What is Occupational Skills Training?

Occupational Skills Training (OST) is an on-the-job training opportunity that can help you prepare for successful employment. If you have a realistic goal and a cooperating employer can be identified, you will gain valuable skills and add real-world experience to your resume.

OST is not eligible for FAFSA. Private funding is possible, but most OST students qualify for funding through Workers Compensation, State of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the Oregon Employment Department or other sources.

• Students are registered for credit at Chemeketa Community College, but training takes place at an employer’s workplace
• An OST program term is typically 12 or 13 weeks but can vary; contact hours could be 8 hrs/wk or up to 40 hrs/wk; and OST terms can start at any time.
• Tuition and fees apply; credits are based on total contact hours agreed on per term (i.e., 8 hrs/wk for 12 weeks = 3 credits)
• A Certificate of Completion can be earned by meeting program requirements (minimum of 18 credits with C grade or better)
• OST is legally defined as an unpaid internship meaning employers are not obligated to hire their OST student, though it does happen
• Students are covered for Workers Compensation insurance by Chemeketa Community College
• OST sites can be developed, and students may reside in, Oregon, Washington, or California

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate specific work habits and foundational academic skills required for employment
• Perform job skills based on industry standards of the employment goal

Get Started

Potential students, case managers, vocational counselors or others are welcome to Email OST or call Program Coordinator Mark Noah at 503.399.5217 for additional information. Weekly Zoom information sessions are scheduled most Tuesdays starting at 10am, email (above) for the link. 

Vocational Counselors/Case Managers:

• Contact us for an individual appointment to discuss OST with your client
• We are happy to offer any information we have that will help in your efforts to identify suitable training sites, or share any skills curricula we have that might be related to the goal