A free path to a steady county job is open to anyone, but space is highly limited

Mt. SAC and the LA County Assessor are offering a free six-week program to help you land a property tax job.

Finding a stable career with good pay can feel impossible in today's tough job market. Now, a local program wants to give you a free head start without costing a dime.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Mt. SAC School of Adult Education is teaming up with the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office. They are launching a free six-week class to train people for county jobs. The course is called the Ownership Services Technician Program.

Students will learn how property taxes and ownership laws work in California. This training prepares people to work for the largest local assessment office in the nation.

The program starts on June 22, 2026, and runs through July 30, 2026. Classes meet online via Zoom on Monday and Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

$0: The total cost of tuition for the six-week course.

• 6 weeks: The duration of the online class from June 22 to July 30, 2026.
• 5 hours: The amount of extra study time needed outside of class each week.
• 1 location: The Los Angeles County Assessor's Office, which is the largest local assessment agency in the country.
• 1 job: The role of Ownership Services Technician I that graduates can apply for.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why is the government giving away free training instead of hiring trained workers? The truth is that property tax law is highly complex. Most schools do not teach these skills, which leaves the county with a shortage of workers.

By offering this free class, the county builds its own pipeline of staff. But we must ask if six weeks of online school is enough to prepare someone for a serious legal role.

THE OTHER SIDE

Some critics might say this program uses public resources to train people who might never work for the county. There is no promise of a job after you finish the class.

However, the training also helps real estate agents, notaries, and legal assistants do their jobs better, which benefits the local economy.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Applications are open right now through the Mt. SAC online portal. If you want a spot, you need to sign up fast because seating is limited.

If you get in, you will learn directly from a county supervisor. This could be your first step toward a steady, well-paying public service job.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. How many open jobs does the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office actually have right now?
2. What percentage of students who finish this course get hired by the county?
3. How many total spots are open for students in this summer session?

SOURCE NOTE

Source Note: Information comes from the County of Los Angeles. All charges are allegations - Jeff Prang is presumed innocent until proven guilty.