workforce

Career Programs

From fundamental skills to engineering, our training programs and apprenticeships are designed to provide on-demand learning for over 35 occupational pathways. Choose from a wide range of quality skilled trades training programs or work with our team to build your own personalized program by selecting content from over 3,000 courses.

Fundamental Skills

Warehousing and Distribution

The Warehousing and Distribution program teaches the fundamentals skills needed by a warehouse worker. Students are taught basic math, safety, and print reading skills in addition to the concepts specific to material handling and warehousing. The program will help warehouse workers become maximally effective and able to safely perform their responsibilities.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 42

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Loader, Material Handler, Warehouse Worker, Picker/Packer, Receiver, Warehouse Clerk, Stockroom Clerk, Stocker

Basic Business Math

The Basic Business Math program covers the principles of business and industrial math, from basic operations through algebra. Upon finishing the program students will understand key concepts including practical measurements, bulk measurement, and fluid measurement.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 28

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: All Skilled Trades

Basic Business Literacy

The Basic Business Literacy program covers the core concepts behind business communication and technical writing. The program teaches report writing, proposal writing, and research skills while improving the overall writing quality of the student.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 18

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: All Skilled Trades

Basic Blueprint Reading

The Basic Blueprint Reading programs teaches learners the basics behind how to read blueprints. Key concepts taught in this program include print reading, understanding drawings and schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 19

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: All Skilled Trades

Pre-apprenticeship Training

The Pre-Apprentice Training program teaches the key skills workers need to enter an apprentice program across a variety of skilled trades. The program is designed to prepare the learner for the technical elements of an apprenticeship, teaching key skills including industrial math, print reading, and trade-related preparation such as measurement and dimensioning & tolerancing.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 15

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Apprentice (various fields)

Industrial Safety

The Industrial Safety program teaches students how to work safely in a variety of different functions. Workers are taught safety skills for chemical, fire, electrical and several other environments.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 9

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: All Skilled Trades

Basic Skills Training

The Basic Skills Training program offers the basic math, writing, blueprint reading, and safety programs together as a package. By combining these essential programs, the package covers all the basic skills needed by entry-level workers or workers looking to upgrade their formal skills on the path to supervisor status.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 74

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: All Skilled Trades

Construction & Industrial Maintenance

Industrial Painting

The Industrial Painting training program prepares learners with the skills needed by either a residential or industrial painter. Beginning with math, hand tools, and measuring, the program then covers pneumatic and power cutting tools as well as specific lessons in painting, plastering and adhesive. In addition, the program also instructs learners on the materials used in engineering environments and key chemistry concepts.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 33

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Painter, Painter Helper, Powder Coater, Coater, Industrial Painter

Construction Technician Training

The Construction Technician training program will prepare trainees with the well-rounded skillset they need to work in the construction industry. This construction training program teaches a wide array of topics to prepare workers for different fields in the construction industry and to enable graduates to contribute on a variety of projects. Beginning with basic math, tools, prints and drawings, this program covers the different types of engineering materials — metal, wood, and plastic — and their properties. In addition, students will learn surveying and leveling as well as advanced topics including foundations, pavement, highways, steel roof trusses, concrete design, steel building frames, and more.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 102

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Construction Worker, Construction Laborer, Construction Technician, Construction Technologist

Carpenter Training

The Carpenter skills training program is designed to train those with no prior experience on key carpentry skills. Beginning with basic math and hand tools training, the program moves into several topics on prints, drawings, and GD&T. In the carpenter training program, students will study carpentry materials and their properties as well as specific topics such as roofing, stair building, and millwork.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 81

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Carpenter

Mechanical and Electrical Technician Training

The Mechanical and Electrical Technician training program provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of industrial maintenance. Beginning with basic math and prints fundamentals, the program moves into key electrical and mechanical concepts such as currents, pumps, and hydraulics. The program also teaches advanced maintenance topics and provides a focus on semiconductors, microprocessors, circuits, PLCs, and more. Upon completion of the mechanical and electrical technician training program, students will have a solid understanding of the mechanical and electrical components of industrial environments and the skills needed to conduct maintenance.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 140

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Electrical Maintenance Technician, Millwright, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Millwright

Facility Maintenance Mechanic Training

The Facility Maintenance Mechanic Training program is designed to provide trainees with a comprehensive knowledge of how the skills needed by a facilities maintenance mechanic. Beginning with basic math and safety, tools, materials, and prints, students in the program learn the basics of pipefitting, carpentry, and HVAC systems. The program additionally covers advanced topics on common systems like pumps, compressors, and hydraulics to prepare technicians for any type of emergency within a residential or commercial facility.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 118

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Building Maintenance Mechanic, Facilities Manager, Facilities Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Technician

Millwright Training

The Millwright skills training program teaches the skills needed by a well-rounded maintenance millwright. Beginning with the basic concepts of math, safety, tools, and prints for mechanical trades, the program then progresses to specific maintenance mechanic skills like metal cutting, machine tooling, hydraulics, pneumatics, and belt power. In addition to addressing specific equipment like pumps and rigging, the program also teaches the basics of welding, pipefitting, and industrial maintenance.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 112

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Millwright, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Millwright

Electrical Maintenance Technician Training

The Electrical Maintenance program provides employees with training on the skills needed by an an electrical maintenance technician. From the beginning, workers learn the basics in math, safety, tools and print reading. The program then progresses into maintenance topics and core electrical topics such as AC/DC circuits, VOMs, and electrical equipment and tools. Trainees will complete the electrical maintenance training with knowledge on advanced technology topics relevant to electrical repair, including computer networks, sensors, PLCs, and more.

Penn Foster can also provide the latest National Electric Code book to help students prepare for the license exam (at cost).

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 128

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Electrical Maintenance Technician

Building Trades

Plumber Training

This program teaches trainees with no prior knowledge of the occupation the critical skills needed by a plumber. Beginning with basic math and measurement, the plumber training program covers tools and maintenance concepts as well as the in-depth topics of pipefitting, mechanics, and joining, assembling, and installing pipes. The program rounds out with welding and HVAC basics - core skills to becoming a well-rounded plumber. Upon completion of the program, learners will have acquired the skilled to prepare them to take the National Standard Plumbing Code exam.

Penn Foster can also provide the National Standard Plumbing Code book to help students prepare for the exam (at cost).

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 100

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Plumber

Pipefitter Training

The Pipefitter training program is designed to provide workers with the skills needed by an entry-level pipefitter. Beginning with basic math and safety, the program then dives into the basics of electricity, mechanics, print reading and tools. In addition, the training focuses on pipefitting and pipe-related concepts while also teaching several different welding techniques commonly used by pipefitters.

Penn Foster can also provide the National Standard Plumbing Code book to help students prepare for the exam (at cost).

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 100

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Pipefitter, Steamfitter, Welder Fitter, Pipe Welder, Sprinkler Fitter

HVAC Technician Training

The HVAC Technician training program covers the basics of HVAC systems and concepts, laying out the foundational skills needed by a professional HVAC worker. The program begins by teaching basic math, safety, and the commonly used tools in the HVAC trade before diving into maintenance, prints, and GD&T concepts. In addition, workers will study HVAC-specific topics like pipes, tanks, pumps, air-conditioning systems, electric heating, and gas appliances.

This HVAC tech training does not include any content on specific modern HVAC-R systems, as these tend to be site-specific and varied.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 70

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: HVAC Technician, HVAC Installer, HVAC Repairman, HVAC Service Technician, HVAC-R Technician

Engineering & Advanced Programs

Electrical Engineering Technology

The Electrical Engineering Technology program is a full two-year program designed to teach workers key electrical engineering skills. Beginning with basic math, algebra, and logarithms, the program then moves into teaching core electrical and magnetism concepts, both theoretical and practical. These initial topics include currents, transformers, batteries, and alternators before moving into advanced topics like PLCs, electronic systems, and semiconductors. In the electrical engineering training program, students will also gain knowledge on different types of circuits and logic devices, motor control and mechanics, and a variety of specific control-related topics. Lastly, they will complete the program with an understanding of how to troubleshoot electrical systems and devices.

Penn Foster can also provide the latest National Electric Code book to help students prepare for the license exam (at cost).

This program can be taken at any point along the academic journey (minimum 8th grade completion.)

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 240

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineering Technology

The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is a full two-year program designed to teach workers key mechanical engineering skills. Beginning with basic math, algebra, and trigonometry, the program then moves into teaching the different types of engineering and fluid mechanics. Additionally, the program focuses on safety topics, fluid and hydraulic power topics, and industrial components such as compressors and pumps. In the final section of the mechanical engineering training, students learn how to maintain these systems, read their instruments, and handle process control. The program also offers several topics for those seeking to move into a supervisory role, like time study and effective writing.

This program can be taken at any point along the academic journey (minimum 8th grade completion.)

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 134

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Mechanical Engineer

Industrial Engineering Technology

The Industrial Engineering Technology program is a full two-year program designed to teach workers key industrial engineering skills. Beginning with basic math, algebra, and safety instruction, the program then moves into extensive mechanics topics, supervisory topics such as operation analysis and report writing, and key electrical concepts. Additional subjects covered include troubleshooting topics, control systems, microprocessors, fluid and hydraulic power topics, and industrial components such as compressors and pumps. Upon completion of the industrial engineering training, students will have a well-rounded background in electrical, maintenance, and other industrial topics.

This program can be taken at any point along the academic journey (minimum 8th grade completion.)

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 180

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Industrial Engineer

Chemical Engineering Technology

The Chemical Engineering Technology program is a full two-year program designed to teach employees key chemical engineering skills. Beginning with basic math, algebra, and geometry, the program moves into core chemical engineering training on organic and inorganic chemistry, chemical topics, heat topics, thermodynamics and metallurgy. The program also includes training on quantitative and qualitative analysis as well as chemical engineering-specific topics such as distillation and solvent extraction. Lastly, students finish the program focused on supervisory topics including writing, time study, data logging and the economy.

This program can be taken at any point along the academic journey (minimum 8th grade completion.)

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 163

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Chemical Engineer

Civil Engineering Technology

The Civil Engineering program is a full two-year program designed to train workers key civil engineering skills. Beginning with basic math, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, the program moves into core civil engineering topics such as surveying, drawing, mapping, and photogrammetry. Additional topics taught include highways and cement and the basics of heat, electricity, streel and building construction. Lastly, students are taught civil engineering courses on water purification, sewerage, and more.

This program can be taken at any point along the academic journey (minimum 8th grade completion.)

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 153

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Civil Engineer

Drafting and Design

The Drafting and Design program teaches trainees the key skills needed as a draftsman. Beginning with the fundamentals of math, measurement, prints, physics, and mechanics, the program then moves into advanced lessons on geometrical, projection, and elementary and advanced drawing. This program covers the core drafting topics needed before progressing to computer design; however, it does briefly introduce CAD training (Computer-Aided Drafting and Design).

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 48

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Draftsman, CAD Designer, CAD Operator, Drafter

Maintenance Supervisor Training

The Maintenance Supervisor Training program covers the key concepts and skills needed by HVAC supervisors, field supervisors, construction foremen, and maintenance supervisors. The program begins by covering essential skills such as communication & leadership, personnel & performance management, conflict resolution, problem solving, and team building. Trainees also learn how to read technical & electrical drawings, use a multimeter, and apply preventive & predictive maintenance.

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 17

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Construction Foreman, HVAC Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Manager, Shift Supervisor, Field Supervisor

Production Supervisor Training

The Production Supervisor Training program covers the key concepts and skills needed by a supervisor in an industrial or manufacturing environment. The program begins by reviewing essential supervisory skills such as communication & leadership, personnel & performance management, conflict resolution, problem solving, and team building. Trainees also learn OSHA administration, shift start-up and handoff preparation, production schedule execution, and best practices in lean manufacturing.

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 17

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Manager, Operations Manager

Warehouse Supervisor Training

The Warehouse Supervisor Training program covers the key concepts and skills needed by a warehouse supervisor. The program begins by teaching essential supervisory skills such as communication & leadership, personnel & performance management, conflict resolution, problem solving, and team building. Trainees also learn the basics of the Kanban system, how to use MRP systems, preparation of shipping documents, and best practices for handling inbound deliveries.

Program Details

Difficulty: Advanced

Modules: 17

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Warehouse Supervisor, Warehouse Manager, Distribution Manager, Storage Manager, Logistics Manager

Electrical

Electrical Maintenance Technician Training

The Electrical Maintenance program provides employees with training on the skills needed by an an electrical maintenance technician. From the beginning, workers learn the basics in math, safety, tools and print reading. The program then progresses into maintenance topics and core electrical topics such as AC/DC circuits, VOMs, and electrical equipment and tools. Trainees will complete the electrical maintenance training with knowledge on advanced technology topics relevant to electrical repair, including computer networks, sensors, PLCs, and more.

Penn Foster can also provide the latest National Electric Code book to help students prepare for the license exam (at cost).

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 128

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Electrical Maintenance Technician

Electric & Telecom Lineman Training

The Electrical & Telecom Lineman training program is designed for those working on electrical wires or telecom lines. In addition to basic math, algebra, and trigonometry, the program teaches core electrical concepts before moving into specialized topics such as rigging, transformers, substations, distribution, transmission, and specific line-relevant tools.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 92

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Lineman, Wireman, Field Service Technician

Basic Electrical Training

The Basic Electrical Training program teaches students the fundamentals of working with electricity. The program introduces commonly used tools, AC/DC principles, motors, and electrical safety as well as basic troubleshooting, VOMs, and oscilloscopes. This program is highly recommended for those seeking to understand electricity at a foundational level.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 27

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: All Electrical Trades

Electrician Training

The Electrician Training program teaches the entire scope of electrician skills. The program begins with an introduction to electrical equipment, circuit breakers, and lamps, including batteries, motors, plugs and fuses as well. It dives into specific topics such as controls for heating and air conditioning as well as key advanced concepts like troubleshooting, control systems, sensors and PLCs.

Penn Foster can also provide the latest National Electric Code book to help students prepare for the license exam (at cost).

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 60

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Residential Electrician

Electronics Maintenance Training

The Electronics Maintenance training program is intended for those with prior experience in electrical maintenance and are seeking a more advanced program. This program jumps directly into electronic systems and semiconductors, covering advanced topics such as robots, motors, and microprocessors. Trainees will also be taught specific skills relevant to troubleshooting, various control systems, and controllers.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 122

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Electronics Maintenance Technician

Electric Maintenance Skills

The Electric Maintenance Skills program provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the skills needed to work as an electrical and instrumentation technician. Combining the subject matter of both the electrical maintenance and electronics maintenance programs, this program package teaches workers the full skillset offered by each program individually.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 250

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Electrical & instrumentation Technician

Solar Installation Skills

The Solar Installation Skills program is designed to teach Photovoltaic and Thermal Installation skills to your employees who have experience working in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing, Carpentry, or General Construction-related industries. This program provides the knowledge, skills, and best practices needed to install, troubleshoot, and repair solar photovoltaic and thermal systems on residential and small commercial buildings.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 14

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Solar installer, Solar technician, Electrician, HVACR, Plumber, Carpenters, Roofers and General Construction

Manufacturing

Welder Training

The Welder training program provides trainees with the comprehensive knowledge needed by a welder, beginning with the fundamental industrial math before moving into drawing and schematics, electricity, tools, and welding equipment and techniques. This welding training program is a highly robust offering, teaching the full suite of components of welding to develop a more well-rounded welder.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 105

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Welder, Cutter, Solderer, Brazer

Welder Helper Training

The Welder Helper program provides users with the core components of learning to weld. After providing learners with basic industrial math skills, the program teaches the tools and techniques needed for arc welding, SMAW, and gas welding. This program is intended for both those seeking to learn targeted welding skills as well as those with prior welding background who are looking to gain a more formal knowledge of welding.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 51

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Welder Helper, Fitter

Machinist Training

The Machinist training program provides learners with an understanding for machine types, their operation, and the underlying concepts behind machining. The program covers basics in safety, industrial math, measuring, print reading, metal types, and machining processes before moving into mills, lathes, turret lathes, grinding and more. The program is ideal for those looking to acquire the skills needed to become a machinist. CNC machinist training is taught separately.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 77

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Machinist, Machine Setter, Set-up Machinist, Press Break Operator

Machinist Helper Training

The Machinist Helper Training program teaches the principles of machining, including an introduction to bench work, prints, dimensioning, measuring instruments, and tools. The program is recommended for entry-level workers who do not operate machines, but are responsible for setting up the machine shop, staying safe in the environment, and understanding the tools, processes, and materials behind their work.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 51

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Machinist Helper, Machine Operator, Lathe Operator, Mill Operator, Press Operator

Production Worker Training

This program teaches the fundamentals needed to work in a production environment as well as an overview of key manufacturing concepts to prepare learners for entry-level manufacturing roles. This training for production workers teaches basic math, GD&T, safety and measurement skills as well as a high-level knowledge of currents, heat, maintenance, control systems and control instruments.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 50

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Production Operator, Production Worker, Laborer

Tool & Die Maker Training

The Tool & Die Maker training program teaches the essentials of machining as well as the specific skills needed by a Tool & Die Maker. Initial topics include metals, industrial math, safety, milling, lathing, and grinding before moving into the advanced topics of toolmaking, heat treatment, jogs, dies, and fixtures.

Program Details

Difficulty: Intermediate

Modules: 113

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Tool & Die Maker, Die Maker, Jig & Fixture Repairer, Tool & Die Machinist, Tool Repairer

Quality Control

The Quality Control training program covers the basics of quality control in a manufacturing environment, including print reading, operation analysis, quality terminology and an overview of quality control in manufacturing. This program is intended for entry-level workers to acquire the skills needed by a quality control technician.

Program Details

Difficulty: Beginner

Modules: 30

Skills are applicable to the following occupations: Quality Assurance Technician, Quality Control Analyst, Quality Control Technician

New Interactive Learning Aids

Delivered on our online platform, Penn Foster's configurable training programs include wraparound learner support and new supplemental interactive elements. These resources provide visual and engaging real-world scenarios to help working learners become more job-ready by improving their knowledge and skill retention.

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