INDUSTRIAL & TECHNICAL PROGRAMS
Industry, Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation (IMCT)
Trade and industrial careers offer much more than you may think. Now more than ever, people with special skills and technical training are in strong demand. There's never been a better time - or place - to train for a dynamic career.
- Learn from professionals with many years of experience and a commitment to your success.
- Graduate with industry certifications recognized nationally and valued by employers.
- Excel in a small class with significant one-on-one attention. Our hands-on labs and classrooms feature the latest equipment and technology usd in modern industrial environments.
- Pay only a fraction of what private schools cost. Plus, financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Pick your pathway & get started!
Industry, Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation Certificates & Degrees
At PBSC, you can choose from many career pathways. Each certificate and degree is a stepping-stone, either to the job market or to the next level in your education.
Degrees:
- AS: Associate in Science degrees prepare you for skilled employment or transfer to PBSC’s bachelor's programs and possibly other institutions.
Certificates:
- CCC: College Credit Certificates give you marketable skills as well as college credits that can transfer to an associate degree.
- CCP: Career Certificate Programs prepare you for high-skill, high-demand jobs.
Industry
Applied Technologies Management - Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Applied Technologies Management AS degree prepares graduates of Career Certificate Programs (CCP), technical college industrial programs, and Florida Department of Education apprenticeships for supervisory and entry-level management roles in South Florida's technical industries. Students who complete a Palm Beach State or Technical College industrial program or a Florida Department of Education apprenticeship program may qualify for college credit.
Overview
If you like making people feel good about themselves, this might be the career for you!
This comprehensive Barbering program develops your knowledge, personal image and mastery of hair, beard, and skin care. During this program, you will also learn the importance of communication skills and salon career options.
Students build their barbering skills in a modern salon environment and gain hands-on
experience performing services for other students as well as paying clients.
Overview
Learn from experienced chef instructors as you develop the essential skills for a successful culinary career. Through hands-on, competency-based training, you'll master food preparation, kitchen safety, menu planning, culinary operations, and professional kitchen management.
This program prepares you for entry-level positions in the culinary industry while
providing a seamless pathway to continue your education. Credits earned transfer directly
into PBSC's Associate in Science (A.S.) in Culinary Arts Management, helping you build
on your skills and advance your career.
Overview
If you like making people feel good about themselves, this might be the career for
you!
This program includes theory and salon experience in hair styling, hair cutting, hair
coloring, permanent waving and hair relaxing, manicures and pedicures, salon management
and skin care services. In addition, course work covers cosmetology law, ethics, and
other technical information related to the field.
You'll also also learn the importance of communication skills and salon career options.
Overview
Culinary Arts Management involves overseeing the daily operations of kitchens and food service establishments while maintaining high culinary standards, managing staff, ensuring food safety, and optimizing business performance.
This program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience to help you build strong kitchen skills. You’ll learn the basics of food safety and preparation, cooking methods, proper storage, and how to use and identify kitchen equipment.
You’ll also develop leadership skills that prepare you to supervise a team, maintain high culinary standards, and help keep kitchen operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Please check the Pathway Map for this degree for advice on course selection and guidance
on earning College Credit Certificates while pursuing your A.S. degree, giving you
extra credentials.
Overview
Through hands-on coursework in event menu design, catering, and room sales, you’ll learn how to plan and deliver smooth, successful events from start to finish. You’ll also build leadership and hospitality management skills while exploring guest behavior and current trends in the hotel and event industry.
This certificate helps you develop versatile, real-world skills you can use across
many areas of hospitality. You can also continue your education by transferring credits
into PBSC’s Associate in Science (A.S.) in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
If you like helping people feel positive about their appearance, being a facial specialist (esthetician) could be your new profession!
Students are trained in a fully equipped spa, through a combination of lectures and hand-on practice, taught and guided by licensed professionals.
Program Overview
Thrive in a people-focused, fast-paced career in hospitality and tourism. Learn all aspects of the industry and prepare for roles in hotels, eateries, resorts, & more. The Hospitality and Tourism Management Associate in Science and Hospitality certificate are offered in person and 100% online
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
This A.S. degree program covers all facets of the hospitality and tourism industry, including hotel management, purchasing, cooking, food service and dining room operations, cost control, human resources, front office, security and marketing. You’ll be ready to begin a management career that can take you anywhere.
Please check the Pathway Map for this degree for advice on course selection and guidance on earning College Credit Certificates while pursuing your A.S. degree, giving you extra credentials.l.
Related College Credit Certificate
Hospitality - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Explore the hospitality profession and gain a real-world understanding of property management, hotel/motel front office procedures, personnel practices, purchasing and more. Use this credential to land a great job in a resort, hotel, convention center or other hospitality venue.
Overview
Environmental Horticulture provides the knowledge and expertise driving the green industry in Palm Beach County. Comprised of golf courses, nurseries, landscape companies, lawn maintenance firms, tree care enterprises, and garden centers, this industry seeks well trained horticulturists. Many of our students are self-employed in landscaping.
Landscape and Horticulture Management - Associate in Science (A.S.)
This degree program is designed to prepare the student for management and technical
positions in the green industry. Course content provides broad and well-rounded training
in such areas as turfgrass culture, pesticides, plant physiology, nursery management
and landscape construction.
Please check the Pathway Map for this degree for advice on course selection and guidance on earning College Credit Certificates while pursuing your A.S. degree, giving you extra credentials.
Related College Credit Certificates
Professional certification is increasingly important in the green industry, and Palm Beach State offers three Landscape and Horticulture College Credit Certificates.
In these programs, students gain marketable hands-on skills working in the College's greenhouse, shadehouse and gardens. Each certificate builds on the information of the previous one, culminating with the Professional 2 certificate. In addition, most earned credits can be applied to the A.S. degree in Landscape and Management Horticulture Management.
Landscape and Horticulture Specialist - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Develop the skills to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes through hands-on training in the College's greenhouse, shadehouse, and gardens. You'll gain practical experience in landscape design, plant care, and sustainable practices while building the in-demand skills needed to help Florida's landscapes thrive.
Landscape and Horticulture Professional 1 - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
This program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to build skills in plant science, landscape design, and sustainable landscaping practices. Building on the foundation of PBSC's Landscape and Horticulture Specialist certificate, you'll learn to identify Florida-friendly plants, safely operate landscape and irrigation equipment, and apply environmentally responsible techniques to create and maintain healthy, sustainable landscapes.
Landscape and Horticulture Professional 2 - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Build advanced knowledge of the horticulture industry while exploring topics essential to South Florida's unique environment, including plant propagation, environmental issues, and sustainable landscape practices. Through a required elective, you can tailor your education by studying scientific topics such as palm culture or biology, or gain hands-on experience in areas like computer-aided landscape design or ornamental horticulture.
Before enrolling in this program, students must complete PBSC's Landscape and Horticulture Specialist and Landscape and Horticulture Professional 1 certificates.
Overview
If you enjoy precision work and like working with people, this could be your new career! Students are trained in a fully-equipped nail spa setting through a combination of lectures and hands-on practice, taught and guided by licensed professionals. After completing this program, you may apply for your state license.
Manufacturing
Overview
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining involves the use of digital automation tools to produce high-precision machine parts, products and prototypes for many industries, including aerospace, computer, medical device and automotive. This program teaches the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to work in manufacturing facilities, production plants or machine shops and start a career this vital field.
CNC Production Specialist – Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything the CNC Production Specialist program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
The machining technology program is designed to prepare the student for employment in the manufacturing industry as a machinist. It offers a broad foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment.
Machining Technology - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything the Machining Technology program program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
The Welding Technology program prepares the student for entry-level employment in a variety of occupations in the welding industry.
Welding Technology - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything the Welding Technology program program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Construction
Overview
Working with construction industry partners, Palm Beach State College has designed two programs that prepare students for a successful career in construction management.
Through a dynamic, hands-on curriculum focused on current best practices, students
are
exposed to all critical areas of managing a construction project. By learning high-demand
skills in construction materials and methods, cost estimating, scheduling and planning,
building information modeling, site logistics, mobilization and more, students are
ready to
fill positions that put them on the fast track to management.
Building Construction Management - Associate in Science (A.S.)
This A.S. degree program prepares students to enter the construction industry on a management track. Students are exposed to all critical areas of managing a construction project, from materials and methods to scheduling and planning.
Please check the Pathway Map for this degree for advice on course selection and guidance on earning College Credit Certificates while pursuing your A.S. degree, giving you extra credentials.
Related College Credit Certificate
Building Construction Specialist - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
This College Credit Certificate program focuses on developing the essential competencies necessary for a successful career in construction management. It is ideal for those who already have a degree and want a faster route to employment. Through a combination of classroom instruction and real-world, hands-on projects, students gain knowledge, skills and experience in construction materials and methods, cost estimating, scheduling and planning, applied mathematics, building information modeling and more.
Overview
The Building Trades and Construction Design certificate program provides a robust and immersive experience tailored for individuals seeking to establish themselves in the construction industry. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical hands-on application, students delve into the core disciplines of carpentry, drywall, electrical, plumbing and HVAC/R. Hands-on training forms the cornerstone of the program, allowing students to develop proficiency in essential techniques and methodologies within each trade.
Overview
This CCP certificate program prepares students to become carpenters that can construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and others materials. Typically, they specialize in new-home, apartment, condominium, and/or commercial buildings and structures, and remodeling. As part of a single job, carpenters may build and set forms for footings, walls, slabs, and frame and finish exterior and interior walls, roofs, and decks. They also build stairs, instal drywall, interior trim and doors, windows, cabinets, exterior siding and trim, roofing materials, and build indoor and outdoor furniture and other structures. Carpenters frequently install finish flooring and interior wall finishes.
Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - Career Certificate Program CCP
The Commercial HVAC & Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Systems program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills in the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of commercial heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Through targeted coursework and practical experience, students learn to select and maintain compressors, test evaporative condensers, evaluate refrigeration system components, and work with electrical systems to ensure optimal performance. This program covers new technologies, system diagnostics, and repairs, preparing students for careers in commercial and industrial HVAC/R environments.
Overview
The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry is in constant need of skilled technicians to support residential and commercial clients.
Through real-world projects—including “on-the-job” experiences— you’ll achieve hands-on knowledge of HVAC/R operations, installation and repairs, troubleshooting, and key issues like safety and indoor air quality. The College’s lab gives you access to a wide range of up-to-date equipment, including residential split heating and cooling systems, commercial water-cooled systems, ice machines, refrigerators and freezers.
Overview
Low voltage technicians specialize in the low voltage electronic systems that keep homes and commercial buildings safe, energy efficient and easy to manage. These systems have become so advanced that it is possible to control building access, security devices, thermostats, lights, entertainment and more via a smartphone, tablet, touchscreen or computer.
Low Voltage Technician - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything the Low Voltage Technician program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Architecture and Construction career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher order reasoning and problem solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Architecture and Construction career cluster. The content includes but is not limited to reading construction documents, understanding building codes in the pipe trades, plumbing pipe cutting and joining skills and plumbing layout and installation.
Overview
The world would not function as it does today without electricity. Choosing a career as an electrician will provide you with a skill set that you can take anywhere and be successful. From wiring new homes to bringing older factories up to code, electricians are needed for every type of structure and in every industry.
Residential and Commercial Electrician - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Explore everything the Residential and Commercial Electrician program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
The cooling and heating industry is in constant need of skilled technicians to support clients.
The entry-level Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Specialist Career Certificate Program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the cooling and heating industry. The program focuses on residential air-conditioning and heating systems and includes theory, hands-on skills labs and a variety of assessments to demonstrate student learning. The program is designed to be completed in less than one academic year (two terms).
Residential Electrician - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment or advanced training in the residential electrical construction industry. The program focuses on broad, transferable skills, emphasizes all aspects of the residential electricity industry, and demonstrates elements including planning, management, technical and production skills, underlying technology principles, and health, safety , and environmental issues.
Overview
Palm Beach State College trains about 500 students annually in two registered apprenticeship construction trade programs: Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Electrical.
The training is accomplished through partnership agreements with local apprenticeship sponsors who provide on-the-job training as well as related classroom instruction for the 4-5 years it typically takes, depending on the occupation, to complete the program.
Each of the two apprenticeship programs contribute to local industry by promoting a skilled, competent workforce with high-wage jobs.
Registered apprenticeship training programs not only positively impact Palm Beach County's workforce demands, but also allow over 1,000 students to enjoy full-fledged taxpayer status. The apprentices of today become the business and industry leaders of tomorrow.
Apprenticeship (Air Conditioning & Electrical) - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Upon program completion, students receive a Florida Department of Education Certificate and are recognized worldwide as journey workers.
Palm Beach State College awards students who complete their apprenticeship a Career Certificate Program training certificate.
Program Requirements & Cost
- Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors identify the minimum qualifications to apply for a program.
- Contact the local apprenticeship sponsor at:
- Air Conditioning (HVAC): Florida Air Conditioning Apprenticeship
- Electrical: Independent Electrical Contractors, FECC, Inc
- The eligible starting age can be no less than 16; however, individuals must usually be 18 to be an apprentice in hazardous occupations.
- Program sponsors also identify additional minimum qualifications to apply, (e.g., education, ability to physically perform the essential functions of the occupation, and proof of age). All applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications.
- As per the Florida Statute 1009.25, apprentices are not charged tuition. The only costs would be tools, books and materials needed for the trade.
Program Schedule
Classroom and lab instruction take place both on the Lake Worth campus and off campus at local apprenticeship sponsor training sites. Classes and labs are scheduled in the evenings to allow for on-the-job training during the day.
The length of an apprenticeship program depends on the complexity of the occupation and the type of program (Time-based, Competency-based, or Hybrid). Apprenticeship programs range from one year to six years, but most of the programs are 4-5 years in length. During the program, the apprentice receives both structured, on-the-job training and job-related education. For each year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive normally 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a recommended minimum of 144 hours of related classroom/lab instruction.
Transportation
Overview
Automotive Repair Technician Program will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to obtain employment as an entry-level technician in the automotive industry.
Automotive Repair Technician - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
This program will prepare the participant for entry-level employment in the automotive service field. Hands-on training in the labs is supplemented with the theory in the classroom to give the student a full understanding of workplace practice, safety, and organization.
Explore everything the Automotive Repair Technician program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
This program will prepare the participant as a technician in the automotive service field.
Automotive Service Technician CCP - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Hands-on training in the labs is supplemented with the theory in the classroom to give the student a full understanding of workplace practice, safety, and organization. The AST program provides technical skill proficiency and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning, and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the automotive field.
Explore everything the Automotive Service Technician program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
This program will prepare the graduate for employment in the field as an entry-level technician for bus, truck, and diesel engines, mobile heavy equipment, construction equipment, and industrial trucks. Hands-on training in the lab in combination with theory in the classroom will give the student a full understanding of workplace practice, safety, and organization.
Diesel Systems Technician 1 - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
The participant will be trained with the ASE Education Foundation Entry Level standards and testing leading to 5 student Certifications. Additionally, the program prepares students for the professional level ASE certification exams T2 through T8 and E1 through E3.
Explore everything the Diesel Systems Technician 1 program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Overview
This program will prepare the participant for an entry-level job in the diesel service industry. Hands-on training in the labs in combination with the theory in the classroom will give the student a full understanding of employability skills, hands-on training, safety, and organization.
Diesel Technician - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
The participant will be trained with the ASE Education Foundation Entry Level standards and testing, leading to student certifications in IMMR. Additionally, the program prepares students for 6 professional-level ASE certification exams.
Explore everything the Diesel Technician program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Electric, Hybrid and Alternative Fuels Vehicle Technician - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
This certificate program prepares students for careers in hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicle service through a comprehensive blend of classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experience. Students gain foundational and advanced knowledge of hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV/EV) systems, including high-voltage safety, batteries, electric motors, power electronics, inverters, steering, suspension, regenerative braking, HVAC, and cooling systems. The program also covers automotive electrical and electronic systems, engine performance diagnostics, start/stop technology, and emissions compliance.
Overview
Students gain marketable skills in logistics information systems, materials and inventory planning, transportation and distribution, and managing the supply chain from raw materials to delivered products.
Logistics and Transportation Specialist - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
This program gets students ready to start careers in the supply chain, transportation and logistics industry, in addition to preparing them for further education
All credits from this certificate transfer into Palm Beach State’s A.S. degree in Supply Chain Management.
Overview
Florida has the largest marine industry in the U.S., and Palm Beach County is a major hub with 800+ marine-related businesses. The demand for marine mechanics and service technicians in dealerships, boat repair shops and yacht maintenance facilities is high and continuing to grow.
Marine Service Technology - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Palm Beach State College, in partnership with the American Boat and Yacht Council, offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to train marine service technicians according to industry standards and practices.
Explore everything the Marine Service Technology program has to offer — from upcoming information sessions and application steps to program costs and career-focused details — by visiting the program page.
Undecided?
You want a career, but you don’t know yet what you want to do. No worries! PBSC Find Your Path will help start you on the right track. View Map
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