Free Core Skills Courses at LBCC

Anti-terrorist security management, supply-chain logistics and hybrid car engine diagnostic sound like subjects for experts outside of LBCC ground, but that was before, now these courses are here and tuition-free.

The Office of Economic and Resource Development, in coordination with organizations such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Southern California Logistics Technology Collaborative and the Manufacturing Skill Standard Council (MSSC), has designed a program to train front-line potential employees with skills in these critical and expanding areas.  Grant awards cover tuition fees, books and supplies for eligible students.  Some parts of the course can be taken online.  Aside from college credits, students receive industry- credentialed certifications recognized nationally.

Alan Vega, 23, an accounting major, said, "As an accounting major, I am very interested in supply-chain logistics.  Had I known about the course last semester, I would have taken it."

Introductory courses started in Spring 2011. The OERD is devising strategies to reach more students

and new schedules are being planned as of this writing.

According to Scott Jacovich, Grant Program Manager, the program aims to develop core skills for workforce development.  "We want to bridge the gap between academic and vocational education," Jacovich said. Supply chain logistics are the processes involved in moving goods from point to point in a timely and most cost effective way. Raw materials, spare parts, finished products pass through this cycle,and companies from Ford to Wal-Mart to FedEx to pharmaceutical companies and spice growers all over the world heavily depend on sophisticated supply chain lifecycles. 

Basic course covers an introduction to supply chain lifecycles such as safe material handling, order processing, quality control and forklift operation and safety.  Advance course includes warehousing, inventory control, Occupational Health and Safety Administration policies, customs processing and transportation mode choices.  Both courses earn certifications from MSSC, a nationwide industry-led training and certification council recognized by the federal National Skill Standards Board.

The Homeland Security Training is a 9-unit, 3-course module which introduces students to the historical, cultural and ideological aspects of terrorism, legislations relating to national security, examination and interpretation of forensic evidence, interagency collaborations, international law enforcement, security management in case of terrorist attacks or man-made disasters, border and transportation security and the social, economic, ethical and strategic issues that challenge the implementation of national security strategy.

There are two grant funded hybrid car engine training courses, the PC-based software diagnostic system for natural gas fueled engines and a 3-day course that provides a comprehensive training for electronic engine technicians. Both courses work on Cummins ISL-G and ISX-G heavy-duty fuel engines.

Interested students can contact the Office of Economic and Resource Development at 562-938-3064 for information on prerequisite, eligibility and class schedule.