Trades & Manufacturing
Explore new horizons in your career with Iowa Western’s Continuing Education classes in Trades & Manufacturing.
Some of the classes at Iowa Western Continuing Education include:
Available Courses
Fee $100 You need a current CDL to enroll in the course.
Individuals who wish to add a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H) onto their current CDL license will need to complete this course before you are permitted to take their knowledge test for hazardous materials. Upon completion of this course the results will be submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
This course is 100% online and can be taken any place, anytime.
**Additional requirements to an H endorsement (background check, fingerprinting, etc.) are not provided by IWCC**
Mon & Wed 10am – 12pm Co Bluffs Campus
Anyone interested in learning how to fly and utilize drones safely and effectively for their work and personal uses.
1. Familiarize and discuss an UAS unit, its software and how to navigate and properly maintain their systems.
2.Analyze information and determine best uses and safety practices regarding UAS flight operations.
3. Conduct flight training to improve maneuvering, target recognition, data collection, best positioning and pilot/UAS
capabilities.
Feb 17 – 19 Tues/Thurs 6pm – 9pm
Starrett, Snap-on and NC3 combined their industrial experience and expertise to create a certification that includes hands-on training on instruments that are vital to engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, power generation, and natural resources, to name a few. Those who earn this certification will be proficient in the use of a variety of instruments ranging from tapes and rules to calipers and micrometers.
Feb 24 – 26 Tues/Thurs 6pm – 9pm
Starrett, Snap-on and NC3 combined their industrial experience and expertise to create a certification that includes hands-on training on instruments that are vital to engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, power generation, and natural resources, to name a few. Those who earn this certification will be proficient in the use of a variety of instruments ranging from tapes and rules to calipers and micrometers.
Mon & Wed 10am – 12pm Co Bluffs Campus
The key focus in the Advanced Pilot 2 Training covers a wide range of topics and skills, depending on the pilots’ area of specialization. Pilots will learn advanced flight maneuvers such as hovering, obstacle avoidance, and aerobatics. These skills are essential for capturing cinematic shots, conducting inspections, and navigating complex environments. Equipment and maintenance will also be included in this course.
Mar 3 – 5 Tues/Thurs 6pm – 9pm
Starrett, Snap-on and NC3 combined their industrial experience and expertise to create a certification that includes hands-on training on instruments that are vital to engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, power generation, and natural resources, to name a few. Those who earn this certification will be proficient in the use of a variety of instruments ranging from tapes and rules to calipers and micrometers.
This Class will be held Tu. & Th. 3/3/26,3/5/26,3/10/26,3/12/26 from 4:30-6:30 PM at Council Bluffs Campus, Dodge Hall.
Power up your repair skills! Take control and learn how to fix your lawnmower, trimmer, gas golf carts, and other small engine equipment in this hands-on class. Save time and money by mastering essential repair and preventative maintenance techniques. With a combination of classroom instruction and practical shop work, you’ll gain the confidence to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair your small engine equipment, all while avoiding costly repairs and replacements.
March 4-April 1, 2026 6:00pm – 8:00pm Clarinda Campus Wednesdays
This 40-hour certification program equips county correctional officers with essential skills in communication, de-escalation, problem-solving, mental health awareness, and report writing. Through interactive workshops, role-play, and discussion, participants will explore DISC profiles, conflict resolution, crisis response, and documentation best practices. Includes hands-on activities and practical assessments. Certification awarded upon completion
Mar 10 – 12 Tues/Thurs 6pm – 9pm
Starrett, Snap-on and NC3 combined their industrial experience and expertise to create a certification that includes hands-on training on instruments that are vital to engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, power generation, and natural resources, to name a few. Those who earn this certification will be proficient in the use of a variety of instruments ranging from tapes and rules to calipers and micrometers.
Co Bluffs Campus Mon & Wed 10am -12pm
This industry-recognized study course prepares students to successfully pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of federal regulations governing small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under 14 CFR Part 107, which applies to drones weighing less than 55 pounds.
The course covers airspace classification, weather, flight operations, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements for commercial, educational, recreational, and public safety drone use. This course is ideal for individuals seeking FAA certification to legally operate drones for work or business purposes.
Co Bluffs Campus, Mon & Wed, 430pm – 630pm
This industry-recognized study course prepares students to successfully pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of federal regulations governing small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under 14 CFR Part 107, which applies to drones weighing less than 55 pounds.
The course covers airspace classification, weather, flight operations, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements for commercial, educational, recreational, and public safety drone use. This course is ideal for individuals seeking FAA certification to legally operate drones for work or business purposes.
Co Bluffs Campus, Mon & Wed,10am -12pm This comprehensive, hands-on training combines foundational and advanced drone piloting skills into one complete learning experience. Designed for individuals interested in using drones safely and effectively for professional or personal purposes, the course builds confidence from basic operation through advanced flight techniques.
Students will learn how to properly operate, maintain, and navigate UAS equipment and software while applying best practices for safety and compliance. Flight training focuses on maneuvering, positioning, target recognition, and data collection, followed by advanced skills such as hovering, obstacle avoidance, complex environment navigation, and specialized flight techniques.
The course also covers equipment selection, maintenance, and operational considerations for a variety of real-world applications, including inspections, imaging, mapping, and public safety missions.
Co Bluffs Campus, Mon & Wed, 430pm – 630pm
This comprehensive, hands-on training combines foundational and advanced drone piloting skills into one complete learning experience. Designed for individuals interested in using drones safely and effectively for professional or personal purposes, the course builds confidence from basic operation through advanced flight techniques.
Students will learn how to properly operate, maintain, and navigate UAS equipment and software while applying best practices for safety and compliance. Flight training focuses on maneuvering, positioning, target recognition, and data collection, followed by advanced skills such as hovering, obstacle avoidance, complex environment navigation, and specialized flight techniques. The course also covers equipment selection, maintenance, and operational considerations for a variety of real-world appl
Mar 17 – 19 Tues/Thurs 6pm – 9pm
NC3 Hand Tool ID, Safety and Usage Certification Proper use of hand tools starts with identification. Snap-on and NC3 combined their industrial experience and expertise to create a certification that includes hands-on training with the hand tools that are vital to transportation, engineering, manufacturing, aviation, power generation, and natural resources, and many more. Those who earn this certification will be proficient in the safe use of a variety of hand tools.
March 24 – 26 Tues/Thurs 6pm – 9pm
The NC3 Snap-on Multimeter Certification is awarded to students who have been trained in the use of Snap-on advanced electrical monitoring equipment. The knowledge and experience gained in this critical discipline are TOOLS FOR LIFE essential to a successful career in critical industries such as automotive repair, transportation, wind power, manufacturing, HVAC, and robotics. This certification includes training on the problem-solving capabilities of Snap-on
digital multimeters — the same technology used by professionals in the workplace. Training is focused on subjects from basic applications to advanced
troubleshooting. This certification provides a widely recognized endorsement of technical expertise and demonstrated achievement. When students successfully complete this Snap-on certification, they obtain one of the most requested skills in the industry today.
This Iowa Basic Refresher course is designed for individuals who have previously completed the NPGA/PERC Basic Principles & Practices course or other initial propane training. It provides renewal training for those holding this certification and fulfills refresher training requirements for Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri.
Course Format
• Lecture & Training Videos
• Written exam
• Hands-on skills assessment
Materials (not required)
• NFPA 58 and NFPA 54 (participants may bring their own or purchase copies) go to nfpa.org
This refresher session is designed for propane company employees who inspect and fill DOT propane cylinders and small tanks. The course reviews proper procedures to promote the safe filling, handling, and transportation of small propane containers.
Individuals seeking to requalify cylinders should enroll in the IWCC Cylinder Refresher course.
Course Format
• Lecture & Training Videos
• Written exam
• Hands-on skills assessment
Materials (not required)
• NFPA 58 (participants may bring their own or purchase one) go to nfpa.org
Apr 27-May 20, 2026- Mon & Weds 5pm – 9pm 23rd Ave Welding Center
TIG welding is a precision, high-quality welding technique that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode. The term “TIG” (tungsten inert gas) references the non-reactive gas (usually argon) employed to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination.
Examples of TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding applications include:
1. Automotive Industry: TIG welding is used to assemble exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and engine components.
2. Aerospace Industry: It is employed on aircraft components like engine parts, aluminum and titanium structural members, and fuel lines.
3. Fabrication Industry: For various fabrication projects, TIG welding is used to join non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and others.
May 19-Aug 27, 2026 Tues/Thurs 6:00p – 9:00p. Iowa Western Community College 2120 23rd Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Students will perform welds utilizing a combination of GMAW/MIG & SMAW (STICK welding) on multiple projects in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. As the class progresses, students will be introduced to several different electrodes as well as electrode sizes. With new electrodes/sizes, students will gain the knowledge of how to adjust settings for each, as well as for what position. Students will have the opportunity to attempt AWS certifications at the end of this course. Students will be briefly introduced to FCAW during this course.
This class will be held on Th. June 11, 2026 9AM-3:30 PM at Kinney Hall. This forklift training course provides hands-on instruction and practical knowledge to safely operate and maintain forklifts in various workplace environments. Participants will learn essential skills such as maneuvering, load handling, and adherence to safety regulations to ensure efficient and accident-free operations.
Refunds: You may cancel your registration 5 business days prior to the start of the class date and receive a 100% refund excluding the $50 non-refundable processing fee. If contacting outside Iowa Western Community College’s Continuing Education Department business hours, leave a voicemail and or send the department an email. Iowa Western’s Continuing Education is not responsible for refunds if contact is not pursued via voicemail and or email. In compliance with the IWCC policy, refunds will only be produced in the form of a check. A check will be issued within 14 business days after the refund is admitted to the customer. Refund will be sent to the customer’s address that is on file. Certain program restrictions may apply. Contact Continuing Education for more details at ce@iwcc.edu.
Cancellations: Iowa Western reserves the right to cancel any class where difficulties arise in staffing or scheduling or where a minimum enrollment is not achieved. A full refund will be issued for all canceled classes.
Transfers/Withdrawals: Transfers may be subject to $25.00 transfer fee. Non-attendance for a class does not constitute a withdrawal and refunds are not issued for non-attendance. Transfers may be made up to two full business days (unless otherwise noted in the class information) prior to the start date of the class. After that time, transfers will not be permitted and no refund will be issued.


