for engineering, computers and paralegal jobs is also offered.

Child development and early childhood education at CSU are also attracting prospective teachers. And as people find it tougher to find employment, workshops and seminars on how to start a business are being offered through the university’s continuing education department.

Independent trade and vocational schools also offer job training in fields ranging from cosmetology, modeling and massage to real estate, computer programming and court reporting.

While there are many honest trade schools in Southern California, caution is advised in selecting a school. State officials and college administrators warn that some vocational schools are disreputable, charging exorbitant fees and providing students with a poor education that leaves them ill-equipped to fill jobs.

Prospective trade school students should ask school administrators about enrollment and graduation rates. Find out how many graduates actually get jobs in their field, and if the school assists in placing students. Talk to students and graduates of the school to assess their satisfaction with the program.

You can check for any complaints that may have been filed against the school by writing to: Council for Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education, 1027 10th St., Sacramento, Calif. 95814. Or phone (916) 327-7189.