The program teaches students basic skills and offers guaranteed interviews upon completion

BEAVERTON, Ore., August 19, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Office Automation (POA), the largest independent office equipment distributor in the United States, has partnered with Portland Community College (PCC) to develop a certificate of completion for the fundamentals of the field service technician profession. The curriculum – a packed program of courses – prepares students for successful careers as technicians. The 12-week program begins Monday, September 23.

With industry advice from POA, the PCC program was developed to teach students fundamental skills that can be directly applied to a career as a field service technician, such as installing and testing equipment, troubleshooting, and interacting with customer service. During the semester, students learn diagnostic skills that are then applicable to equipment in fields as diverse as agriculture, heavy engineering, manufacturing, the office equipment industry, and more.

POA and PCC are committed to preparing students for the job immediately, so successful completion of the program guarantees an interview with Pacific Office Automation. POA will fully reimburse the tuition for the program to anyone hired by the company.

“Together with POA, our goal with this semester program is to break down the barriers to these types of careers so that everyone has access to this program and the job opportunities that come with it,” said Patty Hawkins, program dean for electronics, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing at PCC. “We think this is a great program for students who are interested in working as technicians.”

According to MyFuture Career, the field service technician industry is expected to grow six percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all other occupations. Pacific Office Automation is following this trend and currently has 33 field service technician positions open. The company’s Portland office is expected to hire 10 to 12 technicians over the course of a year. POA is one of hundreds of companies seeking new technicians, and this program aims to meet this industry need while supporting Oregon’s workforce.

The 13-credit program is offered in fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters. It is primarily offered in-person, with the option to progress online in the future. No prior experience is required, and anyone can enroll in the program.

The fall semester admission deadline is September 9. For more information about the Field Service Technician Foundations Certificate of Completion program and to register, visit www.pcc.edu.

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About Pacific Office Automation:

Founded in 1976, Pacific Office Automation (POA) is a privately held office technology company headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. POA employs over 1,450 people in eleven states. The company has grown to become the largest authorized dealer of high-quality printer manufacturers and is committed to providing customized office solutions, cutting-edge technology and award-winning customer service to its customers and the public. POA provides managed printing services, enterprise-level IT services, software, office equipment and unified communications throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.pacificoffice.com.

About Portland Community College:

Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest postsecondary educational institution in Oregon, providing education, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full-time and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas and Columbia counties. PCC has four full-time campuses, 10 education centers or service areas, and approximately 200 community sites in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district covers a 1,500-square-mile area of ​​northwest Oregon and offers two-year degree programs, one-year certificate programs, short-term apprenticeships, alternative education, pre-college courses, and lifelong learning. Visit PCC news online at http://news.pcc.edu/.

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Contacts

Christie Wakefield
[email protected]