A student at the workforce and economic development center hard at work.

Short-Term Programs at the Workforce and Economic Development Center

About Short-Term Programs

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s Workforce and Economic Development Center offers short-term programs that prepare individuals for in-demand job opportunities. These programs are ideal for individuals looking for a career change, need skills for employment, or are looking to increase their skills to advance in their current job. Our instructors are experienced in their field, and provide a unique, hands-on curriculum.


Production Welding 

  • Six-week training
  • Average first-year base wage: $16-$19/hour

What do production welders do?

Professional welders work almost everywhere – automotive, aerospace & aviation industries; bridges & bikes; shipyards, shops & skyscrapers – wherever metal needs adhering, a welder is needed.

A student learns to weld in the lab.

 What Will You Learn? 

  • Importance of welding in the modern manufacturing industry
  • Properties of metals
  • Gas, metal arc (GMAW), and Flux core arc welding (FCAW) techniques
  • Safety

Where Will You Work?

The Thaddeus Stevens College welding training class teaches you skills that can be used worldwide, so almost anywhere you want to go, your welding training can take you there! There are many employers in Lancaster and across Pennsylvania that need skilled welders. 

Program Schedule

Production Welding is a six-week program that meets weekends, Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Greenfield Campus.

  • Cost: $2,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students)

Facility Maintenance Technology

  • Technician Training: six-month program
  • Average first-year base-wage: $18/hour 

What Do Facility Maintenance Technicians Do? 

The Facility Maintenance Technician is multi-skilled and typically performs building maintenance tasks ranging from basic repairs to operating computerized building automation systems. The Facility Maintenance Technician possesses a variety of trade skills. There is a broad range of opportunities for employment and career advancement in residential, commercial and institutional settings.

Two students learning facilities maintenance skills in the Facilities Maintenance Technicial program.

What Will You Learn? 

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Facility Maintenance Technology program provides instruction and training in a number of technical training areas:

  • OSHA Safety 
  • Mathematics; measuring and layout
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Hand tools, portable hand tools, power machinery
  • Carpentry: Interior & exterior wall repair
  • Plumbing systems: rough-ins and fixtures
  • Electrical systems: rough-ins and devices
  • HVAC/R
  • Forklift operations

Certifications include:

  • Customer service
  • OSHA – 10 hour safety card
  • Power Actuated Fastener
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Forklift
  • Rigging
  • Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Certificate of Completion

In addition, upon completing the program, participants may have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.  

Program Schedule

The Facility Maintenance Program is a 6-month program that meets Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Class location varies throughout the program depending on the trade unit. Class locations include Thaddeus Stevens College main campus on King Street, Lancaster; the Greenfield Industrial Park Campus, Lancaster; and the Tec Centro Campus, Lancaster.  

Program Dates

  • Fall: July 17 – Dec 17 2024
  • Spring: Jan 15 – Jun 17 2025
  • Cost: $6,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students)

Commercial and Industrial Programs 

Six-month programs

The commercial and industrial six-month programs meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Tec Centro South West (57 Laurel Street, Lancaster, PA).

A faculty member teaches students in a commercial and industrial focused class.

Commercial and Industrial Electro-Mechanical

Commercial and Industrial Electro-Mechanical training provides the opportunity to acquire the theory and skills needed to gain employment in the manufacturing, and factory setting as an entry level industrial maintenance technician with basic skills in mechanical systems, and electrical systems.

Graduates of the Commercial and Industrial Electro-mechanical program will be able to hit the ground running to maintain, calibrate and trouble shoot equipment most commonly used in today’s high-tech manufacturing facilities.

Skills and safe working habits are developed through hands on projects and learning. The Electro-Mechanical classroom includes tools, equipment and instrumentation typically found in Commercial Industrial settings.

Program Dates

  • Fall: July 17 – Dec 17 2024
  • Spring: Jan 15 – Jun 17 2025
  • Cost: $6,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students)

Commercial and Industrial Plumbing 

Students in the Commercial and Industrial Plumbing program will learn how to install, repair and maintenance plumbing systems in new and existing commercial and industrial buildings or structures with industrial-grade fixtures, pipes and outlets.

Some of the skills acquired are joining different types of piping materials, and installing and repairing industrial grade pipes, plumbing fixtures, faucets, and water heaters.

Employment opportunities in the Commercial and Industrial Plumbing Industry can range from basic office buildings to large-scale buildings/complexes, factories, hospitals, malls and manufacturing facilities.

The plumbing classroom includes tools, piping, fixtures and equipment typically found in Commercial and Industrial settings.

Program Dates

  • Fall: July 17 – Dec 17 2024
  • Spring: Jan 15 – Jun 17 2025
  • Cost: $6,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students)

Commercial and Industrial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning)

This program prepares the student for the fast-growing, Commercial and Industrial heating, ventilation and air conditioning field. Students learn current methods of identifying and performing efficiency evaluations on various types of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems for large building or structures such as hospitals, apartment complexes or retail businesses.

Careers abound in a variety of positions as service technicians and installation technicians.

The HVAC classroom includes tools, equipment and instrumentation typically found in Commercial Industrial settings.

Program Dates

  • Fall: July 17 – Dec 17 2024
  • Spring: Jan 15 – Jun 17 2025
  • Cost: $6,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students)

Information Technology Division

Information sciences drives business operations in manufacturing, retail, logistics, medicine, aerospace, construction, and defense industries, as well as our everyday lives. The need for computer information professionals will continue to increase as organizations seek new applications for computers and networks in the workplace. Our IT Support Specialist program will prepare students to pursue a career pathway in Information Technology.

A professor helping students in IT class.

IT Support Specialist 

The IT Support Specialist program will provide students the opportunity to develop skills needed in the business world. This is a rapidly paced program, preparing students in:

  • Customer Support and Job Readiness
  • PC Hardware and Support Fundamentals 
  • Operating Systems
  • Introduction to Networking 
  • LAN Cabling and WAN Technologies 
  • Basic and Advanced Microsoft Office/Office 365 Programs

Certifications Include:

CompTIA Fundamentals and Microsoft Office Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical assistance to computer users. They answer questions or resolve computer
problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. They may provide assistance concerning the use of
computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Program Schedule

  • Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. July 17 – Dec 17 2024
  • Semester: Six months
  • Location: Tec Centro West, 57 Laurel St, Lancaster PA 17603
  • Cost: Jan 15 – Jun 17 2025
  • Cost: $6,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students)
  • Fall: July 17 – Dec 17 2024
  • Spring: Jan 15 – Jun 17 2025


Skill Up Fast and Advance Your Career

Workforce and Customized Job Training

The Workforce and Economic Development Center at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology seeks to advance the mission of the College by preparing workers for an ever-changing workforce landscape. Whether you are a jobseeker ready to take the next step in your career, or an employer looking to enhance the skills of your employees,  we offer comprehensive workforce training programs designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Our hands-on courses are tailored to meet the demands of various industries, ensuring you gain practical experience and valuable insights from industry experts.


Workforce Training

Why Choose Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s Workforce Center?

  • Experienced Instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train in modern labs and workshops equipped with the latest technology.
  • Flexible Learning Options: A variety of scheduling options to meet your busy lifestyle
  • Build In-demand Skills: we offer trainings in advanced manufacturing, welding, robotics and automation, electrical-mechanical technology, safety, and leadership and management and more.

Join the ranks of successful graduates who have transformed their careers with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Enroll today and start building a brighter future!

Review trainings offered and their descriptions here.

 


Customized Job Trainings

Are you looking to enhance the skills of your employees and stay ahead in a competitive market? At Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, we specialize in creating customized job training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. Partner with us to ensure your workforce is equipped with the latest industry-specific skills and knowledge, driving your company towards greater efficiency and success. We also provide no-cost Registered Apprenticeship consultation. We can help you decide if a Registered Apprenticeship program is the right fit for your company!