EDD Training Extension - Can I enroll in a second approved training while on unemployment?

Yes, you can apply for a second CTB training program, but there's no guarantee EDD will approve it. You need to submit a new DE 8736 Training Enrollment form before your current program ends. Make sure the new program meets their criteria for improving employability in a demand occupation. They'll evaluate if the second program genuinely enhances your job prospects beyond what the first program provided. I went through this last year - completed a medical coding program and then got approved for a specialized billing certification. The key was showing how the second training built on the first and would significantly improve my job prospects. Your case sounds similar with the specialized front-end course building on your coding bootcamp.

idk if this helps but my cousin did 2 trainings back 2 back last year. first was some basic IT thing then some kinda network security program. he said it was approved but took like 3 weeks between them where he had to do regular job search. good luck!

I tried doing two programs back-to-back and they DENIED my second one!!! They said the first program should have been sufficient for me to find work and that I was just trying to extend benefits. BE CAREFUL! The EDD representative was super rude and basically accused me of trying to game the system. I ended up having to do job search again and almost lost my benefits completely because I missed a certification deadline while dealing with this mess. Make sure your second program is CLEARLY different and adds obvious value beyond the first one. And document EVERYTHING.

You need to contact EDD directly about this. Training extensions are case-by-case and depend on your specific situation. You can't rely on what happened to other people.

I was in your exact situation last year. Finishing up my first approved training and struggling to find work. I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) when I couldn't get through to EDD by phone to ask about a second training program. They got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own! The rep I spoke with gave me the exact requirements for applying for a second training program. You can see how their service works in this video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km In my case, the EDD rep explained I needed to show how the second program would make me more employable than just the first program alone. I submitted all my paperwork and got approved for my second training about 10 days later. Definitely worth getting specific guidance directly from EDD since these situations vary.

Here's what you need to know about consecutive CTB training programs: 1. Submit DE 8736 form BEFORE your current training ends 2. You must demonstrate how the second program builds on the first 3. The second program must be for a high-demand occupation 4. You'll need to explain why the first program alone didn't lead to employment 5. Include documentation of your job search efforts showing you've been actively applying with your current skills In 2025, EDD is being more selective about approving consecutive trainings because of budget constraints. Your case (coding bootcamp + specialized front-end development) sounds potentially approvable since it shows clear skill progression. If there's a gap between approval and starting your new program, you'll temporarily return to regular UI requirements (job search, certification, etc.).

I dont think the EDD cares about us at all!!! They just want to cut people off benefits as fast as possible. My friend did 2 trainings and they approved it but then randomly audited her 3 months later and said she wasnt eligible for the 2nd one and now she owes back $4500!!!! The whole system is CORRUPT. Good luck getting any help from them.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I just submitted my DE 8736 form for the second training program yesterday. I made sure to include a detailed explanation of how the front-end specialization builds on my bootcamp skills and included job postings showing the demand for these combined skills. I also finally got through to an EDD representative (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - totally worth it!) who confirmed I should continue certifying as normal during the transition period. She said approval typically takes 10-14 days and advised me to keep documenting my job search efforts in the meantime. Will update once I hear back about the approval! Fingers crossed...

Good luck with your application! I'm in a similar situation - finished a digital marketing bootcamp last month and now applying for a Google Analytics certification program. One thing I learned is to really emphasize the job market demand for your specific skill combination. I included screenshots of job postings that specifically required both general coding knowledge AND front-end specialization, showing salary ranges too. Also got a letter from my career counselor at the bootcamp explaining why the additional training was necessary for employment in our area's tech market. The waiting period is stressful but it sounds like you did everything right. Make sure you save copies of everything you submitted - I've heard stories of EDD "losing" paperwork and having to resubmit slows things down even more.

I'm currently going through this exact process right now! Just wanted to share my experience so far since it might help. I finished a cybersecurity fundamentals program in January and immediately applied for an advanced penetration testing certification course. EDD approved my second training, but it took almost 3 weeks and they requested additional documentation twice. The key things that seemed to make a difference: 1. I got a letter from my first program's instructor explaining the skill gap between basic cybersecurity and pen testing 2. Included 15+ job postings showing positions requiring BOTH skill sets with higher salaries 3. Documented my job search efforts - showed I applied to 50+ jobs with my current skills but kept getting feedback that I needed more specialized experience The approval process was nerve-wracking because I had to do regular job search requirements during the gap, but I kept detailed records of everything. My advice would be to over-document rather than under-document. Also, if they request additional info, respond immediately - any delay seems to reset their review timeline. Currently 4 weeks into my second program and so grateful it worked out. The combination of skills is already opening up way more job opportunities. Hope yours gets approved quickly!

Just wanted to add another perspective based on my recent experience. I successfully transitioned from a data analytics bootcamp to a specialized machine learning program last fall, and EDD approved it after about 2 weeks. A few things that I think helped my case: 1. I started the application process 3 weeks BEFORE my first program ended - don't wait until the last minute 2. I included a skills gap analysis showing exactly what the job market required vs. what my first program covered 3. Got recommendation letters from both my bootcamp instructor AND a local employer who interviewed me but said I needed more specialized skills The most important thing I learned: EDD wants to see that you're not just extending benefits, but genuinely need the additional training to become employable. In my case, I had several interviews where employers specifically said they liked my foundation but needed someone with ML experience. One warning though - they're definitely scrutinizing these requests more in 2025. My caseworker mentioned they've had too many people trying to chain trainings together indefinitely. But if you have a legitimate skill gap like it sounds you do, you should be fine. Keep us posted on how it goes! Your coding + specialized front-end combo sounds very marketable.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Finished a web development bootcamp and got approved for a React/Node.js specialization program. The whole process was pretty stressful but it worked out. Here's what I learned that might help you: **Documentation is EVERYTHING** - I created a folder with screenshots of job postings that specifically mentioned needing both general coding AND front-end framework skills. I also saved rejection emails from companies that said I was "close but needed more specialized experience." **Timing matters** - Submit your DE 8736 form at least 2 weeks before your current program ends if possible. Mine took 12 days to get approved, and I was sweating it because I only gave myself 10 days buffer. **The phone interview** - They called me to discuss my application (which I wasn't expecting). The EDD rep asked really specific questions about why I couldn't find work with my current skills and how the new program would change that. Having concrete examples ready made a huge difference. **Gap period survival** - I had a 1-week gap between programs where I had to go back to regular job search requirements. It wasn't fun but manageable if you stay organized. Now I'm working as a front-end developer making 40% more than the general web dev positions I was applying for before. The specialized training was 100% worth the hassle. You've got this! Your situation sounds very similar to mine and front-end specialization is definitely in demand right now.