Training Programs

Assembly and Manufacturing

Trainees will learn about manufacturing- and assembly-type careers and safe workplace operations, including hazardous materials handling and fire safety.  Additionally, instruction will cover the types of tools and equipment used in the industry, best practices for inventory management, product quality versus quantity, and how to be successful working independently and as a member of a team. Upon completion, trainees may seek employment in a variety of manufacturing environments, including transportation equipment, fabricated metal, machinery, and aerospace. 

Customer Service

Trainees will learn about the interpersonal communication, time management, and problem-solving skills needed to deliver outstanding customer service in a variety of professional environments. In addition to classroom instruction, trainees will apply their learning in a retail environment at the WSW Craft House by interacting with customers, tracking inventory, and maintaining a clean and safe workplace. Trainees may find employment in any industry to serve internal and/or external customers.

Environmental Services

Trainees will be instructed in basic cleaning techniques and industry-specific practices, safety, and customer service in preparation for careers as janitors, custodial workers, and other environmental service positions. Trainees will learn about hygiene in a working environment, general safety and chemical safety, basic use of chemicals, cleaning techniques and strategies, and proper body mechanics, grooming and dress code. Upon completion of the program, students may work at hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, schools, hotels, offices, motels, malls, and other institutions.

Food Service I

This training includes proper techniques for food preparation, safety, sanitation, handling, service, and storage. Trainees learn how appearance, flavors, textures, and seasoning contribute to the dining experience. Additionally, trainees will learn how to plan and prepare healthy, complete meals in a variety of culinary environments and will plan a cafeteria-style dining menu. Upon completion of the program, trainees will be prepared for employment in fast food restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, and nursing facilities.

Flagger Training

Trainees learn the basics about who and what the flagger protects, state and national work zone regulations, and professional standards for behavior, clothing, and personal items. Trainees will gain hands-on experience with flagger equipment while learning about proper sign placement, hand signals to communicate with other flaggers, single flagger operations, and what to do if something goes wrong. Upon successful completion, the trainee will receive certification and a pocket card that can be presented to potential employers in the transportation and construction industries.

Forklift Training

This two-part program is comprised of a one-hour video followed by hands-on instruction by Yale Industrial-certified instructors on Yale internal combustion engine lift trucks. Trainees will receive instruction in pre-shift inspection of lift trucks, proper start up and shut down procedures, the different classes and capabilities of lift trucks, and the correct operating procedures of  internal combustion engine lift trucks. Upon successful completion of the course and a 25-question exam, trainees will receive certification and can seek employment in  warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar locations.

Lawncare Maintenance

Trainees learn essential skills and procedures to be successful in performing basic lawn care techniques, safety, and customer service. Trainees will be instructed on safe operation, maintenance, and transportation of tools and equipment, as well as how to evaluate lawn size, estimate lawn care costs, and calculate working time required. Trainees will also learn about fertilizers and other chemicals used in lawncare, as well as appropriate timelines for application. Upon completion of the program, students may find employment as a contractor to service public and private sites. 
*Please note that this training is offered seasonally from April through October.

Painting 101

This course equips trainees with basic knowledge of different types of paint, painting techniques,  how to choose the correct tools, as well as proper cleaning and storage practices. Additionally, the course will cover occupational safety, including reviewing relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals used in various types of painting jobs, as well as the skills and abilities needed to work in the painting industry, including client communications and attention to detail.  Upon successful completion, trainees may seek work in residential, commercial, and industrial painting occupations.

Woodworking for Construction

Trainees learn about occupational safety in a construction environment and how to safely operate woodworking equipment and machinery, including nail gun, staple gun, table saw, miter saw, and whirlwind saw. Through hands-on activities, trainees will improve their hand-eye coordination, increase skills in following production instructions and skid specifications, as well as learn shipping procedures for skids and boxes. Upon completion, trainees may seek employment as cabinetmakers, bench carpenters, furniture finishers, wood machine operators, saw machine setters, or other woodworking-related positions.

Woodworking for Craft

Trainees will acquire the physical and safety skills associated with wood processing, while learning about the design process. Instruction will cover the operation of woodshop machinery, hand tools, and finishing techniques, common woodworking tools and techniques, as well as the planning and production steps required to create woodcraft. Trainees will develop a plan that lays out the specific tools and techniques required to create a craft from wood. Upon completion, trainees may pursue careers in the arts, manufacturing, or other industries.