Giving career-oriented students the opportunity to earn college credit for hands-on training with various companies throughout the state.
What is Occupational Skills Training?
Occupational Skills Training (OST) is an effective, economical program that can help you prepare for successful employment. Setting realistic goals and learning new skills can go a long way toward building a bright future, especially for people who are out of work due to job displacement, injury, disability or other circumstances.
A variety of occupational areas may be appropriate for the OST program. Related classroom instruction may be included in the program if deemed part of the approved training plan.
Benefits of Occupational Skills Training
Gain work experience and references
Training targets skills needed for employment in nearly every industry
Learn job skills on a work site rather than in a classroom setting
Flexible and individualized approach to training
Earn college credits and achieve a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing program requirements
Enhance the value of your college certificate or degree (associates, bachelors or masters) by adding experience to your resume
Training available to students statewide
Open entry program - start any time of the year
Program Objectives
Demonstrate specific work habits required for employment
Perform job skills based on industry standards of the chosen occupation
Get Started
Attend a Zoom info session available most Tuesdays at 10am: Email OST to receive the Zoom invitation link. Phone-in participation is also available. Or call 503.399.7398 for details.
Tuition and fees apply - OST is a credit-based program that can be full or part time. Credits per term are based on the total number of contact hours at the training site.
Certain career goals may require additional charges to cover the cost of required materials, certifications or background checks.
Will I get to meet the training site supervisor in an interview before making a decision?
Yes, students and potential training site supervisors meet for an interview to ensure that both agree this is a good fit before a commitment is made.
Will I need to complete a Criminal Background Check or Drug Testing?
OST does not require background checks or drug testing, however, many training sites do. For some jobs, screening is required by federal or state law. The current emphasis on security and safety has dramatically increased the number of employment background checks conducted. You might want to familiarize yourself with how your future employers use these procedures when you are selecting a career goal.
Your work-site training can create skilled, employable workers in your industry and help participating student reach their potential.
What Is Occupational Skills Training?
OST is an effective, economical, work-based training program that prepares individuals for successful employment
With a curriculum designed for a career appropriate to their skills, abilities and interests, students learn employable skills at a work-site from the experts in the field
Participants will earn college credit and may achieve a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing program requirements
A non-paid OST intern can mean–
A student who can apply skills learned to assist in the workplace
A student fully covered by Workers Comp. Insurance through Chemeketa Community College
A well-trained potential employee for your company if you choose to hire them upon completion of the program
Satisfaction of helping a student achieve their goals
Expectations of an Occupational Skills Training Site
Provide input in development of individualized training objectives
Provide quality instruction, feedback and supervision
Participate in training evaluations including completion of monthly progress reports and quarterly on-site evaluations
Chemeketa’s OST program provides individuals the opportunity to earn employable skills through hands-on experience on a work site. Students learn under the instruction of a qualified site supervisor and are monitored by a Chemeketa faculty coordinator.
About the Program
Individualized training according to students needs and industry standards
Open-enrollment (open entry) – start training any time of the year
Grades are given each term based on attendance, progress reports and evaluation of objectives
Students are covered by Chemeketa’s workers compensation
Employers are not obligated to hire their student but many do so
Student may earn a Certificate of Completion by meeting program requirements
If you think you have a prospective OST student, email us or call 503.399.7398 to discuss options.
Case managers can call for an individual appointment.