About the Opportunity Centers
Your low-barrier on-ramp to education and family wage careers
Portland Community College’s Opportunity Centers – located at Willow Creek and NE 42nd Avenue – are vibrant, place-based community hubs designed to meet you where you are. Powered by PCC’s Community Workforce Development (CWD) department, we connect prospective students, regional employers, and essential social services under one roof. Whether you are re-entering the workforce, exploring a new industry, or seeking a bridge into college, we provide high-touch guidance, no-cost skill-building, and direct pathways to high-demand careers – completely removing the friction and financial barriers of getting started.
Community hub for comprehensive support
We believe career success requires holistic support. That’s why our centers co-locate vital public and community-based partners directly on-site. When you walk through our doors, you can access career coaching alongside essential wrap-around services in one welcoming environment:
- Workforce and job services: WorkSource Oregon, Worksystems, and Prosper Portland
- Family and public assistance: Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS / Steps to Success)
- Housing and healthcare: Home Forward and Multnomah County Health Department
Together, we eliminate systemic barriers – from housing and health to childcare and tuition – creating a clear, supported bridge into higher education and economic mobility.
Fast track to training and careers for in-demand fields
Through short-term, non-credit courses and micro-credentials, CWD delivers rapid-response training aligned with Oregon’s fastest-growing industries. Our programs build your confidence, teach job-ready skills, and lead into careers and future PCC degree and certificate programs:
- Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing: Powered by Oregon’s Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund, we offer short-term courses like QuickStart to Semiconductor and CORE, leading to immediate hiring and college credit.
- Clean tech and climate resilience (SHIFT): Preparing learners for green jobs in building maintenance, infrastructure, and sustainable fleet technology.
- Healthcare and life sciences: Rapid entry points into medical assisting, phlebotomy, and healthcare careers.
- Construction and trades: Fundamental skills and apprenticeships connected directly to hiring regional employers.
No cost to get started
All initial workshops, career exploration courses, and coaching at the Opportunity Centers are offered at no cost to you, backed by public and philanthropic grants. Additionally, CWD manages nearly $1.2 million in transitional scholarships annually to help you seamlessly move into PCC credit programs without financial stress.