Colorado Northwestern Community College

Colorado Northwestern Community College – Rangely, CO

Program Information

Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) in Rangely offers trade-focused training in welding, automotive technology, and diesel technology for students who want practical, hands-on skills they can apply directly in the field. The programs are built around learning by doing, which is especially important in technical careers where precision, safe work habits, and troubleshooting ability matter as much as textbook knowledge. Students typically spend a significant portion of their time practicing real procedures in a shop setting—measuring, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and verifying their work—so they develop the confidence and routines needed for entry-level employment.

The welding program provides instruction that supports both beginners and students looking to build more advanced capability. Training commonly starts with foundational topics such as shop safety, tool use, material preparation, and proper setup, then expands into welding processes like MIG and TIG. Students work on technique, consistency, and quality while learning how welds are evaluated in real work environments. Blueprint reading and interpreting basic welding symbols are also key components, since welders are often expected to understand drawings, follow specifications, and produce parts that fit and function properly in larger assemblies. Over time, students build a stronger understanding of how preparation, fit-up, and finishing affect weld strength, appearance, and overall quality.

In automotive technology, students focus on diagnosis, repair, and maintenance using a structured approach that emphasizes accuracy and verification. Instead of guessing, students learn to confirm symptoms, follow a logical diagnostic path, interpret findings, and make repairs that solve the problem reliably. Training typically spans core systems such as engines, brakes, steering and suspension, and electrical components, helping students understand how modern vehicles operate as integrated systems. Diesel technology builds on similar diagnostic thinking but applies it to diesel-powered engines and equipment used in heavy machinery and commercial vehicles. Students develop familiarity with the systems that support diesel operation and learn maintenance and troubleshooting practices that prioritize reliability and uptime—critical in work environments where equipment performance directly affects productivity.

Hands-On Training & Shop Experience

CNCC’s trade programs emphasize shop-based practice, giving students repeated opportunities to work with tools, equipment, and real components in a supervised setting. Welding students refine technique through repetition and feedback, while automotive and diesel students practice inspections, diagnostic steps, and repair procedures that mirror day-to-day work in service bays. This hands-on model helps students connect technical concepts to physical systems, develop tool confidence, and improve problem-solving under realistic conditions.

Career Preparation & Technical Skills

Beyond the core trade skills, students develop habits that translate well to professional environments—following safety procedures, documenting work, reading technical information, and communicating clearly about what was found and what was repaired. Trade careers often require technicians to explain issues, confirm repairs, and complete work to a standard that can be inspected or tested. By practicing these workflows during training, students can enter the workforce with experience handling common job expectations such as accuracy, consistency, and accountability.

Workplace Connection & Practical Experience

CNCC highlights the value of connecting training to real work settings. Opportunities such as internships, applied learning experiences, or support with job-search readiness can help students understand workplace expectations and practice professional routines. Students benefit most when they approach these opportunities with the same mindset they bring to the shop: show up prepared, work safely, ask good questions, and treat each task as a chance to build credibility and skill.

Learning Environment

The learning environment in a community college trade program is often structured to balance clear instruction with hands-on application. Students typically learn a concept, watch it demonstrated, and then practice it with instructor guidance until they can complete the task independently. That blend supports different learning styles and helps students progress steadily—from basic tasks and safety fundamentals to more complex projects that require precision and troubleshooting.

Program Length

Program length at CNCC generally ranges from about one to two years, depending on whether a student pursues a shorter certificate or a longer associate degree pathway. Timeline can also vary based on course sequencing and whether a student attends full-time or part-time, so some learners choose a pace that fits work and family responsibilities while still moving steadily toward completion.

Program Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic math and communication skills
• Ability to work in a hands-on technical environment

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