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Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.

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Chemical Lab Technician Program

What is LIFT the Valley? 

LIFT the Valley is a one-year certificate program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in exciting new career opportunities emerging in Imperial County.  With a focus on the developing Lithium Valley project, LIFT the Valley offers practical training in: 

  • Plant Operation: Learn to operate and monitor equipment in geothermal plants and mineral extraction facilities. (Available Now!) 
  • Chemical Lab Technician: Gain hands-on experience in laboratory testing and analysis related to lithium extraction and processing. (Coming Fall 2024!) 
  • Instrumentation Technician: Develop expertise in maintaining and calibrating industrial instruments. (Coming Fall 2025!) 

 

Why Choose LIFT?

Fast-Track Your Career: Complete your certificate in just one year (two semesters) and be ready to join the workforce quickly. 

Hands-On Learning: Our program emphasizes practical skills through state-of-the-art equipment, lab exercises, and internship opportunities. 

Industry-Recognized Credentials: Earn certifications aligned with industry standards, such as SACA and NC3, making you a highly competitive candidate. 

Experienced Faculty: Learn from our dedicated instructors with expertise in geothermal and mineral extraction technologies. 

Local Focus, Global Impact: LIFT prepares you for rewarding careers in Imperial County's thriving Lithium Valley project, while also equipping you with transferable skills for broader opportunities. 

 


Ready to Take the First Step? 

  • Plant Operator Program: Registration is open now! Classes begin August 12th, 2024. 
  • Chemical Lab Technician Program: Registration is open now! Classes begin August 12th, 2024.  
  • Instrumentation Technician: Applications open Fall 2025. Stay tuned for updates! 

Contact Us Today! 

For more information about the LIFT program, please contact: 
Maria Neely, CTE Counselor: maria.neely@imperial.edu | 760-355-6335 
April Mazon, Program Manager: april.mazon@imperial.edu 
 
 

Join LIFT the Valley and become part of the future of Imperial Valley!

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Manufacturing and Supply Chains. 

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Supply Chains (MESC) Award Number DE-MS0000049. 

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. 

Gain essential skills with our Plant Operator course, offering basic instruction in plant operations. This course covers critical areas including safety protocols (OSHA), environmental awareness (EPA), and distributed control systems. 
The Plant Operator Program is designed as a one-year short-term certificate program taking the following courses: 

 

Fall Winter Spring
BLDC 015 PLNT 085 CIS 120 OR CIS 124
CIS 120 OR CIS 124   PLNT 90
PLNT 080   WE 220
WT 105    

 

Enhance your scientific skills with our Chemical Lab Technician course, providing basic instruction in scientific methods. This course covers key aspects including hypothesis development, experimentation, and data interpretation. 

FALL COURSES - 9 Units 

CHEM 082 (4 units) WT 105 or Math 105 (3 units) CIS 124 (1 unit) WE 201 (1 unit) 

SPRING COURSES - 11 units 

CHEM 085 (4 units) WT 110 (4 units) BLDC 015 (1 unit) CIS 120 (1 unit) WE 220 (1 unit) 

Chemical Technician Press Classes Presentation 2024

 

FAQ

1. What is the Chemical Lab Technician Program?

The Chemical Lab Technician Program at É«ÖÐÉ« is a hands-on training program designed to prepare students for a career in chemical labs. Developed with input from leading Lithium companies, this program focuses on practical skills rather than theoretical chemistry.
 

2. Is this a traditional chemistry program?

No, this is not a traditional chemistry program. The program is tailored for individuals who want to work in a chemical lab setting and does not require prior chemistry knowledge.

3. What certifications will I earn upon completion?

Upon completion, you will earn your OSHA certificate, É«ÖÐÉ« Certificate, and will be placed in an internship for real-world experience.

4. When do classes begin?

Classes for the Chemical Lab Technician Program begin on August 12th.

5. How long is the program and how many units do I need to complete?

The program can be completed in just two semesters, totaling 20 units.

6. What are the courses for the Fall 2024 semester?

  • CHEM 082 (4 units)
  • WT 105 or Math 105 (3 units)
  • CIS 124 - Excel 1 (1 unit)
  • WE 201 (1 unit)

7. What are the courses for the Spring 2025 semester?

  • CHEM 085 (4 units)
  • WT 110 (4 units)
  • BLDC 015 (1 unit)
  • CIS 120 - Microsoft Word 1 (1 unit)
  • WE 220 (1 unit)

8. What kind of job opportunities are available after completing the program?

There is a high demand for Chemical Lab Technicians in various industries. Potential job roles include:

  • Quality Control Technician
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Research Technician
  • Environmental Technician
  • Chemical Process Technician

9. Where can I find more information about labor market trends for Chemical Lab Technicians?

You can check out the Labor Market Report for Chemical Lab Technicians on the Centers of Excellence webpage to explore job opportunities.

10. Who can I contact for more information about the program?

For more information, you can contact:

  • Maria Neely, CTE Counselor at maria.neely@imperial.edu or (760) 355-6335
  • April Mazon, Program Manager at april.mazon@imperial.edu

11. What are the key learning goals of the program?

The program aims to provide students with practical skills in:

  • Working accurately in a lab environment
  • Collecting and interpreting data
  • Proper use and maintenance of lab equipment
  • Handling and storing samples and reagents
  • Organizing and conducting experiments

12. What is the overall goal of the Chemical Lab Technician Program?

The overall goal is to prepare students to maintain a lab in proper working order, ensuring they are confident working with various equipment and chemicals, and capable of providing meaningful data to supervisors.

13. What makes this program unique?

The Chemical Lab Technician Program at É«ÖÐÉ« stands out due to its strong industry connections, practical hands-on training, and the comprehensive support provided to students, including internships and certification.

14. Which agencies are looking to hire Chemical Lab Technicians?

Agencies looking to hire Chemical Lab Technicians include:

  • Spreckels Sugar Company
  • Imperial Irrigation District
  • CalEnergy Resource Ltd.
  • Imperial CBD Extraction
  • USG Corporation
  • Equinox Gold
  • Controlled Thermal Resources
  • Energy Source

15. Will my Education Plan or financial aid be affected if I am a current student?

For more information regarding this, contact Maria Neely to schedule a one-on-one appointment to go over your individual situation.

Develop your technical expertise with our Instrumentation Technician course, offering basic instruction in connected field devices. This course covers essential topics including transmitters, valve actuators, and motor controls. More information coming soon!