Pacific Office Automation (POA), the largest independent office equipment dealer in the U.S., has teamed up with Portland Community College (PCC) to create a new Field Service Technician Foundations Certificate of Completion. This comprehensive 12-week program, starting Monday, September 23, is designed to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career as a field technician.
Developed with POA’s industry insights, the PCC curriculum covers essential skills like equipment installation and testing, troubleshooting, and customer service. Throughout the program, students will gain diagnostic abilities that can be applied across various sectors, including agriculture, heavy machinery, manufacturing, and office equipment.
To ensure students are job-ready upon completion, POA guarantees an interview for all graduates of the program. Additionally, POA offers full tuition reimbursement to those who are hired by the company.
“Our partnership with POA is aimed at removing barriers to these career paths, making them accessible to everyone,” said Patty Hawkins, program dean of electronic, mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing at PCC. “This program is ideal for students interested in becoming technicians.”
The field technician industry is expected to grow by six percent from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average for other occupations, according to MyFuture Career. POA is part of this trend, with 33 current openings for field technicians and plans to hire 10 to 12 more in Portland over the next year. This program is designed to meet the industry’s demand for skilled technicians while supporting Oregon’s workforce.
The 13-credit program will be offered during fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. Classes will primarily be held in-person, with potential for online expansion in the future. No prior experience is required, and the program is open to all.
The application deadline for the fall term is September 9. For more information and to register for the Field Service Technician Foundations Certificate of Completion program, visit www.pcc.edu.
