Mobile Workforce Programs

Peninsula College’s Mobile Workforce Programs bring hands-on, in-demand skilled trades training directly to communities across the Olympic Peninsula. 

Designed to serve rural residents, employers, and individuals seeking practical career pathways throughout Clallam and Jefferson counties, these programs remove barriers to access by bringing education and training directly to the communities where people live and work. Initial programs in welding, marine technology, and related trades begin rolling out in Summer and Fall 2026.

Program Skills, Career Opportunities & Costs

Mobile Workforce Programs focus on industry-aligned, hands-on training that prepares students for immediate entry into high-demand careers. Across all programs, students develop foundational technical skills, workplace safety knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with industry tools and equipment. Additionally, graduates of Mobile Workforce Programs are prepared for entry-level positions in high-demand industries across the Olympic Peninsula and beyond. 

Peninsula College's Mobile Workforce Programs were designed in collaboration with regional employers such as boat manufacturers, repair facilities, and construction firms, ensuring training aligns directly with hiring needs in Clallam, Jefferson, and neighboring counties.

Explore Skills & Career Opportunities

Program Skills

  • Welding Technology: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), cutting processes, fabrication, blueprint reading, and shop safety.
  • Marine Technology: Outboard motor maintenance and repair, marine electrical systems, electronics troubleshooting, and vessel systems fundamentals.
  • Construction & Trades (future offerings): Basic carpentry, material handling, tool use, and emerging technologies such as CNC and engineered wood products.

Career Opportunities

  • Welder/Fabricator
  • Marine Service Technician
  • Boatyard Technician
  • Construction Laborer/Apprentice
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Manufacturing and Production Roles
Mobile Program Offerings

Mobile Program Certificate & Degree Offerings for 2026–2027 Academic Year:

Short-Term Certificate Programs

  • Marine Electrical, 10 Credit Hours
  • Marine Fabrication, 18 Credit Hours
  • Marine Finishing, 15 Credit Hours
  • Marine Propulsion and Outboard Motor Repair, 8 Credit Hours
  • Marine Spill Responder, 6 Credit Hours
  • Marine Systems, 9 Credit Hours

Certificate Program: 

  • Welding Technology—Welding Basics, 15 Credit Hours

One Year Certificate Program:

  • *Welding Technology, 58 Credit Hours

Associate in Applied Science Degree Programs:

  • *Associate in Applied Science, Marine Technology, 90 Credit Hours

*Courses need to be taken online to complete certificate or degree.  

Our current mobile workforce fleet consists of two mobile classrooms and a support vehicle. 

  • 53’ Mobile Welding Classroom
    Full Welding Lab
  • 30’ Mobile Flexible Classroom
    Expandable Classroom/Lab Space
Program Costs

Program costs vary depending on the course and length of training but are designed to remain affordable and accessible. Typical costs may include:

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Program-Specific Lab or Consumable Fees  
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, Safety Glasses, Welding Gear  
  • Basic Tools (varies by program)  
  • Transportation to Training Sites (if applicable)
     
Program Cost of Tuition
Welding: One Quarter
15 Credits		 $1,915.30
Welding: Three Quarters
45 Credits		 $5,745.90
Marine Technology: One Quarter
15 Credits		 $1,915.30
Marine Technology: Three Quarters
45 Credits		 $5,745.90

For a complete breakdown of tuition and all student fees, please visit the Tuition & Fees page.

Funding Resources

There are multiple funding options available to help cover the cost of Mobile Workforce Programs. Students may qualify for funding if they are unemployed, underemployed, a dislocated worker, a veteran, or experiencing a major life change such as divorce or job loss. Common funding sources include:

  • Worker Retraining: The Worker Retraining program supports vulnerable workers and the unemployed who are currently receiving or have exhausted unemployment within the last 48 months.Worker Retraining may cover tuition, fees, and books—and does not require repayment. 

More Information About Worker Retraining

  • Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET): The BFET program supports Basic Food (SNAP) recipients who are NOT receiving TANF benefits.

  More Information About BFET

  • WorkFirst: WorkFirst is a referral-based program that supports students receiving TANF benefits. Services are offered at Peninsula College through a partnership with DSHS. Students should ask their caseworker for a referral to the college.

More Information About WorkFirst

  • Scholarships & Grant-Funded Support: Peninsula College takes paying for college seriously and we are here to help you reach your college goals at a fraction of the cost.

Scholarships, Grants & Funding

  • Olympic Connect Employment Support Program: Olympic Connect supports residents ages 25-54 who live and are actively seeking a good job in Clallam or Jefferson counties and are currently un/under employed.

Olympic Connect

Our team can help you identify and apply for the funding option that best fits your situation. 

Peninsula College is committed to minimizing out-of-pocket costs through grant funding and financial assistance whenever possible. 

Let's Get Started!

Ready to get started? Please visit our Apply & Enroll page for everything you need to begin your application. If you have questions or need additional help, please schedule an appointment with an Outreach Specialist to learn more about admission steps, degree and certificate programs, student resources, and more. For specific questions about our Mobile Workforce Programs, please contact us at mobile@pencol.edu.

For students who are unable to attend skilled trades classes in-person at our Port Angeles campus, please reach out to the appropriate specialist for details about mobile programs in your area.

  • For students who live in the West End (Forks), please contact Sharon Millet at smillett@pencol.edu or (360) 374-3223. 
  • For students who live in Jefferson County, please contact Cat North at cnorth@pencol.edu or (360) 241-1366

Apply & Enroll Schedule an Appointment with Outreach

Mobile Campus Schedule

Peninsula College’s Mobile Campus brings training directly to communities using fully equipped, state-of-the-art training units. 

Academic Quarter

Mobile Welding Classroom
Forks Campus

Mobile Flex Classroom
Port of Port Townsend
Fall 2026 WELD 110: Beginning Welding & Metal Fabrication I MTEC 101: Outboard Motor Repair & Maintenance
MTEC 102: Marine Electronics
Winter 2027 WELD 120: Beginning Welding & Metal Fabrication II MTEC 103: Marine Systems
MTEC 106: Marine Spill Response
Spring 2027 WELD 130: Beginning Welding & Metal Fabrication III MTEC 104: Marine Finishing

Peninsula College's Forks Campus is located at 481 South Forks Avenue, Forks, WA.

Mobile Programs for Employers

Peninsula College partners with employers to deliver customized, flexible training solutions that meet workforce needs. We offer:

  • On-site or community-based training using mobile units  
  • Short-term, targeted skill development programs  
  • Incumbent worker training and upskilling  
  • Pre-employment training aligned with hiring needs  

Customized training programs can be tailored to specific industries, including marine manufacturing, construction, and fabrication. Employers benefit from a local talent pipeline, reduced training costs, and workforce-ready employees. 

Customized Training Programs

To learn more about what Peninsula College's Mobile Workforce Programs can do for your business, please reach out to Camilla Rico (360) 417-6444 or crico@pencol.edu.

Mobile Programs FAQs

Who can enroll? 

Open to community members, job seekers, and incumbent workers. Some programs may have age or prerequisite requirements.

Do I need prior experience? 

No prior experience is required for most entry-level programs. 

Are these programs for credit? 

Yes, many mobile programs offer college credit and can lead to certificates.

How long are the programs?

Range is from one quarter to one academic year. Some customized training and community education programs may become available throughout the year.

What if I need financial help? 

There are multiple funding options available to help cover the cost of Mobile Workforce Programs. All prospective students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA/WASFA application to get started.

Apply for Financial Aid

Additionally, students may qualify for funding if they are unemployed, underemployed, a dislocated worker, a veteran, or experiencing a major life change such as divorce or job loss. Common funding sources include:

  • Worker Retraining (may cover tuition, fees, and books—does not require repayment)  
  • Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET)  
  • WorkFirst  
  • Scholarships and grant-funded program support  

The Olympic Connect Employment Support Program supports residents ages 25-54 who live and are actively seeking a good job in Clallam or Jefferson counties and are currently un/under employed. Please visit Olympic Connect to get started.

Olympic Connect

Our team can help you identify and apply for the funding option that best fits your situation. 

Where are classes held? 

Classes are delivered in mobile training units located in communities across the region. Please review the mobile programs offerings for the upcoming academic year to see where our mobile classrooms will be.

Questions?

Have questions or need of more information about the Mobile Programs? Please contact our Mobile Programs team at mobile@pencol.edu. 

Apply Now