Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Robotics Technician

An increasing number of companies are turning to robotics as a means for increased production. Robots have an impressive range of applications, from “pick and place” for packaging, to welding, painting, or inspecting parts immediately after a process. However, robots are not foolproof; they require effective preventive maintenance to ensure they operate at full capacity. If a robot malfunctions, an experienced maintenance professional must know how to troubleshoot the exact cause.

This Robotics Technician course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for the robotics industry. You will learn math, safety, quality, electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, fluid systems, and rigging to be on your way to a successful career as a robotics technician.

Learn more about the Robotics Technician Training.

Toolmaker

Manufacturers are looking for highly skilled workers to create increasingly complex and important products. If you want a stable career in an industry that needs you, consider become a toolmaker. This online Toolmaker course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prove competency and begin your new career quickly.

The Toolmaker course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for toolmaking, including workholding, math, inspection, safety, machining, materials, quality, grinding, and stamping.

Learn more about the Toolmaker Training.

 

Composites Technician

Does working with special materials interest you? Are you looking for a lucrative and stable career? Consider becoming a composite technician. This online Composites Technician course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prove competency and begin your career as a composites technician quickly.

This course provides an intensive overview of the skills necessary for composites processing, including math, inspection, safety, materials, quality, machining, and joining necessary to work as a composite technician.

Learn more about Environmental and Energy Programs.

Die Setter

Looking to make your mark in the digital arts? The Digital Arts Online Training course will give you the education you need. You’ll gain hands-on experience in fundamental technical and creative skills in digital imaging, traditional drawing, and digital illustration. You will master the intricacies of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, build your understanding of color, and explore the representation of form through vector illustration and drawing.

Hands-on projects focus on core skills and provide you with experience in traditional and digital media. Class assignments include digital imaging, vector drawing, traditional drawing, color and composition, and editorial illustration.

Learn more about the Die Setter Training.

Electrical Technician

Electricity is quite possibly the most important source of power. Electricity powers your computer, drives the machines tools in a manufacturing shop, and lights the facilities in which people work. To maintain all this electrical equipment, electrical professionals must understand the fundamentals of electricity and the components used to generate, control, and store it. If you’re looking for a stable career that is important in the everyday lives of people around you, this course could be just right for you.

The course provides an intensive overview of the skills necessary for electrical maintenance, including math, inspection, safety, quality, electrical systems, automation, motor controls, and assembly. Get started in this accelerated online course today and begin your career as an electrical technician!

Learn more about the Electrical Technician Training.

Engineering Technician

Are you a problem solver and a team player? Why not consider a career as an engineering technician? An engineering technician needs a practical understanding of engineering concepts to assist engineers and technologists in projects relating to research and development, implementation or operation. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prove competency and begin your career as an engineering technician quickly.

This online Engineering Technician course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for this manufacturing role. You will learn math, inspection, safety, materials, machining, quality, grinding, electrical systems, automation, motor controls, additive manufacturing, assembly, design, and management necessary to work as an Engineering Technician.

Learn more about the Engineering Technician Training.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate course is designed to educate candidates on the cutting edge green building and sustainable design practices, and enables participants to designate that expertise with an internationally recognized professional credential.

Developed and backed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED Green Associate and credential has gained national and global notoriety. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is one of the most widely used standards for green building and design. The Tier 1: LEED Green Associate training course and exam covers general information on green building practices for residential and commercial projects, and prepares individuals to support other professionals working on projects seeking LEED certification.

This course will also prepare you for the LEED Green Associate Credential from USGBC (US Green Building Council). This is an internationally recognized certification that designates expertise in green building and design principles. The exam fee is included with the course.

Learn more about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Training.

Manual Machinist

Manufacturers are looking for highly skilled workers to create increasingly complex and important products. If you’re looking for a stable career in a growing industry, becoming a manual machinist could be the best option for you. This online Manual Machinist course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prove competency and begin your new career quickly.

The Manual Machinist course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary to perform manual machining. You will learn workholding, math, inspection, safety, machining, materials, quality, grinding, and assembly to work as a Manual Machinist.

Learn more about the Manual Machinist Training.

Natural Gas Plant Operations

Natural gas plant operators monitor and control the systems and equipment that take gas from its natural state and convert it into a useable product. Your job is to ensure that the gas produced is free of impurities. The purified gas is then separated into products such as ethane, propane, butane, and methane. You’ll also be responsible for the flow of this processed gas into the pipelines that carry it to the various industries and homes that use it for fuel. In addition, you’ll make gas flow changes to the supply system to keep pace with customer demands.

Natural gas plant operators earn above-average wages and enjoy good job security and potential to advance into supervisory or management positions. This is a user-friendly course, designed for people who have no prior exposure to technical aspects of hydrocarbons, energy, or industrial processes. No prior science or math education is necessary; the course includes all of the necessary basic science and technology elements.

Learn more about the Natural Gas Plant Operations Training.

Oil Refinery Operations

The United States is home to thousands of oil refineries, all of which need experts to run their operations. Oil refinery operators are highly paid and enjoy a stable work environment, and there’s an ongoing need for entry-level personnel. Sounds great, right? This online course will teach you everything you need to know to enter the energy industry as an oil refinery operator. The course is unique and user-friendly, designed for people who have minimal knowledge of the industry.

The energy industry is ever-changing, encompassing everything from power plant operations, to petrochemicals like oil and natural gas, to renewable energy sources. Taking an oil refinery operations course offers you a path to a growing sector of the field. A large portion of the workforce is retiring, creating a critical shortage of technical workers for many years to come—which is great for entry-level workers.

Currently very few institutions provide entry-level training and courses in oil refinery operation. Generally, oil refinery operators enter the workforce in entry-level positions and work their way up, sometimes to senior management positions. In their day-to-day tasks, oil refinery operators have the responsibility to make sure unit and process systems function properly. They consider personnel safety the primary objective and ensure production processes are operating safely. They continually monitor instrumentation and the operation of equipment and make adjustments to keep system process variables within acceptable ranges. Oil refinery operators also detect potential and actual problems and take corrective action to prevent the interruption of system operations. You will learn how to perform all these oil refinery processes and more in this course.

Learn more about the Oil Refinery Operations Training.

Power Plant Operations

If you want a career with high pay and a stable work environment, this online Power Plant Operations course will get you on the right track. Now is an excellent time to start an exciting career as a power plant operator—there are thousands of power plants in the United States alone, and a large portion of the workforce is retiring, creating open power plant operator jobs for many years to come. Power plant operator training will prepare you to fill the ongoing need for entry-level positions in this industry.

This unique, user-friendly course is designed for people who have minimal knowledge of the industry, math, physics, or chemistry. The necessary science concepts are built into the course modules. Very few institutions provide power plant operator training and certification opportunities for entry-level operators, so your certificate from this course will give you an edge over others in the field.

After you complete this course, you will be fluent in how to operate a power plant with safety as the prime consideration. You’ll be able to make adjustments to keep system process variables, such as flows, temperatures, and pressures, within acceptable ranges; detect both potential and actual problems and analyze operational trends as well as take corrective actions. You’ll also learn important strategies to sustain communication with other operators, as well as maintenance and management.

Learn more about the Power Plant Operations Training.

Press Operator: Cold Stamping

There are a lot of job opportunities available for press operators, but companies require the necessary skills and experience. This online Press Operator: Cold Stamping course allows you to gain the required knowledge that provides a pathway to the skills you need validate your competence.

The course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for cold stamping press work. You will learn math, inspection, safety, materials, quality, stamping, forming, and automation to work necessary for success as a press operator performing cold stamping.

Learn more about the Press Operator: Cold Stamping Training.

Press Operator: Hot Stamping

There are a lot of job opportunities available for those who want manufacturing roles, but companies require the necessary skills and experience. This online Press Operator: Hot Stamping course allows you to gain the required knowledge and a pathway to the skills you need validate your competence.

A Press Operator is responsible for the routine production of a coil-fed stamping press. This course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for hot stamping press work. You will learn the math, inspection, safety, materials, quality, stamping, forming, and automation to work as a hot stamping press operator.

Learn more about the Press Operator: Hot Stamping Training.

Process Technician

Are you looking for the education and training that will give you career a boost and allow you to get the job you want? This online Process Technician course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary to become a process technician.

A Process Technician is involved throughout the manufacturing process. They operate equipment, oversee processes, document results and adhere to strict protocols. This course will teach you the math, inspection, safety, machining, quality, electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, motor controls, fluid systems, and joining necessary to be on your way to a successful career as a process technician.

Learn more about the Process Technician Training. 

Foundations of Plumbing

There is a shortage of skilled plumbers. With an aging infrastructure and dwindling trade workforce, the demand for plumbers has never been greater. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that plumbing jobs will increase at a faster than normal rate over the next 10 years. With the right training, you could enter and build a scalable career in this high-demand field.

If you want to work as a plumber, the Foundations of Plumbing course will teach you the fundamental, job-ready skills relevant to the plumbing and piping industry. In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to work on modern plumbing systems from in-depth course material developed by industry experts and employers. By course completion, you will possess the specialized skills and technical knowledge needed to start a career in plumbing.

Learn more about the Foundations of Plumbing Training.

HVAC/R Certified Technician (Voucher Included)

If you have more than a year of HVAC/R experience, this course will prepare you for the next step — certification. HVAC/R technicians are in demand, but certified technicians can earn more and have better career opportunities.

This course uses hands-on service call simulations to prepare for the HVAC Excellence or NATE certification exams. By course completion, you will be ready to pass the HVAC Excellence Core and Professional Technician exams, the NATE Core and Specialty Test exams, and the EPA 608 certification exam. You will also receive a voucher package to take the HVAC Excellence exams.

Certification Exams

By course completion, you will be fully prepared to sit for the HVAC Excellence Core and Professional Technician exams, the NATE Core and Specialty Test exams, and the EPA 608 certification exam.

Upon completion of this course, you will receive an HVAC Excellence ESCO Group Voucher Package that includes:

• 1 Principals of Electrical and Refrigeration (Core)* exam voucher
• 1 Professional Technician exam voucher (Residential Air Conditioning recommended)
• 1 EPA 608 exam voucher
• *To sit for the HVAC Excellence Core exam, you must provide two years of documented work experience. Exam proctor
• fees may apply.

Additionally, this course aligns with the following Professional Technician specialty areas (vouchers are not included for the below exams):

• Principals of Electrical and Refrigeration Theory
• Residential Air Conditioning
• Gas Heat
• Electric Heat
• Heat Pump Installer
• Heat Pump Service
• Light commercial Air Conditioning
• Light commercial Refrigeration

Learn more about the HVAC/R Certified Technician (Voucher Included) Training. 

HVAC/R Simulations for Field Technicians

As HVAC/R systems become increasingly complex, learning and mastering the latest technology is critical. HVAC/R Simulations for Field Technicians offers a rich, hands-on learning experience that mimics field performance in completely online environment. You will practice servicing, maintaining, and troubleshooting common HVAC/R scenarios in true-to-life service call simulations.

You will work through approximately 200 scenarios to master seven pieces of HVAC/R equipment – Gas Furnace, Oil Furnace, Gas Boiler, Split Residential A/C, Commercial A/C, Heat Pumps, and Commercial Walk-in Freezers. Your skills and knowledge are then put to the test in 12 ungraded assessment simulations. If you need to sharpen your diagnostic and troubleshooting skills, this online course is ideal.

Please note this course is not graded by an instructor and no grades will be awarded upon the completion. For the certificate of completion to be provided, you must verify that you have completed all simulations to the best of your ability.

Learn more about the HVAC/R Simulations for Field Technicians Training.

HVAC/R Technician (Voucher Included)

This course will prepare you for an entry-level career in the HVAC/R industry by providing hands-on guidance for service, repair, and solutions.

You will learn from in-depth materials, including service call simulations that bring concepts to life. By course completion, you will be ready to pass all 17 HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificates, the EPA 608, and the NATE Ready to Work Certificate.

You will also receive a voucher package for the HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificate exam and EPA 608 Certification exam.

Certificate Exams

This course will provide the necessary information to pass the following entry-level certificate exams:

• HVAC Excellence ESCO Group: 17 Employment Ready Certificates
• NATE: Ready to Work Certificate
• EPA 608: Section 608 Universal Technician Certification

Upon course completion, you will also receive a voucher package for the HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certificate exam* that includes:

• 1 Employment Ready Certificate for Electrical
• 1 Employment Ready Certificate for Air Conditioning
• 1 EPA 608 Voucher
• *Proctor fees may apply

Learn more about the HVAC/R Technician (Voucher Included) Training.

HVACR Controls/Building Automation Systems

This course is designed for HVACR technicians, facility managers, and commercial maintenance technicians who have already completed an educational course for HVACR and/or have current industry work experience in the field. The course will build on your existing knowledge of HVACR fundamentals and equipment and help you learn HVACR Controls and Building Automation Systems.

The course modules were written by Ron Auvil who is the Author of HVAC Control Systems, American Technical Publishers. Ron also teaches these topics in a series of recorded video lecture presentations included with each learning module.

Learn more about the HVACR Controls/Building Automation Systems Training.

Maintenance Technician

Do you have a knack for tinkering and fixing things with your hands? Are you looking for a career where you can do what you love every day? This online Maintenance Technician course is an intensive overview of skills necessary for manufacturing maintenance from the basic principles of power transfer and rigging safety to PLCs and robotics that will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to begin a successful career.

A Maintenance Technician is required to have a thorough understanding of how machines and systems function to keep them running without breakdowns and maintain service for their expected lifespan and beyond. You will learn the following concepts and skills: workholding, math, inspection, safety, machining, quality, grinding, electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, motor controls, rigging, and fluid systems as you prepare for your new career as a Maintenance Technician.

Learn more about the Maintenance Technician Training.

Programa de Certificado de Conocimiento Básico de HVACR NATE Core

El programa de conocimiento fundamental de mantenimiento de HVAC es un programa completo de enseñanza en línea de HVACR lo cual incluye la calefacción, la ventilación, el aire acondicionado y la refrigeración. Está estructurado específicamente con el fin de preparar a los técnicos para aprobar el examen inicial de conocimientos fundamentales de mantenimiento de NATE y para ampliar las habilidades de los instaladores y técnicos quienes:

• Son principiantes en la industria HVACR
• Buscan seguir su aprendizaje, ampliando sus conocimientos y competencias
• Se preparan para la certificación (NATE CORE)

The HVAC Service Core course is a comprehensive online HVACR education course encompassing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. The HVAC NATE Core training course is specifically structured to prepare technicians to successfully pass the initial NATE Core Service Exam and to enrich the skills of installers and technicians who are:

• Just beginning in the HVACR industry
• Continuing education for upgrading knowledge and skills
• Preparing for certification (NATE CORE)

Certificación

Examen de conocimiento fundamental de mantenimiento de NATE (NATE Core Service)

Learn more about the Programa de Certificado de Conocimiento Básico de HVACR NATE Training.

Quality Inspector

Do you have a keen attention to detail? A career as a quality inspector could be a great fit. This online Quality Inspector course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prove competency and begin your new career quickly.

This accelerated Quality Inspector course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for quality assurance and inspection, including math, inspection, safety, materials, quality, and management.

Learn more about the Quality Inspector Training.

Residential Electrician

With booming infrastructure, new energy conservation projects, and an aging workforce, demand for skilled electricians is on the rise. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for electrician will increase 14 percent through the year 2024.

The Electrician Training course is designed to teach you general and electrical safety procedures, use of common hardware and materials used in an electrical system, how to read and understand building plans, and more. In addition, you will be prepared for electrician licensing tests, generally required by most states and localities. While tests differ, you will need to understand electrical theory, the National Electrical Code®, local electrical codes, and the various types of wiring methods and materials.

By course completion, you should be able to pass a residential electrician licensing exam and start an entry level career as a residential electrician or electrician apprentice. Check with your state, county, or city for residential electrician licensing rules and whether this course’s hours will be accepted towards licensing.

Learn more about the Residential Electrician Training.

Tool and Die Maker

Do you want to play an integral role in a manufacturing process? Are you looking for a way to become more indispensable to your employer in the manufacturing industry? Tool and die makers are skilled artisans who enter their careers after a combination of education and hands-on training. This online Tool and Die Maker course is the perfect way to get started in your new career as a tool and die maker.

This course provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for tool and die making. You will learn workholding, math, inspection, safety, machining, materials, quality, and grinding. Upon completion of the course, you’ll have obtained the required knowledge and proven competency in the necessary areas for a successful career as a tool and die maker.

Learn more about the Tool and Die Maker Training.