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
- EPA Program
- NC3 Industry Certification
- Pesticide/State Disciplines Testing
- Welding
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.
**Additional requirements to an H endorsement (background check, fingerprinting, etc.) are not provided by IWCC**
Mon & Wed 10am -12pm Co Bluffs Campus Kinney Hall 153
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.
Mon & Wed 10am -12pm Co Bluffs Campus Kinney Hall 153
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.
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 Kinney Hall 153
This comprehensive, hands-on training combines foundational & advanced drone piloting skills into one complete learning experience. Designed for individuals interested in using drones safely & effectively for professional or personal purposes, the course builds confidence from basic operation to advanced flight techniques.
Students will learn how to properly operate, maintain, & navigate UAS equipment & software while applying best practices for safety & compliance. Flight training focuses on maneuvering, positioning, target recognition, & data collection, followed by advanced skills such as hovering, obstacle avoidance, complex environment navigation, & specialized flight techniques.
The course covers equipment selection, maintenance, & operational considerations for a variety of real-world applications, including inspections, imaging, mapping, & public safety missions.
Mon & Wed 10am -12pm Co Bluffs Campus Kinney Hall 153
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.
This class is held every Monday thru Thursday, 8:00am – 12:00pm Starting Monday, January 25, and ending Thursday, April 8, 2027 – Located at the 23rd Ave Business & Community Training Center
Launch or advance your welding career with this comprehensive, stackable certificate program designed to take you from the fundamentals all the way through advanced TIG welding. Covering four progressive levels, this program builds the skills and certifications employers are looking for — all in one structured daytime pathway.
You'll cover intro to MIG (GMAW) welding basics and safety, NC3 Safety Certification, Welding Foundations & Techniques with AWS Certification Prep, and Advanced Welding: TIG (GTAW). AWS certification testing is hosted on-site and included in your registration fee.
Jan 25 – Mar 25 Monday–Thursday 8am – 1pm
This comprehensive program includes all Level 1 & 2 topics and expands into land surveying, grade control, construction drawings, excavation math, and operation of additional equipment. Students will train on skid steers, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, backhoes, and motor graders. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised field practice on actual equipment.
The program includes two full weeks—or 80 hours—of supervised field training focused on realistic construction projects and operator proficiency.
Jan 25 – Feb 25 Monday–Thursday, 8am – 1pm (5 Weeks)
Iowa Western’s Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 course prepares students for entry-level employment in construction, excavation, landscaping, utilities, agriculture, and related industries. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised practice on actual equipment.
Training emphasizes job-site safety, equipment inspections, soil identification, basic earthmoving principles, and safe operation of skid steers, excavators, and wheel loaders.
Mon & Wed 10am -12pm Co. Bluffs Campus Kinney Hall 153
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.
Mon & Wed 10am -12pm Co Bluffs Campus Kinney Hall 149
This comprehensive, hands-on training combines foundational & advanced drone piloting skills into one complete learning experience. Designed for individuals interested in using drones safely & 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, & navigate UAS equipment & software while applying best practices for safety & compliance. Flight training focuses on maneuvering, positioning, target recognition, & data collection, followed by advanced skills such as hovering, obstacle avoidance, complex environment navigation, & specialized flight techniques.
The course also covers equipment selection, maintenance, & operational considerations for real-world applications, including inspections, imaging, mapping, & public safety missions.
Apr 5 – May 6 Monday–Thursday 8am-1pm (5 weeks)
Iowa Western’s Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 course prepares students for entry-level employment in construction, excavation, landscaping, utilities, agriculture, and related industries. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised practice on actual equipment.
Training emphasizes jobsite safety, equipment inspections, soil identification, basic earthmoving principles, and safe operation of skid steers, excavators, and wheel loaders.
Co Bluffs Campus Tues/Thurs 4:30-6:30PM
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.
Co Bluffs Campus Tues/Thurs 4:30-6:30PM
Prerequisite: Completion of Small Engines Part 1
Ready to take your small engine repair skills to the next level? Build on the basics from Small Engines Part 1 with more hands-on shop work and practice diagnosing common engine problems. Learn how to identify why equipment won’t start, runs poorly, or loses power while exploring fuel systems, carburetors, ignition systems, and engine compression. With instructor guidance, you’ll practice repairs, adjust, and test equipment to evaluate your work. Gain the confidence to tackle more challenging projects and keep your lawnmowers, snow blowers, gas-powered golf carts, 4 wheelers and other small engine equipment running strong.
May 10 – June 3 Monday–Thursday 8am-1pm (4 weeks))
Level 2 is the bridge for Level 1 graduates
This comprehensive program includes all Level 2 topics and expands into land surveying, grade control, construction drawings, excavation math, and operation of additional equipment. Students will train on skid steers, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, backhoes, and motor graders. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised field practice on actual equipment.
The program includes two full weeks (combination of Level 1 & 2)—or 80 hours—of supervised field training focused on realistic construction projects and operator proficiency.
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 [email protected].
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.


