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:
- Automotive
- CEAM
- Drone
- Hazmat
- Unlocking LEAN
- Pesticide/State Disciplines Testing
- Welding
- 3D Printing
- OSHA & Industrial Safety
Online Programs
Available Courses
Calling all 6th to 8th grade students! Dive into the exciting world of robotics and engineering with our 6-week series, held every Wednesday night from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at Looft Hall, Class Dates: October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5.
In this hands-on program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of robotics, coding, and problem-solving while working with VEX IQ kits. Collaborate with fellow students, tackle challenges, and unleash your creativity as your design and build your own robots.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this series is perfect for anyone eager to explore the world of STEM!
This program is open to individuals who are current 6th – 8th grade students.
Registration Note: Registrations should be made under the student's name and payment is due at the time of registration.
Location: Cass County Center, Atlantic • Fri. Sept. 19 | 12–6 PM
This beginner-friendly, hands-on class teaches the fundamentals of welding in a supportive environment. Learn from expert instructor Casey King using Iowa Western’s Mobile Welding Truck. Perfect for homeowners, hobbyists, acreage owners, retirees, or anyone curious, the class covers welding safety & practical skills to repair or build items like gates, supports, yard art, trailers, & furniture. Please wear jeans and sturdy shoes. Bring a welding helmet & welding jacket, safety glasses, and leather gloves if you have them; otherwise, these items will be provided.
This class will be held on Fri. September 19, 2025 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.
Mon & Wed 10 am – 12pm Kinney Hall Room 153 Sept 22 – Oct 1
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.
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.
SWITCH Hastings + IWCC Mobile Welding Lab Truck • Sat. 9-27-25 • 10AM–2PM.
This beginner-friendly class celebrates sustainability and artistry, transforming scrap metal into upcycled welded works of art. Learn safe welding practices, basic techniques, and material handling while creating a functional or decorative project that reflects your style. Build confidence in a new skill & discover how welding can turn discarded metal into something meaningful—no prior experience needed. Please wear jeans and appropriate shoes. Bring a welding helmet, welding jacket, safety glasses, and gloves if you have them; otherwise, they’ll be provided. Feel free to bring scrap metal you’d like to use.
Dodge Hall Auto Lab. Join us for a hands-on, one-time evening session in the IWCC Automotive Lab, coordinated with HSAC (The Salvation Army). This free clinic is designed for anyone who wants to build confidence in basic car maintenance—especially new drivers, used-vehicle owners, and anyone looking to save money with preventative care. Learn essential skills to keep your car running smoothly while enjoying a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Fri, Oct 3, 2025, 9:00 AM-3:30PM Clarinda Center (Activities Building Lecture Hall) This forklift training course provides 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. *Oct 3 2025 is National Manufacturing Day! Join us for a special edition of Forklift Safety Training as we celebrate the vital role that safe and skilled forklift operators play in keeping America moving. Participants will enjoy free cookies, swag giveaways, and a full day of hands-on learning. This training is open to all businesses and industries that use forklifts—including manufacturing, warehousing, agriculture, retail, and more!
Location: IWCC Shelby County Center – Harlan. Dates/Times: Friday, Oct. 3, 2–6 PM & Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 AM–4 PM.
The OSHA 10-Hour Construction course, delivered in Spanish, provides an essential introduction to OSHA standards and hazard awareness in the construction industry. Designed for both workers and employers, the training focuses on recognizing, avoiding, and preventing common job site hazards while highlighting key safety areas such as fall protection, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, scaffolding, and hazard communication. Participants will learn how OSHA standards protect workers, promote safe practices, and reduce injuries and fatalities. By the end of the course, they will be able to identify hazards, apply safe work practices, and contribute to a safer workplace. Participants who complete the course will receive an official OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training card.
Mon & Wed 10am – 12pm Oct 6 – Oct 15 Kinney Hall Room 153
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.
This Class will be held Tu. & Th. 10/7/25, 10/9/25, 10/14/25, 10/16/25 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.
Shelby County Center, Harlan • Mon & Weds • 12-4 PM • 10/20/2025-11/12/2025
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.
23rd Ave Business Center Fridays 5:30 – 8:30pm
This fun hands-on IWCC Continuing Education course, led by Welding Instructor, Shay Bertgantzel, offers a comprehensive approach to creating your own metal art. The course will cover MIG and STICK welding, metalworking, and fabrication techniques under Shay’s guidance, with an emphasis on safety, material prep and material selection. MIG Welding is sometimes described as the “hot glue gun” of steel. Our staff has assembled an inspirational scrap pile of shapes and sizes of steel, or bring some of your own, to create creatures, critters and anything you can imagine.
Mon & Wed 10am – 12pm Co Bluffs Campus
Industry-recognized training: Prepare for FAA Part 107 knowledge test.
Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107) is the primary regulation for flying drones weighing less than 55 pounds. Part 107 permits drones to be flown for many reasons, including work or business, recreation, education, or for public safety missions.
Designed to help students get needed skills quickly so they can enter the workforce as entry-level welders. Students will experience a hands-on learning opportunity in GMAW (MIG) welding where safety, general welding knowledge and quality are stressed. You will receive demonstrations and guidance on correct technique and the chance to develop your GMAW (MIG) skills over the course. An overview of blueprint reading and welding symbols, math refresher, and employability skills included!
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.
This two-day class will be on Friday, November 14, 2025, 2-6 PM & Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9 AM – 4 PM at Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall Building. OSHA 10-hour General Industry Certificate Course. Every employer is required to meet minimum federal workplace safety standards. Participants in this course will gain the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to meet OSHA's requirements. This course addresses general industry safety topics, enabling participants to identify, abate, avoid, and prevent job-related hazards. Who would benefit from enrolling in this course: Entry-level workers, safety personnel, instructors, managers, supervisors, and those responsible for OSHA compliance in an industrial setting. All participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour Card and completion certificate upon completing the course.
Clarinda Center • Mon & Weds • 5-8 PM • 11/17/2025-12/10/2025
Discover the basics of Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding in this hands-on course designed for beginners. Whether you’re exploring welding as a potential career or looking to learn a practical new skill, this class provides the foundational knowledge and experience you need to get started. This course is ideal for individuals with no prior welding experience who are interested in learning the basics of MIG welding for personal projects, hobby work, or entry-level career preparation. Equipment: All tools, materials, and PPE provided.
23rd Ave Business Center • Tues, Thurs, Fri • 1-4 PM • Dates:11/18, 11/20, 11/21, 11/25, 12/4, 12/5, 12/11, 12/12
Discover the basics of Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding in this hands-on course designed for beginners. Whether you’re exploring welding as a potential career or looking to learn a practical new skill, this class provides the foundational knowledge and experience you need to get started. This course is ideal for individuals with no prior welding experience who are interested in learning the basics of MIG welding for personal projects, hobby work, or entry-level career preparation. Equipment: All tools, materials, and PPE provided.
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.
Clarinda Center • 2 Night Class-Tues & Thurs, December 2 & 4 • 6-8 PM
Celebrate the season by turning scrap metal into festive welded creations! This beginner-friendly class teaches sustainability and artistry, with hands-on instruction in safe welding practices, basic techniques, and material handling. Create holiday-themed decorations, gifts, or ornaments while learning how to transform discarded metal into something meaningful. Whether you want to make a seasonal yard display, a small sculpture, or a personalized gift, this class helps you build confidence in a new skill and explore your creative side. No prior experience is required. Please wear jeans and sturdy shoes. Bring a welding helmet & jacket, safety glasses, and gloves if you have them; otherwise, these will be provided. Feel free to bring scrap metal to upcycle into your holiday masterpiece.
Mon & Wed 10am – 12pm Co Bluffs Campus
Industry-recognized training: Prepare for FAA Part 107 knowledge test.
Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107) is the primary regulation for flying drones weighing less than 55 pounds. Part 107 permits drones to be flown for many reasons, including work or business, recreation, education, or for public safety missions.
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.
January 26, 2026-February 13, 2026 at the 23rd Business Center
This course is designed to help your employees get the skills needed quickly so they can return to your workforce as entry-level welders. These students will experience a hands-on learning opportunity in the areas of SMAW (stick) and GMAW (MIG) welding where safety, general welding knowledge and quality are stressed. As the class progresses students will be introduced to several different electrodes as well as electrode sizes. Students will have the opportunity to attempt AWS certifications at the end of this course. Students will be briefly introduced to FCAW (Dual Sheild) during this course. At the end of this course students will be introduced to FCAW which ties back to structural welding or anything outdoors.
February 16, 2026- March 6, 2026 at the 23rd Business Center
This course is designed to help your employees get the skills needed quickly so they can return to your workforce as entry-level welders. These students will experience a hands-on learning opportunity in the areas of SMAW (stick) and GMAW (MIG) welding where safety, general welding knowledge and quality are stressed. As the class progresses students will be introduced to several different electrodes as well as electrode sizes. Students will have the opportunity to attempt AWS certifications at the end of this course. Students will be briefly introduced to FCAW (Dual Sheild) during this course. At the end of this course students will be introduced to FCAW which ties back to structural welding or anything outdoors.
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.
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.
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.