
Manufacturing Trainings
Crafting Excellence
Check out the trainings below featuring electro-mechanical, CNC programming, facility maintenance technology, and related skillsets and certificates. The trainings vary in length and skills learned.
Basic CNC Programming and Set-up
Time Commitment | 5 weeks |
Dates/Times | Tuesday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Ongoing Enrollment) |
Cost | $950 |
Location | Thaddeus Stevens College Greiner Center for Advanced Manufacturing, 599 Chesapeake St., Lancaster PA 17602 |
This course provides students with a foundational understanding of CNC milling machine operation, focusing on G-code programming, basic work holding techniques, and the use of the Haas CNC control system. Students will gain hands-on experience in setting up and machining components using G-code, while developing the skills necessary to effectively operate a Haas CNC mill. A strong emphasis will also be placed on mechanical blueprint reading, which will support students’ success in understanding and executing precise machining tasks.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in G-code programming, effectively utilizing the language to set up and machine components on a CNC milling machine.
- Apply basic work holding techniques to properly secure and position components, ensuring precision and stability during machining operations.
- Operate the Haas CNC control system with confidence, managing the milling process and adjusting settings to achieve desired outcomes.
- Interpret and analyze mechanical blueprints, translating technical drawings into actionable machining tasks for accurate and efficient component fabrication.
- Set up, program, and machine a variety of components with attention to detail, adhering to industry standards and best practices for quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Troubleshoot basic issues that may arise during machining operations, ensuring minimal downtime and continued production efficiency.
Basic Programmable Logic Control (PLC)
Time Commitment | 10 weeks |
Dates/Times | Monday and Wednesday’s 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
Location | Tec Centro West, 57 Laurel St., Lancaster PA 17603 |
Cost | $1,100 |
If you’re looking to break into the field of industrial automation, this comprehensive 60-hour PLC training course is the ideal starting point. Designed for beginners, this course will introduce you to the fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their vital role in industrial automation. You’ll learn to construct basic PLC programs using ladder logic, a key programming language, and understand the underlying principles of how PLCs function in controlling automated systems. The course offers hands-on experience with a variety of PLC hardware platforms, including Allen Bradley, Automation Direct (Click Series), and Open Source PLCs. You’ll also gain the unique opportunity to convert a microprocessor into a fully functional PLC using Open Source PLC code, enabling you to take your projects home and practice programming on your own. This course is perfect for beginners looking to build a solid foundation in PLCs and industrial automation, providing the tools and experience needed to launch a successful career in the field.
Outcomes
- Understand the fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their role in industrial automation.
- Construct and write basic PLC programs using ladder logic, a key programming language for industrial control systems.
- Gain hands-on experience with a range of PLC hardware platforms, including Allen Bradley, Automation Direct (Click Series), and Open Source PLCs.
- Convert a microprocessor into a functional PLC using Open Source PLC code, and practice programming on real-world hardware.
- Apply knowledge of PLCs to troubleshoot and optimize automated systems in industrial settings.
- Build a solid foundation in industrial automation, preparing for further advancement in the PLC and automation fields.
- Build a solid foundation in industrial automation, preparing for further advancement in the PLC and automation fields.
Commercial Industrial Electro-Mechanical
Time Commitment | 6 months |
Dates/Times | Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or Monday-Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. + 2 Saturdays a month |
Start/End | Spring: January – June Fall: July – December |
Cost | $6,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students) |
Location | Tec Centro West, 57 Laurel St., Lancaster PA 17603 |
This comprehensive training program equips students with the theory and practical skills necessary for a successful career as an entry-level industrial maintenance technician in the manufacturing and factory sectors. Focusing on both mechanical and electrical systems, the course provides hands-on experience in maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting equipment commonly used in today’s advanced manufacturing environments. Students will gain the essential skills to ensure the proper functioning and efficiency of high-tech machinery, preparing them for immediate employment in industrial maintenance roles. Graduates will also earn valuable certifications, including a 10-Hour OSHA card and a customer service certification, enhancing their qualifications for the workforce.
Outcomes
- Apply foundational theory and practical skills in mechanical and electrical systems to maintain and troubleshoot industrial equipment.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of equipment commonly used in high-tech manufacturing facilities.
- Identify and resolve issues related to mechanical and electrical systems in industrial settings.
- Demonstrate competency in applying safety practices, including those related to OSHA regulations, in industrial maintenance tasks.
- Utilize customer service skills effectively in a professional industrial maintenance environment.
- Earn the 10-Hour OSHA card and customer service certification to enhance employability in industrial maintenance roles.
Electrical Print Reading and Cabinet Wiring in partnership with The Manufacturer’s Association
Time Commitment | 3 days |
Dates/Times | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., currently enrolling |
Location | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 750 E. King St, Lancaster, PA 17602 |
Cost | $875 |
This course provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to reading electrical prints and wiring control cabinets. Students will gain practical experience by assembling a complete, functional control cabinet featuring an Allen Bradley PLC and PanelView HMI with ethernet communication. The curriculum covers all aspects of panel-building, including wire termination, wire sizing, wire color coding, standard industrial connector forms and nomenclature, raceway utilization, and more. Emphasis is placed on safety, precision, and adherence to industry standards. The primary objective of this course is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret electrical prints and proficiently wire control cabinets. Students will learn to assemble a control system from start to finish, understand and apply various wiring techniques, and ensure all work meets professional standards. The course aims to enhance students’ technical skills in wire preparation, electrical bonding, and the use of hand tools, while also providing a strong foundation in electrical theory and print reading.
Outcomes
- Overview of control cabinets and their components
- Techniques for proper wire termination and sizing
- Guidelines for wire color coding and labeling
- Common industrial connector types and nomenclature
- Effective raceway utilization in control cabinets
- Introduction to essential hand tools and wire preparation techniques
- Principles of electrical bonding and application of Ohm’s Law
- Reading and interpreting electrical symbols and annotations
- Step-by-step assembly and wiring of a control cabinet with Allen Bradley PLC and PanelView HMI
- Ensuring safety, compliance, and adherence to industry standards in panel building
Facility Maintenance Technology
Time Commitment | 6-month program |
Dates/Times | Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Start/End | Spring: January – June Fall: July – December |
Location | Tec Centro East, 102 Chester St, Lancaster PA 17602 |
Cost | $6,300 (scholarships available to those who qualify) |
This program offers hands-on instruction in a variety of essential construction trades, including carpentry, interior and exterior wall repair, plumbing systems, rough-ins, troubleshooting, HVAC, and finishing techniques such as ceramic tile installation, spackling, and painting. Students will gain practical experience using tools and equipment specific to each area of construction, preparing them for a range of tasks in the field. Upon completion, students will have the opportunity to earn valuable industry certifications, including Customer Service Certificate, 10-Hour OSHA Card, Lockout/Tagout, Rigging, and Forklift, ensuring they are job-ready for a successful career in multiple industries.
Outcomes
- Perform a variety of construction tasks, including carpentry, wall repair (interior and exterior), plumbing systems, rough-ins, and troubleshooting of devices.
- Install and finish HVAC systems, as well as apply finishing techniques such as ceramic tile, spackling, and painting.
- Safely and effectively use tools and equipment specific to each construction trade learned in the program.
- Adhere to industry safety standards, including proper use of Lockout/Tagout, rigging, and forklift operation.
- Earn key industry certifications, including Customer Service Certificate, 10-Hour OSHA Card, Lockout/Tagout, Rigging, and Forklift, to enhance career prospects in multiple industries.
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Fundamentals
Time Commitment | 2 weeks |
Dates/Times | Tuesday and Thursdays 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. or onsite at customer location |
Cost | $750 |
This Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) course covers the fundamental principles and applications of GD&T in engineering and manufacturing. Students will explore key concepts such as symbols, terms, limits of size, and the geometric system, with a focus on the Datum Reference Frame (DRF) and its relationship to design and measurement. Topics include orientation tolerances, virtual condition, material boundary modifiers, form and profile tolerances, position tolerances, and coaxial controls. Through a structured approach, this course provides the foundational knowledge needed to accurately interpret and apply GD&T in real-world scenarios.
Outcomes
- Understand and correctly apply GD&T symbols and terms in design and manufacturing.
- Identify and work with limits of size in the context of geometric tolerancing.
- Comprehend how the geometric system and Datum Reference Frame (DRF) function in design and measurement.
- Apply orientation tolerances and understand their hierarchy in GD&T.
- Utilize virtual condition and material boundary modifiers in tolerancing applications.
- Work with the DRF II, including datum targets and irregular surfaces.
- Apply form tolerances to ensure proper shape and quality control in designs.
- Use profile tolerances for defining the form of features in a design.
- Implement position tolerances to control the location of features accurately.
- Understand and apply coaxial controls for managing concentricity in design.
HAAS Certification Program
Time Commitment | N/A |
Dates/Times | (Ongoing Enrollment) |
Cost | Students: $75 Adults: $150 |
Students are required to complete HAAS Basic Mill Operator or Basic Lathe Operator courses at www.learn.haacnc.com. After completion of the online course, students are eligible to complete a hands-on test at Thaddeus Stevens College to obtain HAAS Certification.
Machine Operator – Defense-specific skills in partnership with The Manufacturer’s Association
Time Commitment | 230 hours |
Dates/Times | Afternoons or Evenings |
Location | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Greiner Advanced Manufacturing Center |
Cost | $0, free for qualified individuals or employers |
This comprehensive 230-hour Machine Operator training program is meticulously designed to develop a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of modern defense manufacturing, directly supporting the mission of the U. S. Defense and Submarine Industrial Bases and The Manufacturers’ Association’s Talent & Innovation Defense Ecosystem (T.I.D.E.) Project.
Trainees will gain essential knowledge in safety protocols, blueprint reading, and advanced metrology, alongside practical experience with cutting tools and machining operations. The curriculum covers key topics such as orthographic views, GD&T, metallurgy, and the intricacies of CNC machining, ensuring a well-rounded education that emphasizes precision and quality. Hands-on training in the use of various measuring instruments, cutting fluids, and tool wear management will empower your employees to enhance productivity and maintain high standards in their work.
By equipping individuals with defense industry-specific skills, this program not only enhances the production capabilities of our workforce but also fosters a vibrant talent ecosystem essential for national security and U.S. industrial competitiveness. Invest in your team’s future with this robust program that aligns with industry needs, promotes innovation, and contributes to strengthening our Defense & Submarine Industrial Bases.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in machine shop safety protocols, ensuring a secure and efficient work environment.
- Interpret and apply blueprint reading skills, including orthographic views and GD&T, to accurately manufacture precision components.
- Utilize advanced metrology techniques and measuring instruments to maintain high-quality standards in machining operations.
- Develop hands-on experience with cutting tools, machining processes, tool wear management, and the use of cutting fluids for optimal performance.
- Gain foundational knowledge of CNC machining, metallurgy, and material properties to support advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Enhance problem-solving and critical-thinking skills needed for precision manufacturing in the defense industry.
- Prepare for employment in the U.S. Defense and Submarine Industrial Bases, contributing to national security and industrial competitiveness.
Power Industrial Vehicle Certification (Forklift, Aerial Lift, Telehandler)
Time Commitment | 2 days + online test |
Dates/Times | Evenings or weekends; currently enrolling |
Location | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 750 E. King St., Lancaster PA 17602 |
Cost | $110 |
Earn your Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV) certification through this hands-on training program, by a certified Lift Inc instructor, to operate forklifts, telehandlers, and aerial lifts safely and efficiently. This course provides OSHA-compliant instruction, covering vehicle operation, safety procedures, load handling, and maintenance. Through classroom learning and practical exercises, participants will gain the skills needed to work in warehouses, construction, logistics, and manufacturing environments.
Outcomes
- Operate forklifts, telehandlers, and aerial lifts with confidence and precision
- Understand OSHA regulations and workplace safety protocols.
- Perform pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance checks.
- Master load handling techniques to prevent accidents and improve efficiency.
- Earn a PIV certification, enhancing employability in high-demand industries.
Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) Certification Training
Time Commitment | 5 weeks |
Dates/Times | Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday’s 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
Location | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 750 E. King St, Lancaster, PA 17602 |
Cost | $1,050 |
Jumpstart your career in robotics and automation with this five-week hands-on training program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology! Designed to prepare you for the SME Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) Certification, this course covers robot operation, programming, safety, and automation systems. Through interactive labs and expert-led instruction, you’ll gain the technical skills needed for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. Train on FANUC and Baxter robots, learn robot control, system design, and programming, and get industry-recognized certification to stand out to employers.
Outcomes
- Operate and program FANUC and Baxter industrial robots
- Operate and program FANUC and Baxter industrial robots
- Apply robot safety protocols and industry best practices
- Understand robot components, sensors, and automation systems
- Perform pick-and-place operations and basic robot programming
- Gain expertise in vision systems, control systems, and production design
- Earn the SME RMF Certification, boosting career opportunities in robotics and automation
Train-the-trainer basic CNC programming and set up
Time Commitment | 170 hours |
Dates/Times | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Ongoing Enrollment) |
Cost | $975 |
This course is tailored specifically for educators who aim to teach the next generation of CNC machinists. Building on the fundamentals of CNC operation, students will gain a strong understanding of how to instruct others in the basic operation of CNC milling machines. The primary focus will be on G-code programming, basic workholding techniques, and the Haas CNC control system, all of which are essential for effective CNC machining. Students will learn how to set up and machine components using G-code, while also developing the skills needed to teach these processes to future students. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding and interpreting mechanical blueprints, ensuring educators are prepared to guide their students toward success in CNC machining.
Outcomes
- Understand and demonstrate G-code programming, applying it to set up and machine components on a CNC milling machine.
- Teach basic workholding techniques, enabling students to properly secure components for machining operations.
- Operate the Haas CNC control system and instruct others on how to manage milling operations effectively.
- Interpret and explain mechanical blueprints to students, ensuring they understand technical drawings and how to translate them into machining tasks.
- Develop the skills to effectively teach and guide students through the setup, programming, and operation of CNC milling machines.
- Identify and troubleshoot common CNC machining issues, equipping future machinists with problem-solving skills.
Wood Finishing Certificate
Time Commitment | 6 months, 150 hours |
Dates/Times | Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
Location | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 750 E. King St., Lancaster PA 17602 |
Cost | $2,600 |
Transform raw wood into stunning, professional-quality pieces with our Wood Finishing Certificate Course. This 150-hour, six-month program is designed for individuals looking to build expertise in wood finishing, whether for career advancement or personal craftsmanship. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and industry facility tours, students will master essential techniques such as sanding, staining, glazing, and applying protective finishes. Taught by industry professionals, this course ensures you gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to work with furniture, cabinetry, and millwork at a professional level.
Outcomes
- Receive a Certificate in Wood Finishing, showcasing their expertise.
- Gain proficiency in wood preparation, staining, finishing, and quality control.
- Learn to apply stains, paints, and protective coatings with precision.
- Develop hands-on experience using professional-grade tools and equipment.
- Master techniques for repairing wood defects and achieving flawless finishes.
- Understand industry standards and quality inspection methods.
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