Sustainability Programs at CCC

Clackamas Community College offers a variety of degree and certificate programs in the area of the green job industry. To learn more about what jobs exist in this field explore CCCs Career Pathways Tool and our Green jobs page

Sustainability Degree and Certificate Programs

Energy & Resource Management

The Energy & Resource Management (ERM) Program prepares students for entry-level careers in the utility, energy and resource industries. Course work covers traditional and alternative energy generation, distribution, operation, management and leadership.  The ERM program is endorsed by the Utility Training Alliance (UTA) comprised of Portland General Electric, PacificCorp and Clackamas Community College.  It is also endorsed by the Utility Education Training Alliance (UETA) comprised of various utilities and community colleges throughout Oregon and Washington.

Degrees and Certifications: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Energy and Resource Management (ERM) Certificate

Energy Systems Maintenance Technician

The Energy Systems Maintenance Technician certificate provides students with the basic technical skills and principles to support manufacturing, installation and maintenance, and electronics and communication engineers related to renewable energy.

Degrees and Certificates: Career Pathway Certificate

Renewable Energy Technology (RET)

The Renewable Energy Technology (RET) program provides technical training for employment in the field of manufacturing, installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems and products.  Graduates will be prepared to integrate, install and repair equipment related to controls.  This program takes a broad-based approach to training renewable energy technicians, with emphasis on mechanical and electro-mechanical systems, fluid power, instrumentation and controls as well as systems troubleshooting.  RET graduates will be prepared to work in the capacity of a technician with specialized skills in energy system measurement, energy efficiency, system design and electronic controls. 

Degrees and certificates: one year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Water & Environmental Technology

The Water & Environmental Technology program provides career technical classes combines with field experience.  Classes are offered in day/evening combinationsand have enrollment limits to enhance instructional quality and job placement.

Course work emphasizes fundamental aspects of drinking water distribution, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment and wastewater collection.  Course work includes 240 hours of industry cooperative work experience (CWE), laboratory methods, in environmental chemistry, aquatic microbiology, and preparation for the provisional operator certification exams.

Degrees and Certifications: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), one year Water & Environmental Technology Certificate, High Purity Water Certificate

Weatherization

Clackamas Community College regularly hosts energy and weatherization classes through the Oregon Energy Coordinators Association (OECA).  OECA developed their training methods over 30 years of experience. Core training meets or exceeds US Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Core Competencies required to properly conduct energy audits, house diagnostics and installation of weatherization measures. Many courses earn college credits, and most will be accredited by Spring 2011. For more information and a schedule of classes visit OECA’s website directly at www.warmandsafenow.com

Wilderness Survival and Leadership

The Wilderness Survival and Leadership program is designed for those students who would like to pursue a variety of careers in the outdoors.  Students will understand leadership, survival and rescue in the wilderness.  The certificate is part of the Wildland Fire career pathway.  Upon completion of the program students will learn the basics of land navigation, wilderness first aid, Northwest weather prediction, wilderness preparedness, approaches to dealing with dangerous animals, search and rescue methods including evacuation techniques, and preparation of helicopter landing zones.

Degrees and Certifications: Wilderness Survival and Leadership Career Pathway Certificate

Horticulture

Horticulture is a hands-on, broad-based curriculum where students participate in a laboratory-style practicum class which develops a full season’s experience growing and caring for plants.  Students are involved in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of CCC’s extensive greenhouse and landscape facilities, while training with tools of the trade: mowers, rototillers, tractors, pesticide applications, greenhouse equipment and pruning tools.  Course offerings in greenhouse, landscape, environmental education and nursery management integrate technical knowledge, critical thinking, practical skills, and environmental stewardship. 

CCC’s Horticulture and Landscape programs are the only programs accredited in Oregon by the Professional Landscape Network (PLANET).  This accreditation provides students with enhanced opportunities to follow national PLANET landscaping standards.

Students may begin this program any term.  Degree options include a one-year certificate program or a two-year associate’s degree program.

Degrees and Certificates: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), one year Horticulture Certificate, Irrigation Technician Career Pathway Certificate, Plant Health Care Career Pathway Certificate

Green Building

CCC works with the Earth Advantage Institute to offer cutting edge programs and workshops for the booming green building industry. EA adapts to the changing needs of the market to offer relevant courses in LEED exam preparation, green building construction techniques, real estate marketing and more.*

CCC's Renewable Energy Technology program (RET) also provides an overview of green building and household energy management principles.*

* Eligible participants may take courses at reduced or no cost. Contact Skye Feltz (503.594.3452 skyef@clackamas.edu) or Kim Hikade (503.594.6413 khikade@clackamas.edu) for more information.

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Degree Partnerships

If your goal is a four-year degree, CCC’s degree partnerships can help you get there, saving time and money in the process.

Workshops and Community Education

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Individual Career Technical Education Courses or Electives Related to Sustainability

ESH

Environmental Safety & Health

ESH-100: Environmental Regulations

3 credits, Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer

ESH-101: Hazardous Waste Management

2 credits, Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer

SSC

Social Science Inquiry

SSC-180-182: Pathway to Sustainability

5 credits, Fall/Winter/Spring