Industrial Process Technician

The Industrial Process Technician Certificate of Achievement (16 units) is designed to develop skills for a rewarding career as an Industrial Process Technician. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to demonstrate a general understanding of the equipment in an industrial environment, learn their role that applies to safety, health, and the environment, have a basic understanding of mathematical skills that apply to their daily duties, have the ability to read and comprehend basic blueprints and schematics, and develop an understanding of the proper use of tools used on the job. This program prepares students for careers in petrochemicals and refining, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals and bio-manufacturing, paper and pulp, oil and gas exploration, energy and power generation, water and waste water treatment, chemical and agricultural manufacturing, environmental safety, and brewing and distilling process industries. 

Each course for this certificate must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Projected Annual Completers: 15

The region employed 15,180 workers in process technician occupations in 2018. This occupation is expected to grow by 7% over the next five years. There were 2,401 job postings for the seven occupations in the region. Of the 2,401 job postings, 1,282 listed an education level preferred for the positions being filled. Of those, 77% requested a high school diploma and vocational training. There is an undersupply of 2,285 process technician workers in the region. The median wages exceed the average living range in the region. Based on these findings, it has been recommended that Cerro Coso Community College expand and create the process technician program to address the shortage of process technicians in the region.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Apply important industry concepts and principles to draw conclusions about the roles and responsibilities of a process technician in an industry setting.
• Read and interpret industrial drawings.
• Apply important industry concepts and safe practices to draw conclusions about the roles and responsibilities of a process technician in an environmental setting.
• Solve trade-related word problems using algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Identify tools and their appropriate use.

The Industrial Process Technician Certificate of Achievement (16 units) includes five required courses. Each course for this certificate must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

DRFT C108: Reading Technical Drawings

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in reading and interpreting technical drawings used in an industrial environment. Principles of technical drawing are introduced along with standard symbols and abbreviations found in industrial drawings, schematics, and diagrams. Students produce technical sketches without the use of instruments.

INDE C060: Mathematical Applications for Trades

This course introduces the practical mathematical skills needed in a wide variety of trade and technical areas. Basic use of scientific calculators to aid in solving real-world problems is included as well as how to use measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and meters.

MCTL C107: Tool & Equipment Operations

This course prepares students to identify and properly use a variety of tools and equipment in an industrial environment. Emphasis is placed on safety and the use of the correct tool for a specific task. Students are given hands-on experience with many of the tools and equipment during practical lab exercises and demonstrations.

PTEC C101X: Introduction to Process Technology

This course covers the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and the physical and mental requirements of the process technician. Students are provided with an overview of a typical process plant, identify process equipment, state the purpose of equipment, describe safety, health, and environmental components, and describe the roles, responsibilities, and work environment.

PTEC C110X: Industrial Safety, Health, and Environment

This course develops the knowledge and skills to reinforce the attitudes and behaviors required for safe and environmentally sound work habits. Emphasis is placed on safety, health, and environmental issues in the performance of all job tasks and regulatory compliance issues. Students list components of a typical plant safety and environmental program, describe the role of a process technician in relation to safety, health, and environment, and identify and describe safety, health, and environmental equipment uses.