Jobs of the Past are Jobs of the Future
There’s a reason why Gen Z is being called “the Toolbelt Generation.” As tuition for traditional four-year degrees skyrocket, more young adults are discovering the valuable and well-paying opportunities available in skilled labor. These are hands-on jobs for professional tradespeople that have a long history of being consistently in-demand.

Professional Trades Programs
Skilled Trades with Ancora
Take a closer look at the skilled trades training courses offered by Ancora Training as part of our college partnership program.
- Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (HVAC)
- CNC Machinist
- Combination Welding
- Commercial Industrial Maintenance Technician (CIMT)
- Construction and Heavy Equipment Operation
- Diesel Mechanic
- Electrical Technician
- Forklift Maintenance
- Forklift Operation
- OSHA 10
- OSHA 30
- Refrigerated Trailer (Reefer) Training
Ancora Training Testimonials
What People Are Saying
We began our partnership with Ancora back in 2021, and I was immediately impressed by their program transition planning and execution. Ancora staff and instructors are extremely professional, punctual, and responsive. Our student completion rates, and credentialing rates, have both increased, which is indicative of their well-run program management. We are grateful for our partnerships with Ancora, as both our students and employers have benefitted from it!
Jeanian Clark | VP Laurel Ridge Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (HVAC)
Our Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (HVAC) program trains your students in both the maintenance and repair of residential and commercial HVAC equipment. We’ve designed this course to teach the different HVAC system components and how to properly assess, identify, and repair equipment. Additionally, your students will learn how to communicate with customers and have the opportunity to take the EPA 609 test. Training is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person learning with asynchronous online education.
The curriculum covers:
- Reading Blueprints
- Identifying Issues
- Low Voltage Wiring
- Maintenance and Repair
- Installation and Removal
- Duct Cleaning and Replacement
CNC Machinist
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, and these machines are used to create things out of plastics, metals, aluminum, wood, and other hard materials. In our CNC Machinist program, your students can learn the basic skills of mold and die making, CNC manufacturing, and additional fundamental techniques necessary to qualify for general machinist positions. Training is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person learning with asynchronous online education.
The curriculum covers:
- Reading Blueprints
- Conventional Machine Operation
- Manual Machine Operation
- CNC Machine Operation
- Smoothing and Polishing Surfaces
- Machine Maintenance
Combination Welding
Ancora’s Combination Welding program introduces students to the most common welding types and techniques needed to seek out entry-level welding positions. We prioritize safety procedures and conduct classes in settings designed to help students feel secure and confident. Training is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person learning with asynchronous online education.
The curriculum covers:
- Shield, Flux, and Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Plasma Arc Cutting
- Safe Equipment Use
- Grooves
- Bead Construction
Commercial Industrial Maintenance Technician (CIMT)
Commercial Industrial Maintenance is a multidisciplinary branch of technology that focuses on the maintenance and repair of diverse commercial and industrial equipment. CIMTs help keep the production floor moving in a busy manufacturing or distributing environment. We use hands-on practical experiences to teach the safe operation of hand and power tools within integrated systems and how to maintain those systems in a manufacturing environment. Training is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person learning with asynchronous online education.
The curriculum covers:
- Machine Operation
- Maintenance Technology
- Electrical Maintenance
- PLC Maintenance
Construction and Heavy Equipment Operation
Ancora’s Construction and Heavy Equipment Operation course teaches students how to safely operate the kinds of equipment often found on construction sites and in factories, like skid-steer loaders, rotary brooms, and telescopic hydraulic excavators. We offer hands-on training on a wide range of different equipment, ensuring students have a broad foundation of experience. Training is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person learning with asynchronous online education.
The curriculum covers:
- Forklift
- Asphalt pavers
- Bulldozers
- Front-end loaders
- Milling machines
- Motor graders
- Power shovels
Diesel Mechanic
Our Diesel Mechanic program equips your students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to become a technician for medium to heavy diesel-engine trucks. Throughout the course, they receive hands-on education on the large-scale equipment and components of diesel engines and learn how to assess, maintain, and repair them. Training is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person learning with asynchronous online education.
The curriculum covers:
- Diesel Engines
- Fuel Systems
- Suspension and Steering
- Heating, Ventilation, and AC
- Diesel Drivetrain and Chassis
- Electronic Systems
Electrical Technician
Ancora’s Electrical Technician program prepares your students for entry-level employment in the residential and commercial electrical maintenance field. This course combines fundamental theory and knowledge with practical skills and techniques in the use of specialized tools and components when it comes to safely installing and repairing electrical systems. Training is delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person learning with asynchronous online education.
The curriculum covers:
- Electrical Safety & Tools
- Electrical Measurement
- Code & Compliance
- Conduit & Raceway Systems
- Troubleshooting & Circuit Repair
- Advanced Systems
- Inspection, Diagnostics and Repair
Forklift Maintenance
This program focuses on the mechanical and electrical systems that keep forklifts operating safely and reliably. Technicians learn preventive maintenance techniques, inspection standards, basic troubleshooting, and documentation practices to reduce downtime and extend equipment life. Ideal for maintenance technicians and facilities personnel responsible for forklift upkeep and compliance.
Training Delivery Style: Hybrid; in-person combined with asynchronous online learning
Course Curriculum Topics Include
- Identification and function of key forklift components (engine, hydraulics, mast, forks, electrical systems)
- Daily and periodic inspection procedures to ensure equipment safety and reliability
- Basic preventive maintenance tasks to reduce downtime and extend equipment life
- Recognition of common wear points and failure indicators
- Proper fluid checks and servicing (oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, battery systems)
- Understanding forklift warning lights, fault indicators, and alerts
- Safe practices for locking out equipment during maintenance and repairs
- Documentation and reporting standards to support OSHA compliance and maintenance tracking
Forklift Operation
Designed to promote safe and efficient material handling, this program covers forklift operation fundamentals, load handling principles, workplace safety, and OSHA-aligned best practices. Technicians learn proper inspection procedures, maneuvering techniques, and accident prevention strategies to confidently operate forklifts in warehouse, dock, and yard environments.
Training Delivery Style: Hybrid; in-person combined with asynchronous online learning
Course Curriculum Topics Include
- Safe forklift operation in warehouse, dock, and yard environments
- Load stability principles, balance, and capacity limits
- Pre-operation inspections and hazard identification
- Proper load handling, stacking, and material placement techniques
- Maneuvering safely in tight spaces and high-traffic areas
- Pedestrian awareness and accident prevention strategies
- OSHA-aligned safety standards and compliance basics
- Best practices for reducing workplace injuries and equipment damage
OSHA 10
Ancora’s OSHA 10-Hour General Industry provides an introduction to occupational safety and health. As part of OSHA’s Outreach Training program to raise awareness about the safety measures under OSHA 29 CFR 1910, this course teaches students how to improve workplace safety. The course focuses on OSHA’s best practices for reducing accidents and injuries, including fall protection, emergency evacuation plans, and the use of personal protective equipment. Also covered are the major hazards an employee might encounter in general industry work and solutions for recognizing, controlling, and protecting against them. This includes flammable and combustible substances, chemical and electrical hazards, and fire prevention.
Course Curriculum Topics Include:
- Avoiding Electrocution Hazards
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Industrial Hygiene
- Machine Guarding
OSHA 30
The 30-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Training Program is an in-depth course tailored for construction workers, supervisors, and site managers, providing a thorough understanding of workplace hazards and OSHA safety regulations. This program covers a wide range of critical safety topics, including fall protection, electrical safety, scaffolding, excavation, trenching, and confined space awareness, all aimed at minimizing risks on construction sites. In addition to hazard recognition and prevention, participants will receive training on personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, respiratory protection, and emergency action plans to ensure a quick and effective response to incidents.
Special focus is placed on developing a proactive safety culture through continuous improvement, effective incident investigations, and fostering early hazard reporting. The course also emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper records in accordance with OSHA standards, including OSHA 300 recordkeeping requirements. Upon successful completion, participants will have the skills and knowledge to identify, control, and manage hazards, helping to ensure a safer, more compliant construction site while promoting a culture of safety excellence across all levels of the organization. This program is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of OSHA requirements and practical strategies for creating a safer construction environment.
Course Curriculum Topics Include:
- Avoiding Electrocution Hazards
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Industrial Hygiene
- Machine Guarding
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
- Emergency Action Plans
- Hazard Reporting
Refrigerated Trailer (Reefer) Training
This program provides hands-on and technical instruction on the operation, inspection, and maintenance of refrigerated trailers used in cold-chain transportation. Technicians gain a working understanding of reefer system components, temperature control, safety procedures, and preventive maintenance practices to ensure cargo integrity and regulatory compliance. Ideal for drivers, technicians, and operations personnel supporting temperature-sensitive freight.
Training Delivery Style: Hybrid; in-person combined with asynchronous online learning
Course Curriculum Topics Include
- How refrigerated trailer systems operate, including compressors, condensers, and evaporators
- Temperature control and setpoint management for product integrity and compliance
- Identification of common fault codes and alarm conditions
- Preventive maintenance best practices to reduce downtime and spoilage
- Refrigerant awareness and safe handling fundamentals
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections specific to refrigerated trailers
- Cold chain fundamentals for food, pharmaceutical, and temperature-sensitive freight
- Safety procedures when operating and servicing reefer equipment
Custom Professional Trades Training
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
Your school is unique: you may need a program that’s a combination of the above courses, or perhaps you need something else entirely. Our curriculum development can design customized programs that include the education and hands-on training to meet your institution’s standards. As your partner, we work side-by-side to understand your goals, manage logistics, and deliver an effective and efficient solution.
Ancora Educational Partners
Organizations Who Trust Ancora




