Programs and Training
Cascade Campus TEB 124 | 503-978-5450 | FAX: 503-978-5306 | Skill Center Staff
Employment Exploration
In this course students explore employment opportunities and learn critical job search skills. Students are exposed to a variety of resources to enhance their employment opportunity. They learn to complete forms correctly and to create essential job related documents. Subjects include:
- Career goal setting strategies
- Face to face and online job search
- Completing applications
- Resume and cover letter development
- Network techniques
- Interviewing practice
Introduction to Computers
This course provides students with foundational computer technology and software skills necessary to be successful in a business environment. Subjects include:
- Basic technology concepts
- Computer terminology
- Word processing software
- Presentation software
- Internet navigation
- Spreadsheet and databases
- Accessibility
- Program Classes
Orientation to the Trades
This course introduces students various trades and teaches organizational and personal management skills in order to prepare students for seasonal or full-time work. This course conveys differences in working conditions and underscores the reality that workers may work long hours and weekends to complete a project. Among others, the course touches on careers in:
- Construction
- Carpentry
- Electrical work
- HVAC Facilities Maintenance
Applied Math
Through lecture and problem-solving activities, this class teaches how to apply mathematical concepts to real-world situations in the workplace. The course is designed to assist students in transitioning to a technical program and/or apprenticeship. Students learn to:
- Use and understand whole numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals and fractions
- Convert fractions to decimals
- Calculate area and volume of various shapes
- Convert measurements from cubic feet to cubic yards
- Measure the volume of concrete footings, walls, slabs and columns
- Calculate board feet
- Calculate and measure for basic wood and concrete construction
Principles of Technology
Similar to Applied Math, but oriented more toward applied physics, this course is designed for students who are seeking a more technical position. Students who complete this course often go on to apply for apprenticeships in ironworking, carpentry, heavy equipment operation, painting, electrical work, HVAC, refrigeration, and fiber-optics, among others. Topics include:
- Force, work and power
- Mechanical, fluid and thermal systems
- Energy, resistance and force transfer
- Instrument reading
Foundation Skills
Students use this course to improve their skills before enrolling in an apprenticeship training program or moving on to other campus college courses. This class will help students boost their competencies in:
- Basic reading
- Fundamentals in writing
- Introductory math