NC3 Digital Badges
Introduction to Alternative Energy
Objective:This certification provides participants with both theoretical insights and practical skills in alternative energy, including solar, wind, and hydro energy systems, preparing them for roles in sustainable energy management and design. The Introduction to Alternative Energy certification provides a comprehensive overview of various energy sources, focusing on renewable energy options and their environmental impact. Participants gain knowledge about different energy types, the fundamentals of energy conversion, and the design considerations necessary for implementing alternative energy systems. The course covers solar, wind, and hydro energy, as well as methods for calculating energy efficiency and implementing sustainable practices. Through hands-on lab activities and real-world project challenges, learners develop practical skills for measuring, calculating, and optimizing energy use. This certification equips participants with the foundational knowledge needed to evaluate and deploy alternative energy technologies effectively.
Introduction to Alternative Energy
Description
Objective:
This certification provides participants with both theoretical insights and practical skills in alternative energy, including solar, wind, and hydro energy systems, preparing them for roles in sustainable energy management and design. The Introduction to Alternative Energy certification provides a comprehensive overview of various energy sources, focusing on renewable energy options and their environmental impact. Participants gain knowledge about different energy types, the fundamentals of energy conversion, and the design considerations necessary for implementing alternative energy systems. The course covers solar, wind, and hydro energy, as well as methods for calculating energy efficiency and implementing sustainable practices. Through hands-on lab activities and real-world project challenges, learners develop practical skills for measuring, calculating, and optimizing energy use. This certification equips participants with the foundational knowledge needed to evaluate and deploy alternative energy technologies effectively.
Competencies
- Alternative Energy System Knowledge: Demonstrates comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of various alternative energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydro energy systems.
- Energy Conversion Fundamentals: Explains and applies the fundamental principles of energy conversion relevant to alternative energy technologies.
- System Design Principles: Identifies and applies key design considerations for the implementation of alternative energy systems.
- Energy Efficiency Calculation: Calculates and interprets energy efficiency metrics for diverse energy systems.
- Energy Measurement and Optimization: Utilizes practical skills and tools to measure, calculate, and optimize energy use in various contexts.
- Technology Evaluation and Deployment: Assesses the suitability and effectiveness of alternative energy technologies for deployment in different applications.
- Environmental Impact Analysis: Critically analyzes the environmental impact of various energy options, with a focus on renewable energy sources.
- Sustainable Practice Application: Develops and recommends sustainable practices for effective energy management.
- Problem Identification in Energy Systems: Identifies potential issues and inefficiencies within alternative energy systems.
- Solution Development for Energy Challenges: Formulates practical solutions to optimize energy use and integrate alternative energy technologies.
- Sustainable Energy Management Readiness: Prepares for and effectively contributes to roles within sustainable energy management.
- Alternative Energy Design Contribution: Collaborates on and contributes to the design and implementation of alternative energy projects.
- Practical Application: Applies theoretical insights to real-world project challenges and hands-on laboratory activities.
- Foundational Knowledge Application: Leverages foundational knowledge to make informed decisions regarding alternative energy technologies.
- Adaptability to New Technologies: Demonstrates a readiness to learn and adapt to evolving alternative energy technologies and practices.
Applicable Skills
Introduction to CAD
Objective:This certification introduces students to the basics of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using Onshape, a powerful cloud-based 3D modeling platform. Designed for beginners, the course covers essential CAD skills such as sketching, part modeling, assemblies, and technical drawings. Students will gain hands-on experience creating 3D models and collaborative design projects in real time from any device.
Introduction to CAD
Description
Objective:
This certification introduces students to the basics of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using Onshape, a powerful cloud-based 3D modeling platform. Designed for beginners, the course covers essential CAD skills such as sketching, part modeling, assemblies, and technical drawings. Students will gain hands-on experience creating 3D models and collaborative design projects in real time from any device.
Competencies
- Understanding CAD Software
- Navigate and use On Shape CAD platform.
- Set up projects, manage layers, and customize toolbars.
- Create, edit, and annotate technical drawings.
- Use line types, dimensioning, hatching, and layout tools.
- Apply geometric constraints and drawing standards.
- Create basic and complex 3D parts and assemblies.
- Apply extrude, revolve, loft, and sweep features.
- Use assemblies and constraints to simulate part relationships.
- Understand tolerancing, fits, and machining considerations.
- Produce shop-ready drawings with proper annotations and BOMs.
- Save, export, and organize design files.
- Use version control and understand file types.
- Visualize objects in multiple views and transform 2D sketches into 3D models.
- Troubleshoot design issues and optimize solutions based on constraints.
- Apply geometric principles, algebra, and trigonometry.
- Use measurement tools and units correctly.
- Interpret and create technical drawings for diverse stakeholders.
- Explain design intent and documentation clearly.
- Work effectively in a team using CAD files in shared environments.
- Use cloud-based CAD tools for team-based design.
- Ensure precision and accuracy in dimensions, tolerances, and annotations.
- Learn and adapt to new CAD tools or industry-specific software.
Applicable Skills
Introduction to Exploratory Electronics
Objective:The purpose of the Introduction to Exploratory Electronics industry recognized certification is to challenge learners to design new circuits for innovative electronics products, such as those commonly found in modern households, and in doing so, solve typical electrical problems that may be encountered by electrical and electronics engineers. As learners explore and practice the skills needed to design and build electronics circuits, they will gain some of the basic knowledge of DC and AC circuits and semiconductors that would be required to become electronics or electrical engineers or technicians.
Introduction to Exploratory Electronics
Description
Objective:
The purpose of the Introduction to Exploratory Electronics industry recognized certification is to challenge learners to design new circuits for innovative electronics products, such as those commonly found in modern households, and in doing so, solve typical electrical problems that may be encountered by electrical and electronics engineers. As learners explore and practice the skills needed to design and build electronics circuits, they will gain some of the basic knowledge of DC and AC circuits and semiconductors that would be required to become electronics or electrical engineers or technicians.
Competencies
- Apply Ohm’s Law to gain an understanding of voltage, current, and resistance.
- Practice wiring and testing electronic circuits by connecting many different types of components, including passive types (such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors) and semiconductors (such as diodes, transistors, and thyristors).
- Learn to use electronic equipment, such as a digital multimeter, signal generator, and power supply.
- Build electronic circuits, such as an amplifier and oscillator, to solve real-world problems.
Applicable Skills
Introduction to Exploring Electricity
Objective:In the STEM Exploring Electricity industry recognized certification, students discover how the four disciplines connect as they explore and practice the skills needed to work with electricity. Once they are familiar with electric circuits, they will have the opportunity to design innovative solutions to real-world problems, challenges, and needs. The purpose of the STEM Exploring Electricity course is to challenge students to design electric circuits that are required to solve electrical problems typically found in both residential homes and commercial industry. As students explore and practice the skills needed to work with electricity, they will gain some of the basic knowledge required to work as licensed electricians or electrical contractors, or to become electrical engineers.
Introduction to Exploring Electricity
Description
Objective:
In the STEM Exploring Electricity industry recognized certification, students discover how the four disciplines connect as they explore and practice the skills needed to work with electricity. Once they are familiar with electric circuits, they will have the opportunity to design innovative solutions to real-world problems, challenges, and needs. The purpose of the STEM Exploring Electricity course is to challenge students to design electric circuits that are required to solve electrical problems typically found in both residential homes and commercial industry. As students explore and practice the skills needed to work with electricity, they will gain some of the basic knowledge required to work as licensed electricians or electrical contractors, or to become electrical engineers.
Competencies
- Gain an understanding of electric voltage, current, resistance, and power in series and parallel circuits.
- Practice wiring and testing electric circuits by connecting lamps, resistors, and electromechanical components, such as switches, a relay, and a motor.
- Demonstrate how to use a digital multimeter.
- Design electrical circuits to solve real-world problems.
- Apply Ohm’s Law to calculate voltage, current, resistance, and power in series and parallel circuits.
Applicable Skills
Introduction to Mechanisms
Objective:The purpose of this certification is to teach students the fundamentals of mechanical power and its applications in modern society. Students will learn how objects can be transformed into simple machines that make our lives easier and more productive. They will also be introduced to the physics and mathematics of mechanical power, including how to calculate work, force, energy, and power. Students will also explore career opportunities.
Introduction to Mechanisms
Description
Objective:
The purpose of this certification is to teach students the fundamentals of mechanical power and its applications in modern society. Students will learn how objects can be transformed into simple machines that make our lives easier and more productive. They will also be introduced to the physics and mathematics of mechanical power, including how to calculate work, force, energy, and power. Students will also explore career opportunities.
Competencies
- Identify and define mechanisms with mechanical advantages which impact daily life
- Use the basic skills required for the design of a stable moving platform and relocation of large objects
- Demonstrated how the concepts of force, friction, work, and power can be applied
- Connect, configure, and utilize hardware to demonstrate mechanical concepts
- Make precise conclusions proven by testing results and calculations
- Explore the principles and use of inclined planes, wedges, screws, levers, wheels, axels, gears, belt drives, and pulleys.
Applicable Skills
Introduction to Mechatronics
Objective:As an Introduction to Mechatronics, this industry recognized certification aims to relay foundational information and develop hands on skills in the areas of Mechanical, Electrical, and Control Technology. Students will develop competencies to operate and maintain pneumatics, electricity, sensors, actuators, and controls. Utilizing real-world automation devices students will also gain additional skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). These skills that are at the core of automation, production, and manufacturing are in high demand. At the conclusion of the course, students will be prepared to enter into high levels of Mechatronics and Industry 4.0 training, as well as filling much needed career positions such as certified production technicians and/or operators.
Introduction to Mechatronics
Description
Objective:
As an Introduction to Mechatronics, this industry recognized certification aims to relay foundational information and develop hands on skills in the areas of Mechanical, Electrical, and Control Technology. Students will develop competencies to operate and maintain pneumatics, electricity, sensors, actuators, and controls. Utilizing real-world automation devices students will also gain additional skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). These skills that are at the core of automation, production, and manufacturing are in high demand. At the conclusion of the course, students will be prepared to enter into high levels of Mechatronics and Industry 4.0 training, as well as filling much needed career positions such as certified production technicians and/or operators.
Competencies
- Explain the function of electro-pneumatic systems.
- Explain and demonstrate the function of Stacking, Conveying and Handling Systems.
- Identify the components of automated systems.
- Explain and demonstrate the functionality of Pneumatics, Electrical and Mechanical components.
- Utilize software tools to design, simulate and control automated systems.
- Identify the elements of Programmable Logic Controllers.
- Analyze logic circuits and develop sequence programs.
- Apply the engineering design process to create automated systems and solutions.
- Apply critical thinking, problems solving, and teamwork.
Applicable Skills
Introduction to Process Engineering
Objective:The Introduction to Process Engineering industry recognized certification enables learners to take on the role of a process control engineer in a real-world scenario. The certification explores, educates, and challenges learners with the basic skills associated with process control. They learn about process control engineering and will be challenged to come up with ideas within the discipline of process control. They will take on the role of a process control engineer and adhere to the specifications and constraints given to complete projects and the main challenge. As they explore and practice the skills associated with process control, learners will select a new operational design through experimentation.
Introduction to Process Engineering
Description
Objective:
The Introduction to Process Engineering industry recognized certification enables learners to take on the role of a process control engineer in a real-world scenario. The certification explores, educates, and challenges learners with the basic skills associated with process control. They learn about process control engineering and will be challenged to come up with ideas within the discipline of process control. They will take on the role of a process control engineer and adhere to the specifications and constraints given to complete projects and the main challenge. As they explore and practice the skills associated with process control, learners will select a new operational design through experimentation.
Competencies
- Identify and define process control engineering and how automatic control systems impact their daily lives.
- Use the basic skills required for the reading and drawing of electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and piping and instrumentation (PI) flow diagrams.
- Demonstrate how flow and pressure are measured both manually and electronically and how valves and pumps work using a closed-loop fluid system.
- Connect, configure, and operate hardware and software required for automated control including selecting and applying various sensors.
- Discuss the logic of control (PID) and make conclusions while examining real system data output.
Applicable Skills
Introduction to Robotics
Objective:This certification provides foundational knowledge and hands on skills in robotics for industrial training environments. Emphasis is on robot safety and risk mitigation, robot components and coordinate systems, robot programming and motion, peripheral interfaces, commissioning and testing, and systematic troubleshooting. The program combines instructor led theory with paired lab work and practical exercises to develop competencies for operating, programming, and maintaining robotic systems.
Introduction to Robotics
Description
Objective:
This certification provides foundational knowledge and hands on skills in robotics for industrial training environments. Emphasis is on robot safety and risk mitigation, robot components and coordinate systems, robot programming and motion, peripheral interfaces, commissioning and testing, and systematic troubleshooting. The program combines instructor led theory with paired lab work and practical exercises to develop competencies for operating, programming, and maintaining robotic systems.
Competencies
- Explain the historical development of robotics and typical industrial applications
- Apply robot safety standards, perform basic risk assessments, and identify required protective measures
- Locate, interpret, and use required system documentation: operating instructions, installation and commissioning guides, maintenance procedures, and protective device descriptions
- Identify robot components and describe the function of joints, links, end effectors, sensors, and safety devices
- Define coordinate systems and teach points in the appropriate frame of reference
- Describe and program basic joint and Cartesian motions; understand motion interpolation and trajectory considerations
- Create structured robot programs using teach points and program flow best practices for repeatable tasks
- Interface peripherals and configure basic I/O for grippers, conveyors, vision systems, and other external devices
- Commission a robot cell: perform teach point verification, payload validation, reach and envelope tests, and basic calibration
- Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics on robot hardware, sensors, I/O, and peripheral interfaces using systematic methods
- Demonstrate safe operation procedures: start/stop sequences, emergency stop verification, interlock checks, and guarding compliance
- Implement preventive maintenance tasks and document maintenance per manufacturer procedures
- Demonstrate programming, motion, and troubleshooting competencies in instructor led labs and paired exercises
- Adhere to course delivery constraints and curriculum controls for distribution of course materials
Applicable Skills
Advanced Bending
Objective:Learn the bending characteristics of the various conduits used in the electrical trade. Apply the bending theory required to calculate, layout and perform a variety of the most common bends used in the electrical trade. Advance to using the industry standard electric and hydraulic benders, as well as PVC heaters that emphasize productivity and more advanced techniques to make larger radius, segment bends.
Advanced Bending
Description
Objective:
Learn the bending characteristics of the various conduits used in the electrical trade. Apply the bending theory required to calculate, layout and perform a variety of the most common bends used in the electrical trade. Advance to using the industry standard electric and hydraulic benders, as well as PVC heaters that emphasize productivity and more advanced techniques to make larger radius, segment bends.
Competencies
- Demonstrated proficiency by bending conduit using the industry standard electric and hydraulic benders, as well as PVC heaters that
- emphasize productivity and more advanced techniques to make larger radius, segment bends.
- Applied mathematics required to calculate, layout and perform a variety of the most common bends used in the electrical trades.
- Used professional grade tools related to conduit bending to measure, cut and prepare conduit for installation.
- Understands the planning and regulations around conduit installation.
- Understands the theory and principles applied to bending conduit.
- Understands conduit characteristics.
- Understands and follows industry safety and regulations.
Applicable Skills
Basic Electrical Installation
Objective:Master essential skills in our Basic Electrical Installation course, covering Electrical Terminology, Safety, Tool Identification, Conductor Preparation and Termination, Switch, Receptacle and Lighting Installation, and Basic Conduit Installation. Gain hands-on experience for success in the electrical field.
Basic Electrical Installation
Description
Objective:
Master essential skills in our Basic Electrical Installation course, covering Electrical Terminology, Safety, Tool Identification, Conductor Preparation and Termination, Switch, Receptacle and Lighting Installation, and Basic Conduit Installation. Gain hands-on experience for success in the electrical field.
Competencies
- Attain a thorough understanding of electrical terminology and safety protocols, ensuring a secure and informed approach to all electrical tasks.
- Identify and proficiently use essential tools across various electrical applications, enhancing productivity and precision in daily tasks.
- Develop practical skills for precise wire stripping, termination techniques, and meticulous cable preparation, crucial for successful conductor handling and cable installations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the installation of switches, receptacles, and lighting components, emphasizing safety protocols and effective practices for creating functional electrical systems.
- Prioritize safety in electrical component installation, incorporating industry-recommended protocols and best practices to ensure a secure working environment.
- Establish a strong foundation in conduit installation, covering Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), bends, fittings, and hands-on exercises. This knowledge is essential for successful conduit cutting and installation.
Applicable Skills
Bending Basics
Objective:Learn the bending characteristics of the various conduits used in the electrical trade. Apply the bending theory required to calculate, layout and perform a variety of the most common bends used in the electrical trade. Demonstrate proficiency by bending conduit using hand benders and ratchet mechanical benders.
Bending Basics
Description
Objective:
Learn the bending characteristics of the various conduits used in the electrical trade. Apply the bending theory required to calculate, layout and perform a variety of the most common bends used in the electrical trade. Demonstrate proficiency by bending conduit using hand benders and ratchet mechanical benders.
Competencies
- Demonstrated proficiency by bending conduit using hand benders and mechanical benders to make 90-degree, offset, back-to-back, and
- saddle bends.
- Demonstrated proficiency by threading rigid conduit using hand threaders.
- Applied mathematics required to calculate, layout and perform a variety of the most common bends used in the electrical trades.
- Used professional grade tools related to conduit bending to measure, cut and prepare conduit for installation.
- Understands the planning and regulations around conduit installation.
- Understands the theory and principles applied to bending conduit.
- Understands conduit characteristics.
- Understands and follows industry safety and regulations.
Applicable Skills
Branch and Series Level Termination
Objective:Identify the different circuit levels and types and sizes of electrical conductors used in those circuits. Introduce the applicable regulations concerning cutting and terminating branch/series level electrical wire and cables. Evaluate the student’s ability to safely and correctly use professional wire termination tools to terminate electrical conductors using graded lab activities and tests.
Branch and Series Level Termination
Description
Objective:
Identify the different circuit levels and types and sizes of electrical conductors used in those circuits. Introduce the applicable regulations concerning cutting and terminating branch/series level electrical wire and cables. Evaluate the student’s ability to safely and correctly use professional wire termination tools to terminate electrical conductors using graded lab activities and tests.
Competencies
- Understands and can identify the four circuit levels and the regulations concerning cutting, stripping and crimping electrical wire.
- Understands the advantages and demonstrates the proper use of the latest electrical wire termination tools for cutting, stripping and crimping
- electrical connectors on copper and aluminum wire.
- Demonstrated the use of professional grade electrical wire termination tools to cut, strip and crimp electrical connectors on Series wire sizes.
- Understands the theory of Wire Termination as well as common connector and cable types.
- Demonstrated connector crimp profile recognition and limitations.