The Commercial Food Equipment Service Technician (CFEST) program at Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) Professional Development Institute is hosting an open house Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. at 7124 I-35 Service Road.

The open house will give individuals a chance to tour the facility, meet the staff and connect with local companies. Refreshments will be served.

The CFEST program begins the basic technician training program July 20. This short-term training opportunity teaches students the fundamental skills to succeed in the commercial food equipment repair industry.

The four-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 six-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 includes “hot-side” basics in electric, gas, steam and hydraulics and pneumatics. Each course module is taught by an industry professional and includes 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 tests each student’s skills against industry specific requirements. Upon satisfactory completion of the exam, students receive an industry recognized certificate. Additionally, on-the-job training opportunities are available after course completion to further enhance skill development and connect students with viable job options throughout the state.

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.

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