Business & Industry Training

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Cybersecurity Basics

Future Date TBA
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $129  ($65 discount to employers = $64 per person)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W141A

Cyberattacks aren’t just hitting big corporations – small businesses and nonprofits are now favorite targets because they often have valuable data and fewer defenses. In this fast-paced, practical session, you’ll learn how to protect your organization from the most common threats and take simple, affordable steps to strengthen your digital security.

Using real-world examples, local incidents, and easy-to-follow checklists, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do next to reduce risk – even if you don’t have an IT department.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot and stop phishing scams before someone clicks that bad link
• Protect against ransomware attacks and keep your data from being “held hostage”
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication without making life harder for staff
• Explore new, easier login tools like passkeys and hardware security keys
• Back up and recover your data – whether from hackers, hardware failure, or a natural disaster
• Build a simple action plan to improve your cybersecurity right away

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

NFPA 70E

April 24
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
OR
April 27
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Instructor: Dave Leonard
Cost: $195 (one book provided per company; additional books = $157)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

This eight-hour instructor-led course provides the participant with an understanding of the new safety standards for electrical safety in the workplace. This course reviews the new and mandatory safety requirements of NFPA 70E, 2024 Edition. This course is geared to the hands-on person or a manager in charge of electrical safety in general.

Topics Include:

• Hierarchy of electrical safety
• Lockout/tagout requirements
• Proper use of PPE
• OSHA and NFPA safe work practice requirements

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Forklift Training

May 1
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OR
May 1
12:30 – 4:30 PM

Instructor: Ron Eitel
Cost: $200 ($80 discount to employers = $120 per person)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

This Forklift Operator Safety Training course provides participants with the essential knowledge and hands‑on skills needed to operate powered industrial trucks safely and in compliance with OSHA standards. Whether you are training new operators or refreshing current certifications, this course delivers practical, workplace‑focused instruction designed to reduce accidents, improve productivity, and ensure compliance.

Topics include forklift fundamentals, pre‑operation inspections, load handling, stability principles, pedestrian awareness, and safe operating procedures on docks, ramps, and in tight spaces. The training also covers battery or propane fueling safety depending on equipment type.

Participants complete a written exam and a practical driving evaluation. Upon successful completion, operators receive a certificate of completion.

Who Should Attend:

• New forklift operators
• Experienced operators needing refresher training
• Employees assigned to operate forklifts as part of their job duties
• Safety managers or supervisors overseeing forklift operations

Learning Outcomes:
Participants will learn to:

• Conduct proper pre‑operation inspections
• Safely maneuver, lift, and transport loads
• Identify and avoid common workplace hazards
• Understand forklift stability concepts and load capacity
• Follow OSHA‑compliant safe operating procedures
• Demonstrate safe operation during a hands‑on evaluation

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

A series of three classes which focus on characteristics of effective leaders, ethics, service, and both leadership and communication skills—with special emphasis on listening and engaging with others effectively.

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Leading with Confidence:
A Practical Guide for New Leaders

Future Date TBA
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Instructor: Martin McCarthy
Cost: $129 ($33 discount to employers = $96 per person) (Class is full – will be placed on a waitlist)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

This 4-hour interactive workshop will give you the tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate your role as a supervisor/manager and leader. This seminar is designed specifically for newer supervisors & managers who lead people and want proven skills to be credible and effective. You’ll gain practical tools and confidence to lead effectively and position yourself and your team for success.

What You’ll Learn

• Setting clear goals and priorities for your team
• Building trust and credibility
• Communicating with confidence
• Managing former peers with professionalism
• Handling tough conversations early
• Avoiding the top mistakes leaders make

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area covers the following ten Illinois counties: Adams, Brown, Cass, Greene, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler, and Scott.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Introduction

September 16
10:00 – 11:30 AM
OR
November 4
10:00 – 11:30 AM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W141A

What would you do this year if you could hire a half-dozen assistants or interns? How about an assistant for each of your employees? How would that change your business and workday?

AI is no longer a novelty, but it can be tough to figure out how it’s relevant and useful to you in your day-to-day work. Maybe you’ve briefly tried ChatGPT and given up with a shrug, not sure what all the hype is about. If so, this is a session you don’t want to miss.

Spend a few minutes together stepping back and imagining how to make the latest AI models and  tools work for you. We’ll dive into their strengths, as well as where they’re falling short, to help you avoid wasting time and giving up in frustration.

Explore ways to “hire” AI to help you with:

• Meetings and presentations
• Website updates and optimization
• Social Media
• Advertising and Sales
• Employee training
• Customer service
• and more

Get a peek at what the most innovative people are doing with AI today and what’s coming soon. Leave with a wealth of ideas and a list of resources to help you get started right away.

Essential AI:
Tools and Techniques to 10x Your Impact 

September 23
9 AM – 12 PM
OR
November 10
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

In an era where technology often favors large organizations and urban centers, AI provides a unique opportunity for small non-profits and rural businesses to thrive.

AI can empower you to do more with less, bridging the gap left by budget constraints and workforce challenges.

In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how AI can give you and your business or non-profit, superpowers. We’ll explore how simple it is to use AI as a collaborator, intern and assistant, even if you pretty much hate computers.

For those wanting a glimpse beyond the basics, we’ll preview how AI can help automate repetitive tasks and assist in areas you may not have even thought of.

Completely updated for 2025, you’ll get hands-on with the latest tools and techniques and an insider view of what other organizations are doing with AI.

You’ll learn to leverage AI as :

• A coach & advisor to help with brainstorming and planning
• A creative intern to help with content creation, repurposing and editing
• An executive assistant that helps with daily productivity

AI can be frustrating and confusing. It’s often hard to step back and figure out the best ways to use it. We’ll tackle those challenges, work through real-world applications, discover AI’s limitations and address your concerns.

Together, we’ll explore how combining the best of AI with our own unique skills and talents can unlock a new future for you and your organization.

Cybersecurity Basics

Future Date TBA
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W141A

Cyberattacks aren’t just hitting big corporations – small businesses and nonprofits are now favorite targets because they often have valuable data and fewer defenses. In this fast-paced, practical session, you’ll learn how to protect your organization from the most common threats and take simple, affordable steps to strengthen your digital security.

Using real-world examples, local incidents, and easy-to-follow checklists, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do next to reduce risk – even if you don’t have an IT department.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot and stop phishing scams before someone clicks that bad link
• Protect against ransomware attacks and keep your data from being “held hostage”
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication without making life harder for staff
• Explore new, easier login tools like passkeys and hardware security keys
• Back up and recover your data – whether from hackers, hardware failure, or a natural disaster
• Build a simple action plan to improve your cybersecurity right away

Become the Leader Others Want to Follow

September 17
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

This course focuses on the practical aspects of self-evaluation and leadership growth. Attendees learn how to evaluate and recognize servant leadership, engage in effective listening and interaction, as well as learn leadership traits effective leaders have. Much class time is spent on discussion and relatable practices to reinforce continued learning of leadership concepts and actual leadership situations.

Leading From the Front

October 15
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

This course focuses on personal development practices and leadership growth. Attendees learn how to identify the value and practices of personal goal setting and evaluation of their leadership. Additionally, they learn to be motivational and create an environment of teamwork. Much class time is spent on discussion and relatable practices to reinforce learning of leadership concepts and actual leadership situations.

DIY Video Marketing

October 20
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

Designed for the busy small business owner or marketer and based on real-world examples, this workshop arms you with tips and techniques to shoot, edit, and distribute engaging videos.

We’ll help you leverage your smartphone, discover affordable gear and demo essential filming & editing tools. If you would like to use more video on your website or social media but aren’t sure where to start, this workshop is for you.

• The importance of video
• Using your smartphone for video
• Affordable apps & accessories to improve your videos
• Simple filming techniques, composition & lighting
• Tips for recording great audio
• Basic editing using low-cost software
• Leveraging AI for video production
• Sharing and hosting options and services
• Tons of ideas & examples to get you started

Leading to Create Other Leaders

November 12
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding areaLocation: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

This course focuses on the practical aspects of delegating and setting accountability in other leaders and encourages leadership growth. Attendees learn how to have relatable development conversations and set responsibilities by engaging in “Ownership Mindset.” Much class time is spent on discussion, relatable practices, and role play to reinforce continued learning of leadership concepts and review of actual leadership situations.

Beginning Excel

Future Dates TBA
1 – 4 PM

Instructor: Ginny Skeffington
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132

This introductory course covers general uses of a spreadsheet by offering hands-on examples of entering and editing various types of data.

Topics covered include:

• Spreadsheet Basics
• Excel Basics (Screen, Menu)
• Navigating Within a Worksheet
• Changing the View
• Using Help
• Entering, Editing, Deleting Data
• Working with Blocks
• Adjusting Column Widths & Row Height
• Creating & Filling Formulas
• Auto Fill
• Using the Spell Checker
• Saving, Opening & Printing Workbooks
• Setting Print Options
• Copying & Moving (Drag & Drop)
• The Office Clipboard
• Formatting (Alignment, Attributes)
• Inserting & Deleting Rows/Columns
• Using Built-In Functions
• Customizing Cell Formats
• Cell Styles
• The Format Painter
• Working with Charts
• Absolute Addressing
• Using & Creating Templates

Intermediate Excel

Future Dates TBA
1 – 4 PM

Instructor: Ginny Skeffington
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132

Find out how Excel can operate as a database by creating, sorting,
filtering and entering information in a data form. Further your knowledge from the Beginning Excel class.

• Find/Replace
• Using Block Names
• Working With Dates
• Advanced Functions
• Creating a Database
• Sorting Records
• AutoFilter & Custom Filters
• Working with Tables
• Creating an Array Formula
• Linking Files
• Creating a Workspace
• Protecting Blocks/Worksheets
• Freezing Panes
• Splitting the Screen
• Hiding Columns/Blocks
• Multiple Worksheets & Tabs
• Working with Chart Sheets
• Hyperlinks
• Sharing Workbooks
• Tracking Changes
• Adding Cell Comments
• Conditional Formatting
• Formatting Shortcuts
• Custom Formats

Advanced Excel

Future Dates TBA
1 – 4 PM

Instructor: Ginny Skeffington
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132

• Creating Outlines
• Pivot Tables & Pivot Charts
• Advanced Chart Options
• Adding Clipart, Graphic Files, AutoShapes
• Adding Word Art
• Using the Goal Seeker
• Creating Scenarios
• Adding an Outlook Task
• Consolidating Data
• Importing & Exporting
• Customizing the Toolbar
• Working with Styles
• Custom Views
• Themes
• File Properties
• Setting Program Options
• Sharing Workbooks
• Creating Web Pages

Using the Power of Story in Your Nonprofit

September 22
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

Your nonprofit does great things and has big plans. Unfortunately, it can be hard to communicate that to donors and the people and communities you serve.

This workshop is designed to help you improve your nonprofit’s communications strategy across all channels. You can use the tools and methods provided in this workshop to clarify your messaging, communicate your immediate value, connect with your community, and grow your nonprofit.

The human brain is hardwired to prefer stories. Stories help you make your message easier to understand and remember, so donors and clients pay attention.

Using the Story Framework, you’ll learn to simplify your message using a story-based approach that places the people you serve, and the donors who help you, first.

In this information-packed 3-hr workshop we’ll cover:

• An introduction to the storytelling framework
• The 7 Parts of your story
• Hands-on time to work on your own story framework
• Specific copywriting techniques and samples to improve your communications
• Using AI to jump-start your efforts
• Examples of applying Story to your website, emails, videos and other marketing

You’ll leave with the tools, techniques and confidence to apply what you’ve learned in your own organization.

Digital Marketing with AI

October 6
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to nonprofits in Tracy Family Foundation’s funding area
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

Whether you are trying to reach new clients or donors, improve your word-of-mouth referrals or are busy and need to streamline your processes, this Digital Marketing with AI workshop can help you achieve your goals.

Using specific examples and hands-on demos, we’ll highlight how using AI and refocusing your online efforts around those you serve, can improve your marketing while reducing your workload and costs.

All new for 2026, we’ll help you leverage AI assistance at every level to execute your marketing plan.

Together we’ll learn how AI can help you:

• Select the core components of your online marketing strategy
• ‘Own’ your Google search results page
• Show up in AI powered search (AISEO)
• Improve your Google Business Profile
• Answer 4 questions that take your site from a brochure to a 24/7 marketing and customer service machine
• Integrate word-of-mouth and referrals into your marketing strategy
• Combine the power of story with reviews to amplify your ads and social content
• Create and edit simple videos for more marketing impact

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Nonprofit Board Member Development

April 8, 15, 22, and 29
Wednesdays, 8:30 – 11:00 AM

Instructors: Clairice Hetzler and Pam Shaffer
Cost: FREE
Location: Attend in-person at JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Quincy or online (for individuals outside of Quincy)

The Board Member Development Course addresses the need within our community for knowledgeable and engaged nonprofit board members. This course will help cultivate the skills and characteristics needed to become an effective leader at work and in the community. Coming to understand the connection and need for balance between knowledge and human interest in things outside of self is where growth and development of a true leader begins. This interactive course allows emerging leaders to network with their peers and learn from each other throughout the course. Local nonprofit organizations will be featured allowing participants the opportunity to connect to a mission that speaks to them, and in return allow their specific expertise to be utilized for a greater good.

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Important Details – Online Training

• Courses are assigned and activated after payment is received
• Limited seats available to ensure proper support during this pilot period

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

OSHA 10

OSHA 10 ensures workplace safety and compliance.

• Choose General Industry or Construction
• Cost: $59 ($20 discount = $39 per person)
• Includes official OSHA 10 card
• Self-paced course
• Completion goal: June 30, 2026

OSHA 10 General Industry: This course is intended to provide entry level safety information about how to identify, abate, avoid, and prevent job related hazards on a job site. This course covers introduction to OSHA, walking-working surfaces, exit routs, electrical safety, PPE, Hazard communication, hazardous materials, material handling, machine guarding , safety/health programs, ergonomics, and leading cultural change. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card.

OSHA 10 Construction: This course is intended to provide entry level safety information about how to identify, abate, avoid, and prevent job related hazards on a job site. This course covers introduction to OSHA, electrical safety, fall protection, struck-by & caught-between accidents, PPE, Scaffolds, Cranes, Hand & Power tools, excavations, material storage, demolition, and hazards in construction. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction completion card.

OSHA 30 Construction

OSHA 30 ensures workplace safety and compliance.

• Cost: $159 ($20 discount = $139 per person)
• Includes official OSHA 30 card
• Self-paced course
• Completion goal: June 30, 2026

OSHA 30 Construction Industry: This course is designed for supervisors, managers, safety coordinators, and workers with safety responsibilities on construction job sites. This more in-depth program builds on foundational safety concepts and provides comprehensive training on how to identify, abate, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards in construction environments. Topics include an introduction to OSHA, managing safety and health, fall protection, electrical safety, struck-by and caught-between hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), scaffolding, cranes and rigging, stairways and ladders, excavations, material handling and storage, hand and power tools, fire protection, confined spaces, and other construction-specific hazards. Emphasis is placed on hazard recognition, OSHA standards, and developing a culture of safety. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry completion card.

Agile Project Management Series

Agile Project Management helps teams adapt quickly, reduce waste, and deliver results faster—benefits that apply across all industries.

• Over 30 hours of online training at an introductory price of $249 (Group Discount: $199 per employee for companies registering 2 or more)
• Learn how Agile improves efficiency, adaptability, and team performance
• Self-paced course
• Completion goal: June 30, 2026

Agile Project Management is a flexible, collaborative approach that helps businesses adapt quickly to change, improve efficiency, and deliver results faster. It’s not just for tech – Agile works across industries to streamline processes and boost productivity. This series is over 30 hours of online self-paced training.

Lean Manufacturing

This training is ideal for manufacturing, operations, logistics, and any organization wanting to streamline processes and increase productivity.

• Self‑paced training for $99
• Completion goal: June 30, 2026

Five hours of high-impact introduction to the tools and principles of Lean designed to improve quality, eliminate waste, and strengthen workplace efficiency.

Participants will learn the essentials of:

• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Continuous Improvement
• Kaizen
• Kanban
• Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing)
• Pull Systems
• Standardized Work
• Value Stream Mapping

Important Details

• Courses are assigned and activated after payment is received
• Limited seats available to ensure proper support during this pilot period

Industrial Electrical & Controls Basics

Future Dates TBA
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Instructor: Dave Leonard
Class Cost: $500 ($250 discount to employers = $250 per person)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

Build the confidence and skills needed to work safely and effectively around industrial electrical systems. This introductory, hands-on course is designed for maintenance technicians, operators, entry‑level industrial workers, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of electrical fundamentals used in modern manufacturing environments. Participants explore real‑world equipment and learn how electrical control systems function, how to troubleshoot them, and how to stay safe while doing it. No prior electrical experience is required.

What You’ll Learn

• Electrical Safety Essentials – Understand arc‑flash awareness, safe work practices, and how to recognize electrical hazards.
• Basic Electricity – Explore Ohm’s law, circuits, voltage, resistance, and continuity through practical demonstrations.
• AC vs. DC Power – Learn how each type of current behaves and where it’s used in industry.
• Motors & Motor Basics – Get familiar with common industrial motors and how they interact with control systems.
• Industrial Sensors – Identify and test proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, and limit switches.
• Reading Wiring Diagrams – Decode schematics and follow electrical paths with confidence.
• Multimeter Skills – Practice measuring voltage, resistance, and continuity safely and accurately.
• Hands‑On Wiring – Build and troubleshoot simple circuits using real components.
• Sensor Testing & Identification – Learn how to verify sensor operation and diagnose common issues.

Why It Matters

Industrial facilities rely on electrical and control systems every minute of the day. Understanding how these systems work—and how to work with them safely—opens the door to better troubleshooting, fewer equipment failures, and stronger career opportunities.

Mechanical Power Transmission & Systems Fundamentals

April 10, 17, and 24 (3 days)
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Instructors: Gavin Ideus and Ron Eitel
Class Cost: $1,200 ($600 discount to employers = $600 per person)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

Strengthen your mechanical aptitude and gain the practical skills needed to keep industrial equipment running safely and efficiently. This hands‑on course builds a solid foundation in how mechanical power is transmitted, aligned, and controlled across modern manufacturing systems. Ideal for maintenance technicians, operators, and anyone looking to expand their mechanical troubleshooting abilities.

Participants work directly with real components—shafts, bearings, belts, chains, gears, couplings, pumps, and more—while learning the safe work practices and measurement techniques essential for reliable equipment performance.

What You’ll Learn

• Safety & Lockout/Tagout Practices – Develop safe habits for mechanical work, including proper LOTO procedures and effective workstation setup.
• Mechanical Power Transmission Basics – Understand how power moves through shafts, belts, chains, and gears in industrial systems.
• Component Identification & Installation – Measure, install, and troubleshoot shafts, pillow block bearings, seals, gaskets, and other key components.
• Motors, VFDs & Speed Measurement – Explore motor operation, variable frequency drives, and tachometers, including installation and speed‑control fundamentals.
• Shaft Alignment Techniques – Practice straightedge, feeler gauge, rim‑and‑face, reverse‑dial, and optional laser alignment methods to reduce wear and vibration.
• Belt Drive Systems – Install and align pulleys, calculate speed and torque relationships, and set proper belt tension.
• Chain Drive Systems – Identify chain types, align sprockets, set tension, and perform speed/torque calculations.
• Gear Drive Fundamentals – Work with spur gears, measure backlash, calculate gear ratios, and build compound gear trains.
• Hands‑On Assembly & Troubleshooting – Assemble bearings, seals, pumps, and gearboxes while developing practical diagnostic skills.
• Coupling Systems – Install and evaluate flange, flexible sleeve, chain, gear, grid, and universal‑joint couplings for connecting rotating shafts.

Why It Matters

Mechanical systems are the backbone of industrial operations. Understanding how they work—and how to maintain them—reduces downtime, improves equipment life, and builds confidence in tackling real‑world mechanical challenges.

Fluid Power Systems: Pneumatics & Hydraulics Essentials

April 30, May 7, and 8 (3 days)
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Instructors: Gavin Ideus and Ron Eitel
Class Cost: $1,200 ($600 discount to employers = $600 per person)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

Master the fundamentals of fluid power and build the practical skills needed to work confidently with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in industrial environments. This hands‑on course is ideal for maintenance technicians, operators, and anyone looking to strengthen their troubleshooting abilities with real‑world equipment.

Participants explore both air‑ and oil‑based power systems from the ground up—learning how pressure is created, controlled, and applied to perform mechanical work. Through guided labs and circuit‑building exercises, learners gain the confidence to understand, operate, and diagnose common fluid power systems.

What You’ll Learn

• Pneumatic Fundamentals – Explore pressure, force, system characteristics, and common industrial applications of compressed air.
• Air Preparation & Distribution – Understand how air is filtered, regulated, lubricated, and delivered through industrial systems.
• Core Pneumatic Relationships – Work with pressure–force, pressure–volume, and pressure‑drop–flow relationships, plus the basics of vacuum generation.
• Pneumatic Components & Control – Operate directional control valves, manage cylinder motion, and apply pilot‑operated valve logic in practical circuits.
• Pneumatic Motors & Performance – Design and analyze pneumatic motor circuits while interpreting manufacturer performance data.
• Introduction to Hydraulics Get hands‑on with the hydraulic training system and learn the foundational principles of hydraulic power.
• Hydraulic Power Units & Components – Examine pumps, reservoirs, filtration, and fluid distribution while understanding how hydraulic energy is generated and maintained.
• Hydraulic Valves & Control – Study the purpose and operation of pressure relief valves, flow control valves, and other key system components.
• Cylinders, Force & Pascal’s Law – Apply pressure–force relationships and explore how hydraulic cylinders create controlled mechanical motion.
• Hydraulic Circuit Applications – Build and troubleshoot practical circuits including meter‑in/meter‑out, load‑holding, regenerative, and sequential systems.

Why It Matters

Fluid power drives countless machines across manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and automation. Understanding how pneumatic and hydraulic systems work—and how to maintain them—equips learners to reduce downtime, improve system reliability, and confidently tackle real‑world maintenance challenges.

Introduction to PLCs for Troubleshooting

May 4, 5, 6, and 7 (4 days)
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Instructor:  Stan Barnhart
Class Cost: $800 ($400 discount to employers = $400 per person)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

Gain the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to confidently work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in industrial environments. This introductory course is designed for maintenance technicians, electricians, operators, and anyone responsible for troubleshooting automated equipment. Participants will learn how PLCs control industrial processes, how to navigate basic programming structures, and how to diagnose common faults that cause downtime.

No prior PLC programming experience is required, though basic electrical knowledge is helpful.

What You’ll Learn

PLC Fundamentals – Understand what a PLC is, how it functions in an industrial control system, and how it replaces traditional relay logic.

Basic Addressing & Tag Structure – Learn how inputs, outputs, and internal memory are addressed and organized within a PLC.

Completing a Circuit in Logic – Explore how electrical circuits translate into ladder logic and how conditions must be met to energize outputs.

Identifying Inputs & Outputs (I/O) – Recognize physical I/O devices, map them to PLC addresses, and verify their operation.

Establishing Communication – Connect to a PLC, navigate the software interface, and monitor program operation safely and effectively.

Reading & Interpreting Ladder Logic – Follow logic flow to understand how machines operate and where problems may occur.

PLC-Based Troubleshooting Techniques – Use status indicators, forcing, online monitoring, and diagnostic tools to identify faults quickly and accurately.

Hands-On Practice – Work directly with PLC trainers and simulated industrial components to apply troubleshooting strategies in real-world scenarios.

Why It Matters

PLCs are at the heart of modern manufacturing and automation systems. When equipment goes down, the ability to interpret PLC logic and quickly pinpoint issues can dramatically reduce downtime and improve productivity. Understanding PLC fundamentals empowers maintenance professionals to move beyond guesswork and troubleshoot with confidence.

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Participant / Company Cancellations

• More than 5 business days prior to the course start:
  • Full refund or no charge.
  • Option to transfer registration to another person from the same company at no cost.
• 5 or fewer business days prior to the course start or no-show:
  • No refund.
  • Transfer to another person from the same company permitted at no cost.

JWCC Cancellations

• JWCC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Notification of cancellation will be sent via email at least 48 hours in advance, when possible.
• In these cases, participants may:
  • Receive a full refund, OR
  • Transfer to the rescheduled or a future course.

Special Notes

• Customized training for employers may follow separate contract terms.