Vocational Training Programs

Certified Vocational Training Programs with Job Placement Services

SECURITY TRAINING CERTIFICATION

The Security Officer training begins with an initial 24 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of classroom training, and 8 hours annually thereafter of refresher training.  This comprehensive course provides the fundamental knowledge, skills and policies which Security Officers must adhere to.  Theoretical classroom training is also complemented with OJT.  A score of 80% is required for successful completion of written and competency exams.  Additional coursework and testing of firearms usage is required for Act 235 certification.  The 16-hour basic training program includes – Security Fundamentals, Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness and First Aid training.  The adult Training to Work and YouthBuild Programs offer predominantly offer this training.

ACT 235 ARMED CERTIFICATION

Successful completion of this training permits already certified Security Officer to carry firearms, consequently increasing their earnings potential significantly when they have the PA Act 235 Certification.

CPR/First Aid & AED TRAINING

This one-day training is comprised of 8 hours of focused instruction in the proper administration of CPR and the Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) use.  The theoretical components include understanding how to identify and care for life-threatening bleeding and burns, identify and care for sudden illness and injuries, handling breathing and cardiac emergencies, shock, soft tissue injuries, bones, joints, and muscle ailments, environmental injuries, chemical, biological, and radiological casualties, poisoning, rescue and transportation, and health education.  Participants who successfully complete this training add this skill to other certifications, making them more employable.

FORKLIFT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION

The Forklift Operator certification offers 50 hours of classroom and hands-on training, provided by training partner, Progressive Services.  The goal is to provide trainees with a thorough theoretical understanding of all the safety procedures crucial to the proper handling of a forklift, especially in a warehouse environment.  Participants will understand OSHA Federal Regulation requirements and the impact of costly fines or penalties imposed when proper procedures are not followed.  In addition, liability lawsuits, product damage, and lost wages and costly medical bills are addressed.  Participants learn the parts of a forklift, and how each part works relative to the entire equipment.  They then apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical manner, to determine expertise in use.

NCCER CERTIFICATION

The NCCER Core Construction curriculum provides YouthBuild Program participants with training in Basic Safety, Communication Skills and Introduction to Construction Drawings.  In addition, core theoretical lessons in Plumbing, Masonry, and electrical work is introduced in a hands-on practical lab, allowing them to continue education in any craft selected.  Successful completion will earn participants the credentials that are widely accepted in the Construction industry, throughout the United States, and the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce, or to continue their education in either Construction Management, Facilities Management or Building Science at local community colleges, or in a local apprenticeship, or in Job Corps, or Orlean’s Tech.

PLUMBING CERTIFICATION

The Plumbing certification involves 120 hours of instruction, including theory and hands-on demonstrations and exercises.  In conjunction with the NCCER training, participants will utilize the journeyman’s and apprentice textbook for installing plumbing, piping, heaters and fixtures in residential and light commercial buildings.  Furthermore, participants learn how to layout the job, select and use essential tools and materials, make repairs and maintain plumbing fixtures, add to existing systems and complete professional-quality plumbing work.  Hands-on technical applications include soldering, installation of fixtures and appliances, as well as fundamental skills including using measuring and cutting tools.  ECA provides training services to participants.

WEATHERIZATION & RETROFIT INSTALLER CERTIFICATION

This certification is offered through the ECA partnership, providing an extensive introduction to weatherization, retrofit installation, and energy conservation.  Participants learn how to recognize and fix energy efficiency problems in residential buildings, specifically insulation, air sealing, and window/siding installations.  The certification utilizes a comprehensive approach to understanding Building Science, with participants being provided with the opportunity to improve their installation skills in hands-on labs prior to entering the workforce.  In addition, participants learn Lead Renovator and Whole House Air Sealing, how to conduct home energy ratings and audits, using the latest state-of-art technology, detailed analysis and meticulous detection.  Successful completion affords the trainee with an industry-recognized certification.  The course offers between 100-300 hours depending on the program attended (adult and youth).

FIBER OPTICS CERTIFICATION

Participants obtain two industry-recognized certifications in one 330-hour course. The training partner, WrightCo, teaches the history and principles of Fiber Optics transmission, basic principles of light, Optical Fiber Construction and Theory and its characteristics, safety, cables, splicing and connectors, fiber optics light sources, detectors and receivers.  Furthermore, participants understand cable installation and hardware, and cable testing, and data communication (which includes cables and cabling, analog telephony, telecom safety, transmission service providers, distribution methods, computer, digital telephony interfacing, internet, network infrastructures and topologies, office wiring, test equipment, and trouble-shooting).  Successful completion affords participants with specialized jobs and earnings in a fast-growing industry.

CULINARY ARTS (SERVSAFE) CERTIFICATION

The ServSafe certification provides 500 hours of the fundamentals of culinary food preparations for restaurants, catering and food-serving institutions, both in a classroom and kitchen setting. A partnership with Philabundance allows courses, which include understanding recipes, measurements, and food preparation standards, creative cooking, and food display and design, to be taught.  Course completion is followed by a placement in a 2-week internships in major restaurants around the City of Philadelphia.