Resources & Career Guides

Everything you need to know about starting a trade career in California.

Trade Careers HVAC Technician

How the HVAC Trade Is Regulated in California

An educational look at how HVAC work is regulated in California, from EPA refrigerant rules to state contractor licensing, safety standards, and energy codes.

August 18, 2026 4 min read
Trade Careers HVAC Technician

What Does an HVAC Technician Do in California?

An educational overview of what HVAC technicians do in California, the systems they service, and the residential and commercial settings where the trade is practiced.

August 18, 2026 4 min read
Trade Careers

Sacramento electrical outlook

If you're stuck in retail hell or chained to a desk job forever, here's something worth knowing. Sacramento's electrical job market is expanding fast…

June 9, 2026 14 min read
Career Change

What Do Electricians Do? The Electrical Trade

Learn what electricians do and how the electrical trade works in California. InterCoast Colleges offers hybrid electrical training programs.

February 17, 2026 14 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Why Pursue a Career in Alcohol & Drug Counseling?

If you’ve seen the impact of addiction—whether through your own experience or that of someone close—you understand how deeply substance use disorders can…

November 19, 2025 5 min read
Career Change

Journeyman vs Master Electrician in California

Compare journeyman vs master electrician paths in California — roles, certification requirements, licensing steps, and how vocational training fits in.

January 10, 2025 16 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

What Is Substance Abuse? Key Facts & Prevention

Learn what substance abuse is, common signs, health risks, and how counseling programs in California prepare professionals to support recovery.

December 11, 2024 4 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Peer Support Specialist Training in California

Learn how to become a peer support specialist in California. Explore training, certification, and program options at InterCoast Colleges.

November 29, 2023 6 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Becoming a Certified Counselor in California: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you passionate about helping others and interested in becoming a certified counselor in California? Our comprehensive guide provides you with valuable information on the necessary steps to embark on this fulfilling career path. Explore the requirements, training programs, and licensing process t

July 11, 2023 6 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

How to Get Started with a Career in Drug Counseling

Explore a career in drug counseling with rising demand. Learn about the role, meet state requirements, get certified through programs like InterCoast Colleges, and gain clinical experience. Contact us to jumpstart your career.

June 13, 2023 7 min read
Trade Careers

A Guide to Becoming an Electrician

Most of us take electricity for granted. We flip a switch and expect the world to come to life and flood with light.

February 20, 2023 12 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

7 Tips for Becoming an Alcohol Counselor

Did you know that people qualified to become addiction recovery counselors may also be qualified to work at outpatient substance abuse centers…

February 6, 2023 7 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

The Job of a Behavioral Health Assistant

Behavioral health awareness continues to rise in the US, but so do behavioral health issues. Around 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness…

October 31, 2022 8 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Tips on Dating and Being in Recovery

Being in recovery doesn't make it easy to date. For anyone who has struggled with addiction, it may feel like every potential partner is asking for trust…

September 13, 2022 6 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

May is Mental Health Month

Every year since 1949, Mental Health America has held Mental Health Month. Along with affiliates across the United States…

May 1, 2022 6 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

What Is a Peer Support Worker? What Do They Do?

One of the unique occupations in this industry is peer support workers. However, many people aren't sure what they do or how they help.

March 22, 2022 9 min read
Career Change

What Is a Trade School? | InterCoast Colleges

Learn what a trade school is, how long programs take, and why career-focused training at InterCoast Colleges may be your smartest next step.

March 8, 2022 12 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

The Unique High Value of Hybrid Learning

The pandemic was brutal for many students and teachers. Learning environments were being completely restructured to fit online formats.

March 1, 2022 10 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Six Benefits of Drug and Alcohol Counseling

Are you interested in a career where you can help people overcome challenges? Then becoming a drug and alcohol counselor could be the career for you.

January 24, 2022 7 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

15 Reasons to Attend Trade School

Going to school doesn't require this much or take this long. Have you thought about attending a trade school?

January 17, 2022 12 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

BAS Addiction Studies Program Overview

Nearly 21 million Americans struggle with addiction. Compassionate, skilled counselors in the alcohol and drug treatment field are needed.

January 13, 2022 7 min read
Trade Careers

The Benefits of Becoming an HVAC Technician

Before we dive into all the benefits of being an HVAC technician, let’s talk some about what these trade professionals do every day.

January 13, 2022 9 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

12 Step Program Myths and Types

The first 12-step program, Alcoholics Anonymous, started in 1935. There are now many types of 12-step programs worldwide…

December 27, 2021 8 min read
Career Change

Skilled Trades: How to Get Started

If you’re interested in learning more about skilled trade jobs as a career, we have a guide to help you get started.

December 15, 2021 7 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

How to Become a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor

Addiction affects every aspect of a person's life. Their thoughts, actions, and emotional reactions change in response to drug and alcohol abuse.

December 10, 2021 6 min read
Trade Careers

Trade Jobs in the Future

Automation is a growing concern across all careers. Anything repetitive and easy to replicate is subject to automation…

December 8, 2021 6 min read
College News

Addiction Studies Degree Online | BAS Program | InterCoast

InterCoast Colleges offers an accredited addiction studies degree online — the BAS in Addiction Studies prepares students for leadership roles in substance use disorder and mental health fields.

October 1, 2021 5 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

How to Choose a Local Trade School

Throughout your life, you're told to go to college and get a degree. Everyone tells you that obtaining a four-year degree is the only way to be successful.

July 29, 2021 7 min read
Trade Careers

How To Get HVAC Technician Training

If you're wondering how to become an HVAC technician, we can give you our perspective. Becoming an HVAC technician can be a faster and more…

July 27, 2021 7 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Behavioral Health Assistant: Education and Career

Suppose you're thinking about having a career in the medical field but do not necessarily want to work as a doctor or a nurse or are unsure of what you…

June 23, 2021 6 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

What Are the Benefits of Trade School?

Traditional universities are still the norm. However, many students receive little to no information on trade schools before graduating high school.

June 17, 2021 7 min read
College News

HAPPY JUNETEENTH EVERYONE

Approximately two hours ago, President Biden signed into law a federal holiday called “Juneteenth” which will be observed as a federal holiday on June 19…

June 17, 2021 2 min read
Business

Computerized Accounting Careers: Pros and Cons

Computerized Accounting is an essential aspect of any company. But, what does the future look like for incoming students entering into business careers?

June 14, 2021 7 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

How to Handle Addiction in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused incredible amounts of pain and suffering worldwide, but what perhaps has gone unnoticed is how much addicts are suffering.

June 10, 2021 7 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

8 Reasons Students Love InterCoast's Hybrid Program

As the world continues to evolve, are you considering a return to college? Perhaps you'd like to pursue that digital marketing career you've often…

April 12, 2021 10 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

How to Become a Peer Support Specialist

Have you overcome a mental health condition or substance use disorder? Are you also thinking about changing your career path?

April 5, 2021 8 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

A Complete Guide to Vocational Schools

While many high school graduates attend college, working toward a Bachelor’s degree may not be the right path for everyone.

March 16, 2021 6 min read
Career Change

How to Change Your Career

Are you looking to change your career but aren't sure how to get started? A career change can be a big life adjustment.

March 11, 2021 9 min read
Trade Careers

7 Must-know Safety Tips for HVAC Technicians

While there are many benefits to working as an HVAC technician, a job as such requires a high level of caution and attention to detail.

August 11, 2020 9 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Coping With Sobriety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The 2020 coronavirus epidemic has caused havoc and destruction throughout the world, impacting every area of people's lives regardless of race, creed…

March 30, 2020 10 min read
College News

InterCoast Colleges Involved In The Community

For more than 35 years, InterCoast College has worked to educate the community of West Covina. Part of our mission is to reduce addiction…

January 9, 2020 3 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Should I Go Back to School? 11 Signs You're Ready

We will discuss 11 signs that you should go back to school. They may not all apply to you, but any number of the items on this list could be enough…

December 16, 2019 7 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Starting Over During Substance Abuse Recovery

Rehab is about focusing on addiction recovery, both the physical and mental healing needed. But you can make positive changes while in rehab.

December 5, 2019 10 min read
Trade Careers

Electrician Industry Trends and Career Forecast

If you have ever considered working as an electrician, now may be the perfect time to get started. If you have good hand-eye coordination skills…

November 21, 2019 7 min read
Trade Careers

Women in the HVAC Industry

Regardless of where you live in the country, having access to heating or air conditioning is essential for comfort.

November 18, 2019 10 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Best Certifications for Jobs | InterCoast Colleges CA

Explore the best certifications for jobs in California's skilled trades, business, and behavioral health fields. InterCoast Colleges prepares students statewide.

September 4, 2019 11 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

August is Self-Awareness Month

Recovering from addiction--or counseling someone through the recovery process--is a remarkably difficult undertaking.

August 19, 2019 6 min read
Trade Careers

NATE Ready to Work Certificate | InterCoast HVAC

InterCoast Colleges offers HVAC students access to NATE Ready to Work certificate testing. Learn how the program prepares students for the HVAC trade in California.

January 22, 2019 4 min read
Financial Aid

9 Tips to Getting Trade School Scholarships

There are plenty of reasons for you to continue to invest in your education as an adult. You deserve to make the most of your life and your profession.

January 9, 2019 10 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

The Role of Addiction Counselors in Recovery

Addiction is a deep-rooted disease. Drug and alcohol addicts suffer from more than just the effects of substance abuse.

December 17, 2018 7 min read
Career Change

Top 10 Signs It's Time to Make a Career Change

Our careers are a huge part of our lives and they take up a lot of our time. The average person spends around 92,000 hours of their life working.

December 2, 2018 9 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Beautiful Boy and Addiction Recovery

Beautiful Boy is a story of addiction. It’s a story of recovery and relapse. And it’s a story of a father and son.

November 27, 2018 6 min read
Career Change

How to Find a New Career You May Find Enjoyable

We've all taken that job that was meant to be a stepping stone to have it turn into a tombstone. Paychecks are so addictive that before we know…

September 10, 2018 11 min read
Career Change

How to Become a Behavioral Health Assistant

A Behavioral Health Assistant is an entry-level mental health career that requires a high school diploma or GED and a certificate program…

August 16, 2018 8 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

Do you want to become a substance abuse counselor? Not sure what steps to take to make your goals become a reality?

July 24, 2018 4 min read
Trade Careers

7 Reasons to Become an HVAC Technician

If you are looking for a route to success that could avoid four or more years in a college or university classroom, an HVAC career might be for you.

May 21, 2018 5 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

College 101: High School Diploma or GED?

You've already made the decision to attend college. That's an awesome choice that will take you to many interesting…

May 14, 2018 5 min read
Counseling & Mental Health

Why Learning a Trade Can Be a Great Career Option

Many high schools in the nation push colleges and universities for their students. Because of this, tons of students think that getting a four-year…

May 7, 2018 4 min read
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