The Commercial Food Equipment Service Technician (CFEST) Program, together with Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) Professional Development Institute, will offer a basic technician training program July 20. This short-term training opportunity will teach students the fundamental skills to succeed in the commercial food equipment repair industry.

The training program will be of “no cost” to qualified participants. To find out eligibility requirements, contact Lorri Romero, CFEST program director, at (405) 682-7562 or lorri.l.romero@occc.edu.

This 4-week course will be 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Professional Development Institute, 7124 S. I-35 Service Road. An additional two-weeks of training will be available for those who need some remedial education; providing a 6-week course option.

Sponsored by the United States Department of Labor, the CFEST Program was developed in cooperation with the Commercial Food Equipment Service Association to prepare students with the technical skills necessary to gain employment in the commercial food equipment repair industry. As indicated by industry employers, the demand for skilled repair technicians is ever increasing.

Course curriculum will include “hot-side” basics in electric, gas, steam and hydraulics and pneumatics. Each course module will be taught by an industry professional to include computerized learning programs, hands-on simulation and troubleshooting. Additional program elements include education and employment coaching and skill development.

At the end of the course, a comprehensive exam will test each student’s skills against industry specific requirements. Upon satisfactory completion of the exam, students will receive an industry recognized certificate. Additionally, on-the-job training opportunities will be available after course completion to further enhance skill development and connect students with viable job options throughout the state.

For more information, contact Regina Clear, CFEST Education and Employment coach, at (405) 686-6221 or regina.l.clear@occc.edu.