Career Training
In addition to academic training, Cascades Job Corps provides career technical training in the following vocational trades:
These career technical programs are all taught by highly professional and competent instructors with many years of teaching and industry experience.
During your training, you are on the job. Your instructor is your supervisor, and you are evaluated as an employee. It is important that you be on time and on task everyday for a full work day. As your supervisor, your instructor will be giving you feedback on your performance during your training and will be a strong source of reference with prospective employers when you complete the program. A positive attitude and hard work assures a positive reference upon completion.
Demonstrated proficiency in math and reading as measured on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) are general requirements for entry into and completion of a vocational program. Students will be able to continue working towards their GED or high school diploma while engaged in career technical training. They will also be expected to complete their work-based learning under the guidance of our employment specialists in Career Services. Some trades also require a driver's license to be eligible for a certificate of completion in that trade, and students enrolled in those vocations are given preference in enrolling in Driver's Education.
After completing their career technical training, students can participate in our advanced training programs.
Business Technologies
Business Technologies training prepares our students for employment as receptionists, data entry operators, word processors, hotel clerks, and accounting clerks. Students learn keyboarding, basic word-processing and spreadsheet functions, 10-key operations, and other business office skills on modern personal computers and other office machines. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification; their Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3); ten various Office Proficiency Assessment and Certification (OPAC) courses for math, keyboarding, filing, etc; OSHA 10 certification, and the CPR/First Aid certification.
Return to top of page
Carpentry
Carpentry training is operated by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA). Here, students learn to identify and safely use hand tools and power equipment in actual construction of framed walls using metal and wood studs. They also learn to apply roofing, build forms, install drywall and imperial board, and frame and install doors. Students also learn basic cabinetry and the safe use of ladders and scaffolding. Math, plans, and blueprint reading are also part of the training. Our center provides uniforms and safety gear used in this training. Students enrolled in this program may earn the Forklift, Traffic Control Flagger, OSHA 10, Green Building Awareness, Hilti Powder-actuated tool, and Scaffolding training certifications.
Return to top of page
Cement Masonry
Cement Masonry training is operated by the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA). In this training, students learn to place and finish concrete. This training also includes identification and safe use of hand and power tools, math calculations for mixing and pouring concrete, safety precautions in working with cement and concrete, and building forms for foundations, paving, and walls. We provide uniforms and all required safety equipment. Cement Masonry is the most physically demanding of all the career technical training programs that we offer. Students in this program may earn their Forklift, Traffic Control Flagger, Green, Hilti Powder-actuated tools, and OSHA 10 Safety certifications.
Return to top of page
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts trains students in food preparation, serving, display, baking, equipment use, and cleaning and sanitation. This training prepares our students to assume a variety of positions in a cafe or restaurant from soup, salad, and sandwich maker to line cook and ultimately chef. Training is conducted in a setting that mirrors an actual restaurant. Students in this program may earn the ServSafe Food Protection Manager and CPR/First Aid certifications, and may obtain their Food Handler Permit.
Return to top of page
Dental Assisting
Dental Assisting training prepares our students to become chairside Dental Assistants. In this training, students learn radiology, sterilization, how to make dental impressions, procedures for passing instruments to the dentist, and routine etiquette observed in a dental practice. Since this is a rigorous and study-intensive course, a student will need high Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores and the ability to study independently. Students enrolled in this program will be given the opportunity to earn their Radiation Health and Safety, Infection Control, and CPR/First Aid certifications.
Return to top of page
Electrician
Electrician training is operated by the Home Builders Institute (HBI). In this training, students learn electrical theory, basic residential wiring, wire pulling, and conduit bending. Students also gain knowledge of circuitry, electrical code, proper safety practices, receptacles, and switches. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn their Traffic Control Flagger, Forklift, CPR/First Aid, Hilti Powder-actuated tools, OSHA 10 Safety, and Pre-apprentice Electrician Helper certifications.
Return to top of page
Facilities Maintenance
Facilities Maintenance training is operated by the Home Builders Institute (HBI). Facilities Maintenance students learn a variety of skills and procedures for maintaining and repairing buildings and associated equipment, including electrical repair, plumbing techniques, minor carpentry, patching walls, painting, and landscape maintenance. Our center provides uniforms and all associated safety equipment for this training. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn their Forklift, Traffic Control Flagger, Hilti Powder-actuated tools, and OSHA 10 Safety certifications.
Return to top of page
Health Occupations
Health Occupations prepares students to become Certified Nursing Assistants or Home Health Aides. In addition to the book work involved to learn terminology and procedures, this course includes 50 to 60 hours of clinical experience (performed at local community nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals). Our center provides professional uniforms and pertinent equipment required for clinical duties. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn their Washington State Certified Nursing Assistant, Fundamentals of Caregiving, Food Handler's Card, and CPR/First Aid certifications.
Return to top of page
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant training prepares our students to perform front-office administrative tasks in addition to clinical duties in a medical setting. Clinical duties may include working as an EKG technician, taking blood sample, collecting specimens, taking and recording vital signs, and assisting a physician with patients. The prerequisite for this training is completion of either the Health Occupations program or the Medical Office Specialist program. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn their Healthcare Provider CPR/First Aid, Certified Clincal Medical Assistant Phlebotomy, Certified Medical Assistant EKG Technician, and Electronic Health Records Specialist certifications.
Return to top of page
Medical Office Specialist
Medical Office Specialist training prepares students for work in a variety of positions in the medical office such as a medical records technician, a medical receptionist, a transcriptionist, a medical insurance billing and coding specialist, or a health unit coordinator. Students in this training learn basic office procedures, keyboarding, word processing, medical terminology, and health information management systems. Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to earn their CPR/First Aid, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Billing and Coding Specialist, and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist certifications.
Return to top of page
Painting
Painting training provides students with a variety of skills in the use of white and color pigments, thinner, dryers, oil and latex paints, clear and masonry coating, and stains. Training is also provided on the proper identification and use of appropriate tools and equipment in the use and application of particular coatings. Mandatory safety lessons include hazardous materials awareness, lead abatement, and safe positioning and use of ladders and scaffolding. Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to earn their Forklift, Traffic Control Flagger, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level I Painting, NCCER Green, Aerial Lift and Scissor Operator, and OSHA 10 Safety certifications.
Return to top of page
Advanced Training Programs
Once a student completes a career technical training program at Cascades, he/she may choose to continue his/her education with advanced training at another Job Corps center. There are many opportunities availabe nationwide for students who qualify. Some of the available advanced training programs are the Keystone and Blue Ridge Job Corps LPN programs, Gainsville and Treasure Island Job Corps Solar Programs, Gary and Potomoc JCC Smart Meter programs, Overhead Line Construction advanced training at the Oneonta Job Corps Center, and the Woodland, Penobscot, and Treasure Island Job Corps advanced programs in Culinary Arts. The Transportation Communications Union (TCU) has advanced training sites located at various Job Corps centers across the United States. Students may explore these and many more advanced training opportunities with our programs director.
Advanced Career Training (ACT) Opportunity for College Education
If a student completes a career technical training program and meets additional qualifications, he/she may also apply for admission to the Skagit Valley Community College through our Advanced Career Training program. Students enrolled in this program may work towards an Associate degree free of charge at the college while still enrolled in Job Corps. The center provides transportation to the college located in Mt. Vernon, Washington.
In order to qualify for admission to college through our ACT program, a student must meet the following criteria:
- At least six months in Job Corps
- A high school diploma or GED
- Completion of work-based-learning (when applicable)
- TABE scores in reading and math of 585 or higher
- A positive performance
Return to top of page
Page last updated:
Tuesday, October 18, 2011