Workforce and Economic Development Center
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's Workforce and Economic Development Center (formerly Skill Up Fast) offers short-term training programs that prepare individuals for in-demand job opportunities. These programs are ideal for individuals who are looking for a change in career, 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.
Select a program below to learn more about it.
Production Welding
Facilities Maintenance Technician
Commercial Industrial ElectrO-Mechanical
Commercial and Industrial Plumbing
Commercial and Industrial HVAC
Information Technology Division
Production Welding Training - Six Weeks
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.
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, 7:00 A.M. -3:00 P.M. at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Greenfield Industrial Park Campus.
Program Dates
This program will be offered during the date ranges listed below. Each program is held from 7am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays at the Greenfield Corporate Center (1812 Colonial Village Lane, Lancaster, PA 17601).
- January 21 – February 26, 2023
- March 4 – April 2, 2023
- April 15 – May 21, 2023
- June 3 – July 15, 2023
Cost
$2,300
Facilities Maintenance Technician Training - 6 Month Program
Average first-year base-wage: $18/hour
What Do Facilities Maintenance Technicians Do?
The Facilities Maintenance Technician is multi-skilled and typically performs building maintenance tasks ranging from basic repairs to operating computerized building automation systems. The Facilities 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.
What Will You Learn?
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Facilities 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:
- Ready 2 Work
- Customer service
- OSHA - 10 hour safety card
- Power Actuated Fastener
- Lockout/Tagout
- Forklift
- EPA
- Rigging
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Certificate
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 Facilities Maintenance Program is a 24-week program that meets Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.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; the ABC Training Center, Mount Joy; and the Tec Centro Campus, Lancaster.
Program Dates
Winter/Spring 2023: January 18 - June 16, 2023
Summer/Fall 2023: July 17 - December 15, 2023
Cost
$6,300
Commercial and Industrial - Six Month Programs
The commercial and industrial six-month programs meet Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Tec Centro South West (57 Laurel Street, Lancaster, PA).
Individual Programs
Commercial Industrial Electro-Mechanical
Commercial 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 electrical 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 electrical classroom includes tools, equipment and instrumentation typically found in commercial and industrial settings.
Program Dates
Winter/Spring 2023: January 18 - June 16, 2023
Summer/Fall 2023: July 17 - December 15, 2023
Cost
$6,300
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
Winter/Spring 2023: January 18 - June 16, 2023
Summer/Fall 2023: July 17 - December 15, 2023
Cost
$6,300
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 and industrial settings.
Program Dates
Winter/Spring 2023: January 18 - June 16, 2023
Summer/Fall 2023: July 17 - December 15, 2023
Cost
$6,300
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 CSIS program will prepare students to pursue a career pathway, including:
- Data Center Operations Support
- Network Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
- Web Developer Technician
- Computer User Support Specialist
- Administrative Support
Computer Software Information Systems (CSIS) Program
The CSIS program will provide students the opportunity to develop skills needed in the business world. This is a rapidly paced program, preparing students in:
- Customer Service and Job Readiness
- Computer Fundamentals
- Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
- Internet Applications
- Microsoft Excel, Access
- Computer Hardware
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- Operating Software
- Intro to Web Development
- Intro to Networking
- Intro to Cyber Security
Program Certifications
Specifically tailored for students new to computer information technology, you can count on us to help you gain the skills, certifications, and opportunities you will need for a rewarding, family sustaining career. The below listed certifications will demonstrate to employers that you have the “right stuff” to be an IT professional:
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Certificate of Completion
- Tec Centro Customer Service Certificate
- Microsoft Office Specialist in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Access
- Help Desk Support
- CompTIA-IT Fundamentals
Program Schedule
- Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- 20 hours per week/six-month semester
Location
- Tec Centro Southwest - High and Laurel Street, Lancaster, PA
Cost
- $6,300 (scholarship funding available for qualifying students)
Program Start Dates
- January 18, 2023
- July 17, 2023
Next Steps
Request MORE Information
Apply Now
For more information about any of the Workforce and Economics Development programs highlighted above, including program start dates or the recently announced grant from the PNC Foundation, please contact Amy Welsh: or 717-391-6950.
CareerLink
CareerLink participants may be eligible for scholarships. Call 717-509-5613 or visit www.jobs4lancaster.com for more information.