This advanced course is designed to facilitate the transition to college level reading and evidence-based writing. Students will use the process approach for writing a five-paragraph essay from primarily non-fiction texts, using the basic academic format (effective introduction with thesis, coherent body paragraphs supported by evidence, and conclusion.) Students will also improve their skills in reading and comprehension, grammar and mechanics, practicing a variety of verb and sentence structures necessary for college writing. This integrated reading and writing course will focus on annotation, summary, and critical response essay writing of at least 5 paragraphs.

Required Textbook:  

Practice Makes Perfect Advanced ESL Reading and Comprehension (EBOOK) 1st Edition, KindleEdition by Diane Engelhardt

ISBN-13: 978-0071798860

ISBN-10: 0071798862

Prerequisite: Students are required to take a reading and writing placement assessment to participate in this non-credit ESOL class. Also, Workforce Development and Academic Success Center staff discretion is taken under advisement.

WDC ESOL Writing & Reading Placement Assessment includes:

• Part 1: Three reading prompts, completing the multiple choice or true/false questions for each.
• Part 2: Choose one of the writing prompts and write a minimum of a 300 word essay.

For more information contact: ManchesterWDC@ccsnh.edu

This course is WIOA  Approved.

Refresh your existing human resources management knowledge. The program will cover topics on how to professionally hire, train, retain, and manage the type of employees that will help businesses succeed. This program will teach managerial decision making, labor relations, compensation management and employee benefits.  Applicable skills:

Identify features, founders, and benefits of various management perspectives, skills required by managers, and the need for an ethical business structure and a diverse business environment.

Explain specific responsibilities of and skills needed for human resource management (HRM), types of illegal discrimination, and techniques to conduct successful interviews and choose prospective employees appropriately.

Discuss the features and examples of various compensation strategies. Calculate appropriate pay increases and analyze features of total compensation.

Describe the legally required social insurance programs for employees in the United States, the difference between group and individual insurance, the requirements for qualified pension plans, and evaluate benefit packages to determine comprehensive plan coverage.

On average this course is 522 hours of independent, online instruction.

For more detailed information: Human Resource Management Essentials PROGRAM OUTLINE

This course is WIOA Approved.

This program is a great option if you’re looking to learn new job skills, refresh or refine existing accounting knowledge, or help improve the performance of small businesses through a better understanding of the essentials of accounting and finance.  Applicable skills:

Gain knowledge and skills relevant to the accounting field, like managing taxes, account books, and analyzing case studies along with basic training for finance in business, financial accounting, and managerial accounting.

Understand how to examine financial statements to ensure that they are accurate and comply with laws and regulation. Explain how to inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency and use of accepted accounting procedures.

Create, organize, and maintain financial records. Demonstrate how to assess financial operations and make best-practices recommendations to management. Identify ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profit. Learn effective quantitative skills in basic mathematical operations pertaining to the business environment.

On average this course is 444 hours of independent, online instruction.

For more detailed information: Accounting Essentials PROGRAM OUTLINE

This course is WIOA Approved.

This program teaches learners the basics behind how to read blueprints. Key concepts taught in this program include print reading, understanding drawings and schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

Difficulty: Beginner

Occupations Trained For: All Skilled Trades

Modules: 19

Length: 124 hours

Estimated Time to Completion: 12 weeks

Basic Blueprint Reading provides students with flexible courseware and instruction that enables them to understand the various types of blueprints, shop prints and schematics used in an industrial environment. Learning to read blueprints, trainees discover how to comprehend, and interpret the different types of standard symbols and abbreviations found on electrical construction drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.

Learn to:

• Define different types of scales used on drawings.
• Identify the height, width, and length dimensions of a drawing.
• Interpret the various symbols and notations used on drawings.
• Draw multiview sketches of simple objects that accurately show all the details of the objects. 

This course covers the following material:

• READING PRINTS & SCHEMATICS BLOCK X252EM
  
• BUILDING DRAWINGS 186043
• ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS AND CIRCUITS 186044
• ELECTRONIC DRAWINGS 186045
• HYDRAULIC AND PNEUMATIC DRAWINGS 186046
• PIPING DRAWINGS, MATERIALS, AND PARTS 186047
• WELDING SYMBOLS 186048
• SHEET METAL BASICS 186049
• SKETCHING 186050

• ELEMENTS OF PRINT READING, PT1 6719 A
• ELEMENTS OF PRINT READING 6719 B
• READING SHOP PRINTS, PART 1 386043
• READING SHOP PRINTS, PART 2 386044
• READING ELECTRICAL SCHEMATIC  DIAGRAMS 006022
• ELECTRICAL BLUEPRINT READING 006036

This course is WIOA Approved.

This hands-on course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to mechanical measurement techniques and engineering blueprint reading. Through practical experience and guided instruction, students will learn to accurately interpret mechanical drawings and perform precise measurements using a variety of instruments. Students will engage in real-world scenarios that develop skills critical to manufacturing and engineering industries. The course will emphasize the importance of precision, ensuring students can confidently read blueprints and verify that mechanical components meet design specifications. 

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

• Read and accurately interpret mechanical engineering drawings per ASME Y14.5, including dimensions, tolerances, various views, and drawing notes and annotations. 
• Demonstrate the ability to dimension a multi-view engineering drawing. 
• Compare dimensions and tolerances from blueprints to physical part measurements, ensuring compliance with design specifications. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in using common mechanical measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and dial indicators to measure part accurately. 
• Document measurement results and interpretations clearly and accurately in the form of inspection reports 
• Define appropriate inspection methods given a mechanical component and engineering drawing. 

This course is ideal for students and working professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of mechanical measurements and blueprint interpretation.

No prior experience is required.

Please Note Schedule Adjustment: Monday 11/11 is an observed holiday.

Carpentry Advanced Skills – Part 2 introduces students to the carpentry/construction trades with subject matter that contractors are looking for as they hire for their entry-level to experienced construction positions.  Students will learn industry standards based on a nationally recognized curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Students will be required to demonstrate experience and a potential test out of basic construction skills from Carpentry Advanced Skills - Part 1, such as; OSHA 10 understanding, basic construction math, use of power and hand tools, reading construction drawings, specifications, and layout for commercial or residential plans; basic rigging, materials handling, basic stair layout, building materials, fasteners and adhesives and an understanding of heavy equipment usage to participate in this module.

Topics for Part 2 include:

• Floor Systems
• Wall Systems
• Ceiling Joist & Roof Framing
• Introduction to Building Envelope Systems
• Introduction to Masonry
• Lockout / Tagout
• Electrical Safety
• Introduction to HVAC
• Introduction to Paintings & Coatings
• Introduction to Drain, Waste & Vent Systems

The curriculum is delivered in a hands-on format, including the practice of the skills through building a shed and once a month field trips to industry partners and job sites.  Further some of the topics also earn an industry recognized credential (IRC).

Instructor Information:

Matt Somers is the owner / operator of Somers Construction and a long time instructor in construction skills at Alvirne High School, Hudson, NH and has been in the construction industry for over 25 years.  He will be able to share real-life construction experiences and how to manage customers, supervisors, and construction crews effectively as well as teaching the hands-on, specific skills necessary to grow student’s construction careers.

 This course is WIOA Approved.

Please Note: The weekly schedule is 2 nights per week from 4:30 - 8:30 pm and 1 Saturday per month (4 total) from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Carpentry Advanced Skills – Part 3 introduces students to the carpentry/construction trades with subject matter that contractors are looking for as they hire for their entry-level to experienced construction positions.  Students will learn industry standards based on a nationally recognized curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

It is highly recommended, though not required, that students complete the Carpentry Part 2 course prior to taking Part 3. Students will at minimum be required to demonstrate some experience and a potential test out of basic construction skills from Carpentry Advanced Skills - Part 1 and Part 2.  Part 1 includes: OSHA 10 understanding, basic construction math, use of power and hand tools, reading construction drawings, basic rigging, materials handling, basic stair layout, building materials, fasteners and adhesives and an understanding of heavy equipment usage to participate in this module. Part 2 includes: floor and wall systems, ceiling joist & roof framing, understanding of masonry, electrical, HVAC, painting and DWV systems.

Topics for Part 3 include:

• Cold-Formed Steel Framing
• Thermal & Moisture Protection
• Door & Door Hardware Installation
• Drywall Installation & Finishing
• Window, Door, Floor & Ceiling Trim
• Cabinet Installation
• Plastic / Copper Pipe & Fittings
• Introduction to Plumbing Fixtures
• Silica Safety & Protection
• Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

The curriculum is delivered in a hands-on format, including the practice of the skills through an in class building project and once a month field trips to industry partners and job sites.  Further some of the topics also earn an industry recognized credential (IRC).

Instructor Information:

Matt Somers is the owner / operator of Somers Construction and a long time instructor in construction skills at Alvirne High School, Hudson, NH and has been in the construction industry over 25 years.  He will be able to share real-life construction experiences and how to manage customers, supervisors, and construction crews effectively as well as teaching the hands-on, specific skills necessary to grow student’s construction careers.

This course is WIOA Approved.

Please Note: The weekly schedule is 2 nights per week from 4:30 - 8:30 pm and 1 Saturday per month (4 total) from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Next Class Coming Fall of 2025.

Provides students with knowledge of skills ranging from basic diesel engine operations to computerized truck management systems. Students will learn how to maintain and do repairs on their own trucks, work for a truck fleet or dealership, or start a full- or part-time business.  Applicable skills:

Learn the common tools and shop safety procedures used to repair of heavy-duty vehicles. Understand the basic operation of a diesel engine and its major components. Describe the operation of cooling and lubrication systems and various procedures used in the inspection and rebuilding of a typical diesel engine.

Understand the operation of a mechanical fuel injection system, the fuel-delivery system, as well as the properties of the various types of diesel fuels. Learn basics of computers and specifics of the electronic operation of vehicle and engine control systems. Be aware of the basic theory and repair of the various electrical systems, including the battery, charging system, starting system, and lighting systems.

Basic operation and repair of heavy-duty truck steering and suspension systems, along with service and repair of vehicle wheels and tires. Understand the operation of hydraulic and pneumatic braking devices and control systems, the interpretation of fault-indication messages, and the troubleshooting of brake system problems.

Describe the operation and repair procedures for common heavy-duty truck manual transmissions and clutch systems. Identify the principles of operation, troubleshooting steps, and repair procedures for most common types of automatic transmissions used in today’s heavy-duty trucks.

Identify the function and operation of driveline components, troubleshooting procedures, and tasks required for servicing driveline problems. Recognize the function and operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used on heavy-duty trucks.

Upon completion you will be prepared to sit for the Med-Heavy Truck Certification Test.

On average this course is 437 hours of independent, online instruction.

For more detailed information: Diesel Mechanics-Heavy Truck Maintenance

This course is WIOA Approved.