Clackamas Community College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Oregon / Clackamas Community College
Clackamas Community College – Oregon City, OR
Program Information
Clackamas Community College (CCC) is one of Oregon’s most well-known workforce-focused colleges, serving the greater Portland metro area with a strong emphasis on skilled trades, applied technology, and apprenticeship-aligned education. CCC is especially recognized for its close partnerships with local unions, employers, and industry organizations, making it a key pipeline for construction, manufacturing, utilities, and automotive careers throughout the region.
CCC offers a wide range of trade and technical programs, including Construction Trades, Welding, Automotive Service Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Apprenticeship-related coursework, and Manufacturing Technology. Programs are designed to support both direct workforce entry and registered apprenticeship pathways, allowing students to earn college credit while preparing for or actively participating in apprenticeship programs.
The Construction Trades programs at CCC focus on real-world jobsite skills such as framing, concrete work, blueprint reading, construction math, safety practices, and tool usage. Students train in hands-on lab environments that simulate residential and commercial construction settings, making the transition to union or non-union apprenticeship programs smoother and faster.
CCC’s Welding program provides in-depth training in structural and fabrication welding used in manufacturing, construction, and industrial settings. Instruction covers MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, metal preparation, layout, blueprint interpretation, and shop safety. Students work in modern welding labs using industry-standard equipment and can prepare for welding certifications valued by regional employers.
The Automotive Service Technology program at Clackamas Community College is ASE-aligned and emphasizes diagnostics, electrical systems, engine performance, brakes, steering and suspension, and preventative maintenance. Students train on modern vehicles using professional diagnostic tools, preparing them for careers in independent repair shops, dealerships, and fleet maintenance operations.
CCC is also widely known for its apprenticeship support programs, offering related classroom instruction for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other registered apprenticeships. These programs allow apprentices to complete required classroom hours while earning college credit toward certificates or associate degrees, reducing duplication and accelerating long-term career advancement.
Program Length
- Certificate programs typically range from 6 months to 1 year
- Associate degrees generally completed in approximately 2 years
- Apprenticeship-related coursework follows industry and state requirements
Hands-On Training
Students at Clackamas Community College gain hands-on experience in:
- Construction framing, concrete work, and jobsite safety
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding in fabrication and structural applications
- Automotive diagnostics, electrical systems, and engine repair
- Industrial tools, machinery, and maintenance practices
- Blueprint reading, technical math, and trade-specific safety standards
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completed admissions application
- Placement testing or prerequisite coursework for some programs
- Ability to meet physical demands of hands-on technical training
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for ASE, welding certifications, OSHA training, and apprenticeship classroom requirements
- Career paths include construction tradesperson, welder, automotive technician, industrial maintenance technician, and registered apprentice
- Strong connections to regional employers and union apprenticeship programs
Location
Clackamas Community College
Oregon City, OR
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Clackamas Community College (Oregon City, OR) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Certificate or Associate Programs
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Clackamas Community College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.