Overview

This training program provides must-have hard and soft skills to thrive in the 21st century automation-laden workplace. The 160-hour training can be completed in as little as 2 months, independent of your formal education.

There are no lectures or exams. Trainees learn at their own pace, by completing practical projects and solving problems rather than by answering quiz questions. Mandatory core courses include Math for Tech, Data Literacy, and Computational Literacy 1. Electives include Data Visualization, Computational Literacy 2, Reading Blueprints, Introduction to CAD, Introduction to CNC, Introduction to Electricity, and Introduction to Hydraulics.

By working with their personal coach and the support team, they also acquire essential soft skills that include problem solving, critical and logical thinking, professional communication, time management, attention to detail, perseverance, and adaptability.

The training is self paced and works well with family and work responsibilities. Every trainee has a personal coach to help them stay on track, and a dedicated support team to assist them throughout the entire training.

Upon completing the program, graduates will have shown that they are able to learn and apply new knowledge that their new job will require and they will have acquired the hard and soft skills needed to be very effective entry level Automation Technicians. They are also ready to pass widely recognized certifications including NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate) and TOSA.

Job Placement

NCLab assists its graduates with job placement. Most graduates start a new career immediately upon graduation.

Mandatory Courses

• • Math For Tech
    This 40-hour course is for you if you need a refresher on basic math, and it can be waived if you demonstrate math fluency. It takes away any anxiety you might feel towards math. In small and simple steps, we review how to work with whole and decimal numbers, fractions, percentages, unit conversions, and solve simple tech-related math problems. After completing this course, you are ready to pass the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math exam.

• • Data Literacy
    In this 40-hour course, you become proficient with spreadsheets. You learn how to organize, format, and manipulate data, use formulas and functions, perform calculations, use Boolean logic and conditionals, work with conditional aggregate functions, wildcards, and arrays, work with date and time values, use info functions, and interpret errors. You learn how to process text data, perform basic data lookups, import data from external sources, clean data, and prepare it for analytics. After completing this course, you are ready to pass the TOSA Basic Level exam.

• • Computational Literacy 1
    In this 40-hour course, you learn how computers think, how they operate, and how they can be used to solve problems. You learn how to design algorithms and type code, identify repeating patterns, and use loops to repeat actions. Upon completing the program, you have acquired the mindset and skills needed to successfully deal with automation and intelligent machines. After completing this course, you are also ready to pass the ACT WorkKeys Workplace Documents exam.

Elective Courses

• • Data Visualization
    In this 20-hour course, you learn fundamental data concepts and how to use spreadsheets to visualize both quantitative (numeric) and qualitative (categorical) data. You review basic statistics concepts and are introduced to data analytics. After completing this course, you are ready to pass the TOSA Advanced Level exam and the ACT WorkKeys Graphic Literacy exam. Prerequisites: Data Literacy.

• • Computational Literacy 2
    This 40-hour course is designed for you if you’ve enjoyed Computational Literacy 1 and are interested in learning more coding. You learn about Boolean logic, conditional statements, conditional loops, how to define custom commands and functions, and how to break complex problems into simpler ones. Prerequisites: Computational Literacy 1

• • Reading Blueprints
    In this 20-hour course you learn how to read, understand, and interpret blueprints. These are technical drawings used in manufacturing, engineering, construction, interior design, architecture, and many other areas. The course covers various types of blueprints, the structure of a blueprint, and then it goes in detail over all important components of a blueprint. Being able to read blueprints opens the doors for you to many exciting career opportunities.

• • Introduction to CAD
    This 40-hour hands-on course provides an introduction to Computer-Aided Design (CAD). You actively build 2D and 3D models. Through hands-on practice, you learn Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) and acquire strong spatial-visual reasoning skills ("thinking in the 3D space"). As a result, you are ready for a smooth transition to SolidWorks, Rhino, AutoCAD, or other professional CAD software.

• • Introduction to CNC
    This 20-hour course provides an introduction to Computer Numerical Control (CNC). This is a modern manufacturing method that automates the control, movement, and precision of machine tools through the use of G-code and preprogrammed software tools. Prerequisites: Computational Literacy 1.

• • Introduction to Electricity (coming)
    In this 20-hour course you learn about common electronic units and prefixes, voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's law, electric power, wires and connectors, series and parallel circuits, analog and digital signals, and communication protocols. You also learn how to understand schematics which are the maps for designing, building, and troubleshooting circuits.

• • Introduction to Hydraulics (coming)
    This 20-hour course covers fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and hydraulic engineering practice. You learn how to solve pipe networks, optimize pumping systems, design pumps and turbines, solve equations for gradually-varied flow and unsteady flow, and gain knowledge of hydraulic structures like spillways, gates, valves, and culverts.

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  What Our Trainees Say About Us

  This is how I like to learn

  “This is how I like to learn, at my own pace. I like the bite-sized tutorials and I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I complete the exercises that follow them.” M.J.

  The program is great

  “I cannot compliment enough any training that involves students actually working on the problems rather than just listening.” A. S.

  Compliments to the NCLab team

  “Please extend my compliments to the NCLab team if you can, and keep advocating for this type of learning, if at the very least as an option for people like me who learn well this way.” F. A.

  I’m really enjoying this class

  “The emphasis on working at your own pace removes the stress of a normal class, and I can work around my other classes. NCLab is much better than similar programs, such as DataCamp. Not only do I learn the material, I retain it. Each lesson uses all or most of the previous concepts, which provides additional practice and ensures that you don’t forget the previous material. This is one of the most enjoyable and informative programs I’ve taken.” N. L.

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