Career Opportunities

In the Puget Sound Region many employers have adopted an unofficial standard to aid in the employee selection process. Outside the City of Seattle (or Tacoma, or Spokane for that matter) there are no laws or ordinances to require a license to operate a refrigeration system. Within those jurisdictions ordinances do require licensing. However, if someone holds a City of Seattle Refrigeration Operating Engineer License, it proves the holder has been tested and is qualified to operate a refrigeration system. Therefore, many employers with refrigeration systems screen prospective employees to select the best qualified to operate the system at that business.

The course is designed to prepare someone with no background in refrigeration with enough to pass the City of Seattle examination, ASME. There is a fee to take the examination and an annual fee to retain the license.

Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does require a certification to legally perform any work on equipment with CFC refrigerants. DOT

Upon completion of fall quarter most students have acquired the Refrigeration Operating Engineer License and an EPA CFC Certificate. There are fees to take the exam. The credentialing process has begun.

Could this be for you?

An experienced maintenance engineer once commented, "Broken things don't fix themselves. They just get worse." Are you the type of person who can identify a problem and work independently to correct it? Do you need constant supervision? Attitude is the critical first characteristic. The nature of the work requires self-starting, motivated individuals who can do what is necessary to get the job done. Very often the person is alone. At the same time an invisible thread of team spirit is required to make every move count. Good maintenance is a cooperative effort.

What skills do Industrial Plant Maintenance students learn?

In the early eighties when this program was first conceived, managers and experienced technicians brainstormed. What should every good maintenance person know to be prepared for every challenge? A list of the theoretical concepts, the job skills and the tools needed was made. It was then determined it would take over four years of study, and manual training to command every topic on the list. Although desirable, it was not practical. The next step was to reduce the list to just the bare essentials. This program represents the bare essentials, the condensed form of that effort.

Who may enroll?

The program is open to the public including persons eligible for a work force retraining.

How are the job opportunities?

Graduates of this program are in high demand. They find employment in a wide variety of industries, in manufacturing plants, offices, dairies, bakeries, and electronic firms, aboard ships.

Currently, 84 credits are needed to earn a Certificate of Proficiency in Industrial Plant Maintenance. Eighteen credits in general education is a requirement. This Web site is generic in nature and does not include all the details for the program of study. Please refer to the LWTC college catalog and schedule an appointment with a counselor or advisor for more specific information and how it applies to you.

What are the bare essentials?

Four quarters of study and plenty of hands-on training provide a student with the fundamentals necessary to complete basic maintenance tasks encountered in most facilities. One benefit of this type of work is the never-ending learning. Every day is a new lesson. With a strong foundation in the elementary aspects of maintenance engineering, possibilities expand in all directions.

This site was developed by Sherry Palmiter, Oleg Botamanenko, Petcha Chaoweeraprasit, and Chantel Hancock. It is intended for informational use. The content should not be viewed as official college communication. If you have any questions or comments about this program or web site contact Lionel Archdale.