Vocational and Technical Studies

Fundamentals of Machining I

Fundamentals of Machining I: This 256-hour course is designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of basic manual machining technology. The course will include Industrial safety, blueprint reading and manufacturing materials lessons, as well as hands-on training on the manual mill and manual lathe. This course will lead into Fundamentals of Machining II, which will cover more advanced manual machining lessons as well as base level CNC programming and operation skills.

Special Note: Successful completion of this continuing education course may be accepted for local articulation credit in Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s related Machining Application curriculum courses, if all course requirements have been met. 


Fundamentals of Machining II

Fundamentals of Machining II: This 256-hour course will build on the information gained from Fundamentals of Machining I. The course will offer more hands-on experience on manual equipment as well as more in-depth knowledge of manual machining technology. This course will also provide base-level training for CNC programming, setup, and operation. The CNC training will be taught with Haas mills, lathes, and simulator controls. 

Special Note: Successful completion of this continuing education course may be accepted for local articulation credit in Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s related Machining Application curriculum courses, if all course requirements have been met. 

Industrial Maintenance Training

The Industrial Maintenance program is designed to provide students with basic entry-level opportunities in the industrial maintenance field. It was developed utilizing industry-based skill standards and interview feedback from representatives of leading Caldwell County industries.

This course consists of three sessions: Levels 1, 2, and 3 for classroom and hands-on training.

Intro to Industrial Maintenance (Level 1): Designed to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment found in a variety of industries. Designed for the “jack-of-all trades” technician, this course covers all five major areas of industrial maintenance knowledge: electrical maintenance, general maintenance, mechanical maintenance, preventative maintenance, and welding. Upon completion, you should be able to demonstrate an understanding of industrial maintenance.

Intermediate Industrial Maintenance (Level 2): Builds upon the skills learned in the Introduction to Industrial Maintenance class. Students will receive basic instruction in a wide variety of areas including: basic machining operations, blueprint reading, fundamentals of industrial electricity, fundamentals of piping and hydro-testing, machinery maintenance, machinery troubleshooting/service, and safety. All theory is reinforced by hands-on applications allowing students to explore the processes that will be the foundation for their career.

Advanced Industrial Maintenance (Level 3): Continues building upon the skills learned in the Introduction and Intermediate Industrial Maintenance courses. This course is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as a multi-skilled maintenance technician, where they will be responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing machinery used in the manufacturing or industrial environment.


Welding

These courses are designed to provide the beginner and professional the opportunity to gain or develop skills. MIG, TIG, stick, pipe, and basic welding offer the beginner or professional the opportunity to develop skills that may qualify them for promotion or certification.

Construction Trades

The construction trades courses offer an understanding to the disciplines needed for general construction. Safety is the cornerstone in any construction environment and is taught first and foremost for all trades areas from OSHA standards. Students will learn how to calculate basic plans to determine materials costs, read blueprints or schematics, and adhere to current building codes and energy saving standards in a hands-on environment.

General Contractor’s License Preparation

This 54-hour course prepares students for the General Contractor’s licensing examination. Emphasis on blueprints, laws, and regulations, employment security laws of NC, and workers’ compensation. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the NC Contractor’s licensing examination.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program provides the basic knowledge to develop skills necessary to work with residential and light HVAC commercial systems. This course consists of three sessions: Levels 1, 2, and 3 for classroom and hands-on training.

Introduction to HVAC (Level 1): Serves as the entry-level requirement for an understanding of basic copper and steel piping practices, basic electricity, introduction to heating, cooling and air distribution systems, soldering and brazing and HVAC tool recognition.

Intermediate HVAC (Level 2): Builds upon the skills learned in Level I one with a focus on air quality equipment, alternating current, basic maintenance, chimneys vents and flues, commercial airside systems, fiberglass and fabric duct systems, heat pumps, leak detection, evacuation, recovery and charging, metering devices, and sheet metal duct systems.  Toward the end of Level 2 students will have the opportunity to sit for the EPA Refrigeration Recovery/Recycling Certification Exam 608.  

Advanced HVAC (Level 3): Builds upon the skills learned in Level 2 with a focus on fasteners, hardware and wiring terminations, control circuit and motor troubleshooting, cooling unit troubleshooting, ductless and variable refrigerant flow systems, gas heating, heat pump troubleshooting and refrigeration systems. 

Plumbing

This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to install/maintain basic plumbing systems, components, appliances, and fixtures through appropriate use of plumbing tools and standard practices. This course consists of three classes: Levels 1, 2, and 3 for classroom and hands-on training.

Introduction to Plumbing (Level 1): Serves as the entry-level requirement for all other courses in the Plumbing Program. This course introduces basic plumbing tools, materials, and fixtures. Topics include plumbing materials, different types of fixtures, proper tool selection, and basic plumbing systems.

Intermediate Plumbing (Level 2): Builds upon knowledge and skills learned in Intro to Plumbing. This course explores plumbing code, permitting and construction math. Topics include: blueprint reading, appliance installation, insulation, and fire stops along with structural penetration. All theory is reinforced with hands-on applications and experiences.

Advanced Plumbing (Level 3): Builds upon the combined knowledge and skills learned in the previous two classes. This course introduces advanced piping principles as they apply to the plumbing industry. Students learn to identify and use a variety of piping, fittings, and materials in domestic water and drainage installations. There will be multiple troubleshooting experiences that mimic those in the field.

Residential Wiring

This course provide the knowledge and skills to become an electrician or pursue other careers in the electrical trade. It includes theory and practice on electrical circuits, Ohm’s law, alternating and direct currents, series and parallel circuits, electrical tools and equipment, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, electrical components and symbols, distribution systems, use of the NEC (National Electrical Code), and electrical blueprint reading. Hands-on instruction in standardized wiring techniques, methods, and materials will take place with instructor supervision in a lab equipped to simulate real conditions.

This course consists of three classes: Levels 1, 2, and 3 for classroom and hands-on training.

Introduction to Residential Wiring (Level 1): The course provides an introduction to the electrical trade, electrical circuits, theory and safety, conductors and cable, device boxes, hand bending, and residential electrical services. Students will learn basic electrical wiring concepts, electrical theory, Ohm's law and types of services for residential applications. 

Intermediate Residential Wiring (Level 2): Builds upon the skills learned in Level 1. Students will study alternating current; motors theory and application; circuit breakers and fuses; conductor installations, terminations and splices; conduit bending; grounding and bonding; and pull and junction boxes. Students will expand their knowledge of the National Electrical Codes, calculations, wiring devices, and troubleshooting. 

Advanced Electrical Wiring (Level 3): Builds upon the skills learned in Level 2. The course will provide advanced study in residential wiring techniques. Topics will include advanced controls, fire alarm systems, HVAC controls, heat tracing, freeze protection, motor operation and maintenance, medium-voltage termination and splices, and specialty transformers.

Special Note: Successful completion of this continuing education course may be accepted for local articulation credit in Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s related Residential Wiring curriculum courses, if all course requirements have been met.