Business, Finance & Law   

This course equips participants with the confidence, clarity, and leadership presence needed to show up with credibility in both professional and personal environments. 
Through a focus on mindset, communication, and self-presentation, learners explore what executive presence is, why it matters, and how to cultivate behaviors that signal leadership readiness at any career stage. Learn more about Model Executive at this website.
 

This course will cover the planning considerations and operational process for starting and running a mobile food business. The course will cover financial planning, operational and logistical processes as well as administrative requirements for starting and operating a mobile food business. 

We will conduct a detailed financial analysis of what it takes to start and operate a food business and examine how to start, grow and develop a food business.

The class will be based on the instructor's personal journey running a local mobile food business and include lessons learned from his own experiences and observed from watching other peer businesses. 

All participants will also share a Santa Maria Style BBQ Sandwich dinner plate cooked on site by Pedro's Santa Maria Style BBQ. 

An introduction to developing a budget spreadsheet for any size project: from basic remodels to a complete new home build. The instructor will walk you through the essentials, starting with how to define the scope of a project. The class will also cover how to plan for the unplanned: how to allow for contingencies and how you can manage expectations when unforeseen situations occur.

Thinking about buying a home with VA benefits or stepping into the market for the first time? 

This class offers a clear, easy-to-understand walkthrough of the entire homebuying process. Learn how VA loans work, what lenders look for, and how to prepare your finances with confidence. 

We'll cover credit, income, debt-to-income ratios, and what to expect in today's housing market, plus the common mistakes that can make buying a home more stressful than it needs to be. Leave with practical guidance, a realistic plan, and the knowledge you need whether you're ready to buy soon or just exploring your options.

This class will cover the basics of creating a realistic and detailed schedule for any construction project -- from a bathroom renovation to a full new home build.  You will learn about sequencing all the tasks and durations required to complete a project efficiently: on time and on budget!

This introductory class will give students an overview to estimating construction project. Sample spreadsheets will be provided and the teacher will demonstrate how you can use spreadsheets and software to improve your estimating.  Students will leave the class understanding the steps to bidding a construction project, be it a completely new home build or just a remodel of an existing home or room.

Workplace Communications is an introductory course designed to provide learners with a foundational understanding of effective communication skills to bolster their careers.
The course covers active listening techniques, written and digital communication, cultural sensitivity and diversity in communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.  
By the end of the class, students should have acquired a comprehensive set of communication skills, enabling them to engage effectively in various personal and professional contexts while fostering positive relationships and understanding diverse perspectives. A certificiate will be provided for students that complete all five classes in the series.
This class is brought to us by Saint Vincent de'Paul.

Resume Writing offers learners an introductory exploration into the fundamental principles of effective writing techniques for crafting impactful resumes. By the end of Resume Writing, students will be able to craft a resume that effectively highlights their skills, experiences, and achievements, tailored to specific job opportunities. 

 A certificiate will be provided for students that complete all five classes in the series.

This class is brought to us by Olympic College Career Center.

This class covers the steps for obtaining approval from a local government body before undertaking building or renovation work.  It includes the process to issue a project drawing for permit. 

Expeditor assistance and scheduling inspections will be additionally be discussed.

Teamwork is an introductory course designed to provide learners with a foundational understanding of effective collaboration in group settings.  The course covers the characteristics of successful teams, decision-making in teams, leadership in teams, basic project planning & time management, and goal setting.  

By the end of Teamwork, students should have acquired a comprehensive understanding of effective teamwork principles and practices.   

A certificiate will be provided for students that complete all five classes in the series.

This class is brought to us by Saint Vincent de' Paul.

This class introduces students to the wide range of career opportunities in construction management. Learn how professionals oversee projects to meet time, budget, and quality goals. Additional career paths in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors will be discussed, including the growing presence of women in the field.

We will also explore opportunities to take on the owner’s representative role where you manage a project on behalf of the owner, ensuring that the project is completed on time, on budget and to required quality standards.

Are you job ready? Job Search Preparation offers learners an introductory exploration into the fundamental principles of effective applying for and interviewing for jobs. By the end of the class students will be equipped to prepare effectively, showcase their qualifications and experiences, articulate their strengths, and answer interview questions with poise and professionalism.  A certificiate will be provided for students that complete all five classes in the series.

Learn how to create clear and polished marketing graphics for your business using Canva.

Canva is an easy-to-use online design tool that allows anyone to produce professional looking visuals without needing prior design experience. In this two-session class, the first evening focuses on social media graphics. You will learn to use templates, choose fonts and colors, and export graphics sized correctly for common platforms. The second evening focuses on your website and email newsletter. 

We will create a homepage banner, a blog or page header image, and a simple email newsletter header.

You will leave class with ready to use graphics and the confidence to update and maintain your visuals over time.

Students should have access to laptop and access to a Canva account (the free version is fine).

Get familiar with web-based project management systems and how they streamline construction workflows. The class also explores emerging technologies, including AI, and how they’re enhancing efficiency, safety, and decision-making in the industry.

Budgeting is an introductory course designed to provide learners with a foundational understanding of personal finance and basic budgeting.  The course covers fundamental concepts, techniques, and tools to enable students to create, manage, and analyze basic budgets effectively.  By the end of Budgeting, students should have acquired essential skills in personal and organizational budgeting.   A certificiate will be provided for students that complete all five classes in the series.