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
- Principles of Occupational Safety & Health
Online Programs
Available Courses
ONLINE ONLY
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.
* After registration, you will receive an email with your payment receipt, that email will include directions on accessing your course.
**Additional requirements to an H endorsement (background check, fingerprinting, etc.) are not provided by IWCC**
Co Bluffs Campus Wed May 28, Mon Jun 2 & Wed Jun 4 9am to 1145am
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.
10:00 AM – 11:40 AM T,TH Dodge Hall Room 1304
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration is designed to introduce the theories of mechanical refrigeration/heating systems. Application to vehicle climate control and trailer refrigeration/heating and system service procedures are covered.
23rd Ave Business Center Saturdays 8am to 12pm
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.
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.
This class will be held on Th. June 12, 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.
Co Bluffs Campus Mon/Wed 9am to 11am
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 fun hands-on IWCC Continuing Education course, led by Welding Instructor, Casey King, offers a comprehensive approach to creating your own metal art. The course will cover MIG and STICK welding, metalworking, and fabrication techniques under, with an emphasis on safety, material prep and material selection. MIG Welding is sometimes described as the “hot glue gun” of steel.
Clarinda Welding Center
June 30th, 2025 1-5pm
This course provides in-depth training on servicing and maintaining Carrier-brand residential and light commercial air conditioning (AC) and heat pump (HP) systems. Designed for HVAC technicians and professionals, this course emphasizes practical, hands-on instruction combined with essential theoretical knowledge to enhance diagnostic, troubleshooting, and repair skills specific to Carrier equipment. Participants will gain proficiency in interpreting Carrier service literature, wiring schematics, and control logic while learning best practices for system commissioning, airflow verification, refrigerant charging, and performance testing.
July 10th, 2025 8am-12pm
This comprehensive course provides HVAC professionals with the essential knowledge and hands-on experience needed to effectively service and maintain Carrier ductless mini-split systems. Participants will explore Carrier’s inverter-driven technology, control strategies, and communication protocols, along with common fault codes and real-world service scenarios. Ideal for installers, service techs, and HVAC professionals seeking to expand their skills in ductless technology.
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.
Kinney Hall 4pm-7pm
Introductory course that provides a basic electricity background covering 3-phase power distribution and circuits related to the operations of motors, generators, and transformers in an industrial setting Students also examine Ohm's Law and how it is applied to series, parallel and series-parallel circuits using resistors, capacitors and inductors. Three hours of this class will be dedicated to developing soft skills.
4:00 pm – 7:00 PM Kinney Hall
This course will introduce the student to the design of tools, machining tooling, jigs and fixtures and other work holding devices. Students will be required to create work industrial drawings for various work holding devices and fixtures for a myriad of metal removal applications. This will require students to research, analyze and select the most equitable
Monday, August 11, thru Friday August 15, 9am-5pm – Council Bluffs Campus
Iowa Western Community College hosts iFixAmerica with an intensive five-day boot camp providing comprehensive training in mobile device repair designed for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those aiming to enter the workforce as skilled technicians. Participants will gain practical skills and certifications through a structured curriculum focused on foundational knowledge, safety practices, diagnostics, and advanced repair techniques.
Participants will receive a mobile device repair kit that includes drivers, tweezers, gloves, protective glasses, and other tools necessary for the training. WISE Level I and II certifications are awarded upon passing the respective exams, officially recognizing them as qualified mobile device repair technicians.
Electrical for HVAC teaches students basic electrical safety, electrical theory, circuit schematics, and circuit characteristics/symbols as it applies to DC and AC circuits in the HVAC/R industry. Electric motor theories of HVAC/R and electrical component devices are covered.
Plan and Print Reading for Plumbing provides instruction in plan and print reading for plumbing system installations. Combines plan and print reading assignments together with drawing assignments.
Residential Plumbing Lab teaches the various types of pipe and fittings used in residential plumbing systems. Students have hands-on experience in the installation of residential plumbing. Students learn how to install fixtures, faucets, and appliances.
In this class, Forced Air Heating Systems, students learn the application of energy sources and equipment as they apply it to heating, ventilation, air humidification and filtration systems.
Principles of Building Construction introduce the building construction process. The course emphasizes construction safety issues and building code requirements; characteristics, use, and selection of building materials; and selection, care, and use of hand and power tools.
Online Technical Math course includes operations with real numbers, use of fractions, ratios, measurement conversion, algebraic equations, functions, geometry, and right angle trigonometry. Applications are designed to the program specific needs that students encounter in industrial settings.
Applied Practices I: Repair and Service provides hands-on practice in servicing and repair of heating and cooling equipment. Students develop a basic understanding of servicing and repair practices as seen in the industry.
Building Construction Techniques introduce students to the methods and materials used in the construction industry. The course covers construction efficiency, as well as the delivery, handling, and installation of building materials. Other construction products, systems, procedures, and tools of the trade are also discussed.
Plumbing Troubleshooting introduces the basic troubleshooting skills to repair drains, waste and vent systems, water supplies, and natural gas lines. Scenarios are provided to enable students to diagnose the issue and repair the system. Students are exposed to various methods of troubleshooting on a variety of plumbing systems.
Construction Safety provides students with the requirements and expectations of safety in the construction industry. Students learn the elements of an occupational safety program, safe working environment, personnel protection and welfare, occupational health hazards, safety laws and legal aspects of safety. Students receive an OSHA certification upon successful completion of this safety course.
This two-day class will be on Friday, August 22, 2025, 2-6 PM & Saturday, August 23, 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.
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.
23rd Ave Business Center Mon/Wed 6pm – 9pm
In this course, students will enhance their skills by utilizing a combination of GMAW/MIG and SMAW/Stick Welding techniques to complete multiple projects in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. As the class progresses, students will explore a variety of electrode types and sizes, gaining the knowledge to adjust settings for each specific application and position.
The course includes a brief introduction to FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding), focusing on its relevance to structural and outdoor welding applications. By the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to attempt AWS certifications, showcasing their proficiency and readiness for professional applications.
This hands-on course is ideal for those looking to advance their welding skills and explore new techniques essential for structural and industrial welding work.
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.
This two-day class will be on Friday, September 19, 2025, 2-6 PM & Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9 AM – 4 PM at Atlantic Cass County Center. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.