Trades Careers
Strengthen your skills and apply for the job you want!
Economic development relies on infrastructure built and maintained by skilled workers in various trades. SWBOCES responds to this demand with a range of courses. Those requiring shop experience are primarily offered at our Valhalla Campus, 65 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY 10605. Watch the videos and click the "Read More" links for more information on our programs.
HVAC
HVAC PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED IN 2 DIFFERENT WAYS!
Full time program is 300 hours long and meets Monday-Friday. Program operates during the daytime.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology
Students will receive an introduction to refrigeration and air conditioning theory and will learn to identify and understand the function of electrical components, controls, valves, compressors and evaporators. They will be instructed on system assembly, troubleshooting, parts repair and replacement for air handlers, air conditioning systems and ice machines, as well as learning heating systems theory and the installation and repair of both gas- and oil-fired systems, boilers, oil burners, and heating systems. These courses include the installation of air conditioning and heating units in model homes. This intensive, adult training day program is designed as a pre-apprenticeship or mechanic training. Students will be equipped to enter the field at the apprentice level.
EPA-approved Refrigerant Transition & Recovery Certification Exam (Core, I, II, III & Universal), Supplies and Tool Kit are included. Students who do not pass an exam section may schedule a re-test for an additional $50 when next offered.
Included: EPA-approved Refrigerant Transition & Recovery Certification Exam (Core, I, II, III & Universal), Supplies, Tool Kit
Industry Certification Eligibility: EPA National
Part time program is offered in different section and is part time and runs in the evenings and weekends.
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 1
Learn refrigeration and air conditioning theory, including all aspects of the refrigeration and air conditioning cycle, including types of refrigerants and their uses.
AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION 2
Continue your training with a focus on basic electrical theory, including low and high voltage circuits and electrical controls, such as starters, time clocks, contactors, thermostats, TXV’s, dryers and relays.
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 3
Build a working refrigeration system with all electrical components and a low-voltage A/C circuit board. This hands-on training includes pipe and tubing assembly and instruction in cutting, flaring and soldering copper tubing.
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration 4
Learn about air handlers, air conditioning systems and ice machines through advanced, hands-on training. HVAC mechanics should prepare to become certified in recovering and recycling refrigerants.
Refrigerant Transition & Recovery Certification
Prepare for certification in recovering and recycling refrigerants, including the EPA Approved Certification Exam. Tuition covers cost of test. Students who do not pass the initial exam may retest for an additional $50 when next offered.
Industry Certification Eligibility: EPA Certification (Core I, II, III or Universal)
Oil Burner Repair
Study troubleshooting, servicing and repair of oil burners, including instruction on basic systems, electrical requirements, simple controls, installation applications and burner capacities.
Heating Systems Troubleshooting/Repair
Learn the basic heating systems, electrical requirements, simple controls, installation applications and burner capacities in addition to system components, troubleshooting of common system problems, and the techniques necessary to maintain heating systems at peak performance and efficiency.
Welding
Arc Welding 1
Learn and practice tack, flat and vertical position welding. Gain an understanding of the proper welding rods to use and practice oxyacetylene cutting for weld preparation and fit-up. Proper welding attire is required, including closed shoes and long pants. Limited to 12 students.
Arc Welding 2
Refine and practice techniques and learn new skills, including pipe welding, overhead and vertical welding, and oxyacetylene cutting. Proper welding attire is required, including closed shoes and long pants. Limited to 12 students.
Mig & Tig Welding
Students will expand their skills by learning the basics of metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Gain skills through practice at making smooth butt, tee & corner welds, setting up a welding machine for various applications. Proper welding attire is required, including closed shoes and long pants. Limited to 7 students.
Plumbing
Plumbing Fundamentals
This class covers water supply systems and piping and includes an introduction to DWV (Drain/Waste/Ventilation) systems. Learn code terms, technical terms, safety requirements and job site organization. The correct use of cutting drills and boring tools included. Practice basic household fixture repair/ troubleshooting techniques. Learn to solder copper piping and PEX piping. This course will give you a complete understanding of pipe materials/fittings. Eye safety goggles and textbook included. High School Diploma/HSE: Not required.
Plumbing Intermediate
Increase your understanding of & practical work with DWV systems & piping. Learn plumbing math to compute pipe angle offsets/object volumes. Learn print reading/plan layout & perform DWV system rough-ins. Layout kitchens/bathrooms to local code and finish with fixture installation. Begin basic fuel gas code and fixture unit DWV code pipe sizing method plus GPM (Gallons per Minute) flow rules for water supply piping. This course covers fuel gas systems (natural gas & LP) and pipe sizing; an introduction to storm drainage (sewers and piping); storm/sanitary sewers, advanced Drain/Waste/Ventilation systems, grey water, septic systems, sump pumps, indirect and special waste systems and irrigations. Learn gas pipe sizing by type and BTU requirements. Information on chimneys/vents, CSST pipe, flow controls, fuel gas pipe and valve identification are covered.
Plumbing Skills Advanced
A full approach to large capacity system sizing using load factor calculations with fixture soil water CFM discharge computations. Proper and exact determination of drain and pipe sizing for large and advanced plumbing systems, atmospheric pressure in waste piping, and complex venting systems will be covered. Course includes hands-on rough-in and finish construction projects. A section from the Construction trades Math course will also be covered. Eligible to SWBOCES Certificate of Completion students. This course will cover entry level through advanced wet and dry standpipe and fire sprinkler systems. Topics will include water supply, valves, pumps, FD connections and color codes. Piping systems, testing manual and automatic fire suppression devices, equipment and water flow advances will be covered. Continued study of the fuel gas code and plumbing code of the State of New York. Advanced topics will include indirect/special waste, combination drain and vent systems, island fixture venting, and relief vents.
Carpentry
Carpentry
Carpentry 1 provides general instruction to develop basic carpentry skills, including safe and proper use of hand tools. Students design and build class projects and select lumber and materials.
Carpentry 2 is for those such as homeowners who want to learn basic principles of construction framing, windows and doors and installing drywall.
Construction Modules
Get hands-on experience in the building trades and enhance skills and knowledge with multi-trade course modules geared to entrepreneurs and construction industry professionals. These modules must be taken in order.
Module 1: Tools and Supplies (60 hours/20 sessions) covers Measurements and Measuring Tools, Safe Use of Hand-held Power Tools, Demolition Work, Construction Carpentry, Windows, Exterior Doors, Roofing Repairs and Siding.
Module 2: Focus on advanced cutting with power tools, construction material/hardware calculations, framing and building doors and windows, rafter installation and building/installing stairs.
Module 3: Remodeling, (45 hours/15 sessions); Learn about Dry Wall and Ceilings; Cabinets, countertops and shelves; Tile work; and flooring finish work.
Electricity
Electricity Fundamentals
Learn and practice wiring, circuits, use of tools, diagnostic procedures, safety precautions, reading diagrams and local requirements. Continue training with voltage and amperage calculations, circuit breaker panels and feeders to sub-panels with related service entry equipment, bending conduit, special purpose outlets for dishwashers, clothes dryers and ovens. This course will prepare students for entry-level electrical apprentice or shop boy positions. Electrical trade experience is required.
Electricity Intermediate
Study in-depth residential house wiring, including general circuitry, layout design and an introduction to NEC code requirements. Delving deeper into material covered in Electricity Training 1, students will learn practical and construction applications. Course aimed at helpers and those who want to advance in the trade. Instruction will include basic electrical work with A/C and conduit. Course will cover Ohm’s law, circuit calculations, load calculators, box fill and conduit fill calculations.
Electricity Training Advanced
This course will expand on details in residential house wiring. This course will focus on main panel cabinet cutout boxes and meter sockets, feeders, services, branch circuits, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), bends and circuits.a deeper understanding of service panel, incoming power lines, electric meter, subpanel, and cutout boxes. This course will include the properly installation and bending of conduit (EMT) and the installation of circuits. Applying the requirements of National Electrical Code. Also, trouble shooting and replacing electrical devices and components of residential electrical system. Course appropriate for existing helpers and persons who have advanced electricity understanding and want to increase their knowledge. Instruction will expand on electrical work with A/C and conduit, circuit calculations, load calculations, box fill and conduit fill calculations. High School Diploma/HSE: Not required.
Electricity and Basic Electronics
This introductory class covers the fundamental theory of electricity and basic electronics. Topics include voltage, current, resistance, capacitance and inductance theory. Learn the application of Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s law and the theoretical operation of semiconductors, fundamental electronics circuits and test equipment.
Automotive Programs
Automotive Service Technician
Prepare for entry-level positions with automobile dealerships and private repair shops by learning basic automotive repair, maintenance and troubleshooting. Students will practice skills in a fully equipped shop, instructed by a professional mechanic. Training includes shop safety, use of lifts and shop equipment, diagnostics, lubrication service, brakes, exhaust, suspension and steering, electrical and cooling systems, and engine tune-up service.
Industry Certification Eligibility: ASE Light Maintenance and Repair Certification
Auto Mechanics 1
Learn shop and lift safety, systems operation and basic maintenance procedures for lubrication, tires and wheels, cooling, suspension and exhaust systems. The fundamentals of brakes and charging and ignition systems are also covered.
Auto Mechanics 2
Students will learn to use lifts, air tools, tire machines and scan tools as well as diagnosis and repair of brakes, charging and starting systems, cooling systems, electronic engine components, scan-tool use, wire diagrams, and basic air conditioning theory.
Auto Body Repair 1
Study the fundamentals of auto body repair, including safety, tools, repair methods, paint stripping, sanding, single- and two-stage paint processes and polishing.
Auto Body Repair 2
Learn the finer details of repair methods, paint stripping, sanding, single- and two-stage paint processes, polishing, and using the correct tools.
Auto Body Repair 3
Advanced procedures and techniques include an introduction to MIG Welding, metal fabricating, fiberglass, advanced paint systems and live shop work.
Automotive Industry Certification Preparation Requisite
Students will advance in the automotive industry by preparing for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Gain knowledge and hands-on experience in one or more focus areas. Modules can be taken in any order.
MODULE 1 Brakes: Preparation in system parts, operating principals and troubleshooting techniques.
Also includes disk and drum brakes, anti-lock systems and traction control.
MODULE 2 Electronics/Electricity: Includes design, operation, and diagnosis of starting, charging, ignition, lighting and other major systems.
MODULE 3 Steering/Suspension: Complete explanation of various systems before discussion of detailed instructions for diagnosis in service. Also includes maintenance of steering/suspension systems and wheel alignment.
MODULE 4 Auto Engine Repair: Includes diagnosis, service and repair of engines and related systems.
MODULE 5 Manual Transmissions and Axles: Overview of the operation, diagnosis and service of modern components, including clutches, manual transmissions and transaxles.
Industry Certification Eligibility: ASE Certification.
Blueprints & Plans
Not currently scheduled. To be contacted when scheduled, please call us at 914.592.0849.
Blueprint Reading and Plans
Learn to read, understand and locate required information from a set of standard residential or light commercial plans. Topics include terminology, scaling, floor and foundation plans, elevation, wall sections, site plans, structural framing and mechanical plans.