Fundamentals of Electricity – AC, DC & Multimeters
Decrease production downtime, improve efficiency, and increase output by understanding electricity and how to work with it safely. This course has been specifically developed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to enable them to work safely and effectively with electricity. The lab components of the training offer the learner the opportunity to build, test, and troubleshoot AC/DC circuits and to examine the operating voltages and currents related to proper circuit operation. Learners will use various instruments to make circuit measurements and calculations.
Certifications:
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Electricity – DC
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Electricity – AC
- NC3 / Snap-On – 525 Multimeters
AC/DC
Learn the Skills
- Explain the working principles of an electrical circuit.
- Safely and effectively measure an electrical circuit.
- Identify, sketch, and describe the basic electrical components and devices.
- Build, test, and troubleshoot basic electrical circuits.
- Read basic electrical circuit diagrams.
- Calculate impedance and inductive/capacitive reactance.
- Safely and effectively measure an AC electrical circuit using a DMM.
- Measure AC waveforms using an oscilloscope.
- Determine waveform frequency using an oscilloscope.
Tuition Includes
- Online learning resources
- Lab equipment and supplies
- Credentialing exam
Multimeter
Learn the Skills
- Explain how DMs are commonly used in various technical industries.
- Explain how Insulation Testers are commonly used in various technical industries.
- Explain the importance of high impedance in a DMM.
- Verify a meter is safe to use before operation.
- Demonstrate how to perform safe and accurate voltage measurements, resistance measurements, and amperage measurements.
- Describe the additional features available when using the function buttons.
- Demonstrate how to perform safe and accurate insulation test measurements.
- Demonstrate how to perform safe and accurate non-intrusive amperage measurements.
Tuition Includes
- Online learning resources
- Lab equipment and supplies
- Credentialing exam
Fundamentals of Fluid Power
Come to this class to learn how to do the real heavy lifting – using the principles of hydraulics and pneumatics! Power up a system that will take a human design and multiply the force to perform incredible feats. Fluid Power (Hydraulics and Pneumatics) are widely used methods of energy transmission used extensively on industrial, construction and agricultural machinery. Learn the building blocks of advanced systems: air compressors, power units, filters, pressure control valves, directional control valves, speed control valves, linear and rotary actuators, and more. It is recommended that students take the Electricity course or have fundamental knowledge of alternating and direct current (AC/DC). Gain stackable credentials and add to your skill set by earning two Festo / NC3 credentials.
Certifications:
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Fluid Power – Pneumatics
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Fluid Power – Hydraulics
Learn the Skills
- Interpret and draw pneumatic symbols
- Construct and troubleshoot pneumatic circuits
- Determine root cause of component failure
- Make speed adjustments to actuators
- Explain the force/pressure/area relationship
- Describe the different states an actuator can assume and the importance of each
- Identify/explain function of pneumatic components
- Design, assemble, test, and troubleshoot basic hydraulic circuits
- Identify and describe the construction, design features, and operation of hydraulic components
- Interpret technical specifications and data relating to hydraulic components and systems
- Identify and explain graphical symbols for hydraulic components
- Describe fundamentals of oil flow
Tuition Includes
- Online learning resources
- Lab equipment
- Credentialing exam
Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems
Did you take things apart as a kid – wondering how things work? You may very well have a natural mechanical ability – a talent that manufacturers want as one of the most desirable skills. The driving forces in any machine are mechanical systems: gears, drives, bearings, pulleys, and more – all found in everything that moves! The Mechanical Systems course covers the installation, use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical drive components and systems used every day in industry. Open the door to a new career in manufacturing, or a related field such as engineering, aerospace, power generation, to name a few!
Certification:
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems
Learn the Skills
- Introduction to mechanical drive systems
- Belt, chains, and gear drives
- Couplings and shaft alignment
- Bearings and linear bearings
- Gaskets, seals, ball screws, clutches, and brakes
- Laser alignment, lubrication, and vibration analysis
Tuition Includes
- Online learning resources
- Lab equipment
- Credentialing exam
Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) & Sensors
If programming is your thing, join us to learn ladder logic for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). PLCs are sturdy computers used in rugged environments such as manufacturing to allow for automation of advanced manufacturing systems. Sensors are the eyes, ears, touch, and feel for those systems, relaying signals to the PLCs to direct the workings of all of the mechanical assemblies. You will work with high-end products from Rockwell Automation / Allen Bradley controls to discover the inner workings of industrial systems. In just 8 weeks, earn 2 Festo / NC3 credentials and build your resume to a higher paying job!
Certifications:
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Sensor Technology
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of PLCs – Allen Bradley
Learn the Skills
- Understand and explain fundamentals of sensor technology
- Recognize sensor functionality and select the appropriate sensor for various industrial applications
- Interpret the language, symbology, and protocols commonly used in the sensor field
- Explain how the various types of sensors work and function
- Make electrical connections and test the sensor for proper operation
- Troubleshoot, repair/replace a faulty sensor
- Explain the operation and design of various relays
- State/explain the three PLC sections
- State/explain the three types of input devices
- State/explain the types of memory in a PLC
- Explain different types of PLC addressing
- State/explain the three types of output devices
- Convert different numbering systems used in a PLC
- Explain various Boolean gates/truth tables
- Demonstrate how to use a PLC for troubleshooting to resolve problems quicker
Tuition Includes
- Online learning resources
- Lab equipment
- Access to computer software
- Credentialing exam
Students Must Provide
Computer and internet access for reading and activity assignments outside of the classroom hours.
Requirements
- Pre-requisite: Electricity
- Classes that can be taken concurrently: Fluid Power & Robotics
Program Cost & Length
Fundamentals of Electricity
Est. Tuition*: $1,497
Program Length: 6 weeks
*If you qualify for tuition assistance, your cost could be:
FastForward: $499
G3: $0
Fundamentals of Fluid Power
Est. Tuition*: $1,497
Program Length: 1 week
*If you qualify for tuition assistance, your cost could be:
FastForward: $499
G3: $0
Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems
Est. Tuition*: $1,497
Program Length: 6 weeks
*If you qualify for tuition assistance, your cost could be:
FastForward: $499
G3: $0
Fundamentals of PLCs & Sensors
Est. Tuition*: $999
Program Length: 4 weeks
*If you qualify for tuition assistance, your cost could be:
FastForward: $333
G3: $0
More Information & Funding Assistance
Have Questions? Contact Us
enroll@virginiawestern.eduChapman Hall
855-874-6690
School of STEM &
Workforce Solutions
DID YOU KNOW?
This program is eligible for G3 funding assistance! Click here for more information and to contact an advisor.