Dec 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
  
2024-2025 Catalog

Career Credit Course Descriptions


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Career Credit Course Descriptions

Action Photography. Certified Professional Photographer Rick Dawson will show you how to capture the action. Whether you are shooting pictures of the big game or your kids playing in the back yard, learn the skills and techniques for capturing a great action shot. 

Build Your Own Electric Guitar. In this 8-week hands-on course, students learn to design and build your own electric guitar using the ShopBot Desktop Max CNC router. Students will learn woodworking, electronics, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and manufacturing basics. Students will leave the class with a custom-designed guitar built with their own hands.

Building Stronger Teams. This course will discuss the elements of teamwork and the importance of communication. 

Communication Skills for Managers. Communication skills are critical to personal interactions. Join us as we share best practices that may result in more engaged and productive employees. The strategies discussed are applicable for entry level, mid-level and seasoned managers and supervisors. Plan to put these tips to practice before the end of the workshop as this interactive course will require your participation. 

Conflict Management Skill Building. Conflict among employees arise in all workplace environments. Learning how to effectively manage conflict among team members to enable greater working relationships and more productive and cohesive teams.

Contemporary Line Dance. Join Sue-Ann Ehmann as she teaches you your favorite “Party” dances like the Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Wobble, Cha Cha Slide, Biker’s Shuffle and more! Line dance is a proven stress reliever and an excellent way to fit exercise and fitness into your life

Continuing Education for Tradesman. Journeyman, Master Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC technicians, and Gas Fitters are required by the Virginia Board of Contractors to take a pre-determined number of continuing education hours specific to their trade as part of the licensing process. Plumbers, HVAC technicians, and Electricians must take three hours of continuing education in their field. Gas Fitters must take one hour (intended for Journeyman and Master Gas Fitters, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Fitters, and Natural Gas Fitters). The continuing education must be completed prior to the expiration date on the license. Tradesman license renewal courses cover new definitions, code changes, general requirements, impacts on the job, general use and special equipment included in the respective codes.

Contractor Business Licensing. This course prepares participants for pre-licensure. It is intended for first-time applicants for a Class C, B, or A license and changing a business type. This course is designed to provide a basic look at the Statutes and Regulations that govern contractor licensing in Virginia, to include a review of the different types of licenses available and the qualifications for each: Standards of Practice, Prohibited Acts and How to Avoid Violations of the Regulations.

Customer Service: From Good to Great! Learn how to deliver exceptional service and Wow your customers.

DiSC® for Managers Part 1. This course enables participants to gain a deeper understanding of self, direct reports, and their own managers and learn how their management style influences their approach to decision-making, time management, and problem solving. Course includes DiSC® assessment and thorough individualized management style report.

DiSC® for Managers Part 2. Develop strategies to support long term development and bring out the best in team members. Course includes DiSC® assessment and thorough individualized management style report.

Diversity Across the Generations. Discover how to effectively interact with team members to cultivate better working relationships and enhance communication in the workplace.

Excel for Business. Managing a small business can be challenging, let us help your business excel! Bring your lunch and join us for our upcoming entrepreneurial workshops on topics critical for today’s small business success. In today’s business environment, Microsoft Excel is an indispensable tool for professionals across various industries. This course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Excel’s business applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate user, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to efficiently and effectively use Excel to support your business tasks.

Fab Lab Family Days. Join us in the Fab Lab for a fun, hands-on activity for the entire family. We offer a featured activity each month to allow individuals and families the opportunity to learn fun and creative things you can do in the Fab Lab. No experience or technical knowledge needed. Activities include: personalize a valentine gift using the laser, create a personal 3D picture light box, etch your own tumbler, and DIY stickers.

Fab Lab Innovation Kids Camp. These hands-on camps are offered each summer to rising 6-8 graders, allowing students the opportunity to be creative and use Fab Lab technology. Students will learn to conceptualize, design, and prototype ideas for new products. Various Fab Lab equipment, including 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and more, will be used to manufacture their ideas. Students will design and produce a variety of projects to take home, including a 3-D printed keychain, laser cut name tag and notebook, vinyl cut stickers, t-shirt, and/or Minecraft structures and creatures.

From Peer to Manager. Discover how to effectively interact with team members across differences for better working relationships and enhancing communication in the workplace.

From Peer to Supervisor. This course will discuss the elements of teamwork and the importance of communication. This session will cover the five behaviors of a cohesive team including building trust, addressing conflict, gaining commitment, accountability, and driving results. Participants will discuss the impact of communication, building good relationships, making personal connections, and sharing information efficiently and effectively.

Generational Diversity. Today’s workforce comprises four distinct generations – each with its own shared history, common biases and core beliefs. Learning what makes each generation tick, and taking the time to consider your communication approach, will advance your relationships and help you lead your team during good times and through stressful situations.

Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback. The process of giving and receiving feedback is inevitable and indispensable in a work environment. When feedback is effective, it can foster a growth mindset in the workforce and contribute to organizational success. In this course, participants will learn how to plan a feedback session and give feedback in a constructive manner. Learners will gain knowledge about proven models to construct feedback objectively and effectively. Techniques for managing unanticipated feedback and overcoming potential anxiety will also be discussed to support performance improvement, employee motivation, and workplace relationships.

How Effective Communication Builds Stronger Teams. This course will discuss the elements of teamwork, focus on building strong relationships, and help participants share information more efficiently and effectively across teams.  

Introduction to 3D Printing. Discover the newest creative phenomenon that is sweeping the world - 3D Printing! During this introductory course, participants will gain an understanding of 3D design and printing fundamentals in a fun and easy way. You won’t believe the amazing things you can do. Covered topics include safety, operations, software, materials, and project design best practices. Upon completion of the class, students will be certified to schedule time on the 3D printers for their own projects. No prior 3D printing experience or technical knowledge needed.

Introduction to Cyber Security. In today’s digital age, where technology is an integral part of our lives, understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity is crucial. This course is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of key concepts, threats, and best practices in the field of cybersecurity.

Introduction to Photography. Certified Professional Photographer Rick Dawson will show you the basics of digital photography in this fun, hands-on class. Learn the different functions of your digital camera while learning the skills and techniques for taking great photographs.

Introduction to Vinyl Cutting. Learn about one of the most popular machines in the Fab Lab - the vinyl cutter! Students will learn the software as well as how to cut and prepare the vinyl. In this hands on class, students will create their customized stickers and t-shirts. Covered topics include safety, operations, software, materials, and project design best practices. Upon completion of the class, students will be certified to schedule time on the vinyl cutter for their own projects.

Job Readiness. This course will provide students with an understanding of what it means to be ready for work. Students will also be able to write an effective resume, complete a job application, and hone their interview skills. Students will understand how to develop short and long term employment goals and how to use training and feedback opportunities to advance their career. 

Learn to Use the Laser Cutter. Learn how to use the Fab Lab laser cutter to cut, etch, and engrave designs in a variety of materials in this introductory class. Using graphics software like Adobe Illustrator, you can make jewelry, decorations, phone stands, customized gifts, even business cards! With this incredibly precise tool, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination! Covered topics include safety, operations, software, materials, and project design best practices. Upon completion of the class, students will be certified to schedule time on the laser cutter for their own projects and will know how to use this versatile modern tool to cut and engrave intricate designs.

Learn to Use the Shopbot CNC Router. Discover your creative side while making unique wood designs with the Shopbot CNC Router. During this hands-on course, you will learn the basic steps of CNC production as well as computer design software. Covered topics include safety, operations, software, materials, and project design best practices. Upon completion of the class, students will be certified to schedule time on the Shopbot for their own projects. No prior experience or technical knowledge needed.

Make a Personalized Wall Clock Using the Laser. Learn the basics of laser engraving while creating a personalized wall clock!  While using graphics software like Adobe Illustrator and Lightburn, students will design their clock then cut, etch and engrave their designs to create a fully functioning clock. With this incredibly precise tool, the possibilities are endless! Covered topics include safety, operations, software, materials, and project design best practices. Upon completion of the class, students will be certified to schedule time on the laser cutter for their own projects and will know how to use this versatile modern tool to cut and engrave intricate designs.

Managing Difficult Team Members Effectively. Managing difficult team members can pose a challenge, even for the most patient and mild-tempered employee.  This session offers techniques for diffusing difficult situations and keeping things under control while simultaneously  ensuring that the difficult team member is left feeling positive and still a contributing member of the team.  

Managing Time More Effectively. This session will provide ways to manage your day and be more productive. You will learn how to address time management roadblocks including perfectionism, procrastination, and distractions. The course will provide time management techniques to stay organized and keep a clear mind, in both work and personal life.  

Microsoft Access. Let’s start by learning when to use Access and when to use Excel. This course helps you answer that essential question so you don’t set off in the wrong direction. Then you’re ready for the foundation of your database - learn to create tables and progress to creating queries, forms, and reports, using the latest version of Microsoft Access.

Microsoft Excel. Are you trying to keep your household organized or are you a business owner relying on Excel to keep your organization thriving? You will learn the techniques in this workshop that will make your job easier. You’ll start with the essential skills of spreadsheet creation: how to create a workbook, enter and edit text and numbers, and add rows or columns. You will progress to creating a chart and making changes to a chart after you create it, using the latest version of Microsoft Excel.

Microsoft PowerPoint. In this workshop, you will start with the steps to create a slide show, start to finish, using the latest version of PowerPoint. But you will soon discover many ways to add flair to your presentation. You will learn how to create visual appeal out of text and other information like tables, Excel charts, your digital photos, sound, narration, and videos like YouTube.

Microsoft Word. This workshop will begin with the basics of the latest version of this very popular word processing program. Participants will learn how to use Microsoft Word to create their first document, edit text, and make that original document look great. The instructor will introduce templates and how you can format your document with styles; decorate the document with backgrounds, borders, and text effects; and insert tables. Before the end of the workshop, you will also learn how to use mail merge, revise documents and track changes, and other tasks Word makes simple to do.

Mike Rowe Works: MRW Work Ethic Certification. This program examines the importance of four pillars - work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude. Participants will see how they can derive value by adopting these principles, regardless of their job or skill set. Students who successfully complete the program will receive an industry recognized certificate from mikeroweWORKS Foundation.

Motorcycle Basic Rider Course. This course provides classroom and actual motorcycle operator training in a controlled environment. Riders learn basic skills of motorcycle operation, effective braking and obstacle avoidance, as well as safe riding strategies. This course prepares the rider for state licensing.

Motorcycle Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2). This course is designed to assist licensed riders in improving their skills and to provide a safe environment for them to expand the limits of their abilities. The course includes a brief review of basic skills, critical advanced turning and braking skills, as well as counter steering and obstacle avoidance. Student is expected to provide their own motorcycle. The course is informative, enjoyable and valuable. We recommend that riders refresh and hone their riding skills every year with a BRC2.

Motorcycle 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC). This course is designed to teach the novice or experienced sidecar or trike rider the skills necessary to safely operate a three-wheeled vehicle on the street, even if you have never ridden any kind of motorcycle. The 16-hour course takes the rider through the basics of motorcycle operation (controls are much the same as a two wheeled motorcycle), effective braking, turning skills and obstacle avoidance, as well as safe riding strategies. The course consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on riding instruction. All riding is done on a closed course. Rider Coaches have been trained and certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Motorcycles will be provided or participants can use their own.

Networking for a Greater Impact at Work. Utilizing workplace tools and resources to increase performance and productivity allows accelerated progress among teams and across organizations and partners.  This session will help you discover ways to uncover opportunities.

OSHA 10 for General Industry. The 10-Hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training Program for General Industry program is targeted to entry level workers and covers general industry safety and health hazards which may be encountered. Required in 7 hours of the training are an Introduction to OSHA, Walking and Working Surfaces, Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention/Protection, Electrical Safety, Personal Protective Equipment, and Hazard Communication. At least two additional topics from a list of electives will be covered for a total of ten (10) training hours. Participants will receive: Instruction from authorized OSHA Outreach trainers and a Certification card upon successful completion of training and final exam. OSHA student completion cards do not expire per OSHA requirements.

OSHA 30 for General Industry. The 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training Program for General Industry is targeted to supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility. Through this training, OSHA helps to ensure that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights, and contribute to our nation’s productivity.

Popular Party Line Dance. Join Sue-Ann Ehmann as she teaches you your favorite “Party” dances like the Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Wobble, Cha Cha Slide, Biker’s Shuffle and more! Line dance is a proven stress reliever and an excellent way to fit exercise and fitness into your life

Stickers, T-Shirts, and Banners, Oh My! Create your own one-of-a-kind, customized creations using vinyl cutting & printing methods with the Roland TrueVIS VG3-540 printer! This class is great for beginners or students who want to take it to the next level.

Still Life Photography: Flowers. Learn the basics of lighting and posing to create perfect still life photography using flowers. Certified Professional Photographer Rick Dawson will demonstrate tips and techniques for producing beautiful photographs.

Taking Your Social Media to the Next Level. In today’s digital age, where technology is an integral part of our lives, understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity is crucial. This course is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of key concepts, threats, and best practices in the field of cybersecurity.

Unconscious Bias. Learn to recognize and address biases for better decision-making, relationship building, and working more effectively in workplace environments.

Using Technology Resources to Build Stronger Teams. Learn how technology can enhance workplace performance.  This course will provide an overview of resources that enable the integration of your staff, content, and tools essential for greater engagement and effectiveness.

Women in Leadership Series. Join us as we celebrate the ways that women lead in our community with a focus on physical, mental, and financial health and end our last session with inspiring messages from Leading Ladies in our community.