PCC, local leaders celebrate fifth graduating CORE class at OMIC Training Center
Story by James Hill. Photos by Ric Getter.
CORE graduate Adam Railsback measures the par with calipers with help from David Holdridge.
Portland Community College celebrated the graduation of its fifth CORE (CNC Operator Readiness Essentials) cohort on Aug. 15 at the OMIC Training Center. This marks the program’s first graduation at the college’s Columbia County Center.
The ceremony featured guest speaker Betsy Johnson (former State Senator), whose fundraising efforts helped provide stipends to CORE students. Nine graduates, including participants from Columbia County, successfully completed the two-week program.
Each student earned a CNC micro-credential after completing 60 hours of hands-on training in essential manufacturing skills. This week, graduates will connect with local employers during CORE Student Interview Day, positioning them for entry-level manufacturing roles.
PCC Opportunity Centers
These centers are dedicated hubs for workforce development that connect people, employers, and community partners. PCC’s team of experts help community members get started in a new career with one-on-one coaching, holistic support systems, short-term training, and more.
“We are so proud of this CORE graduating class and the milestone of holding our first ceremony at the OMIC Training Center,” said Pam Hester, program dean of PCC’s Community Workforce Development & Opportunity Centers. “This program was designed to give people the technical skills, confidence, and connections they need to step into family-wage careers in manufacturing. Thanks to the support of our partners, these graduates are not only leaving with a CNC micro-credential but also a clear pathway to opportunity.”
The CORE training program provides a blend of essential skills and technical skills for success in manufacturing. The curriculum covered key manufacturing skills, such as general tool knowledge, precision measuring techniques, shop safety and cleanliness, and basic blueprint reading. Additionally, students received guidance in developing resumes, preparing for interviews and sharpening soft skills such as time management.
The program was launched as part of the 18-month-old Community to Careers (C2C), a project of the Future Ready Oregon (FRO) Workforce Ready Grant funded by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. This project aims to support the education and training of historically underserved Oregonians and promote the accessibility of family-wage careers with a focus on manufacturing, healthcare and technology.
The first CORE graduation occurred at the Sylvania Campus in November of 2024.
