Program: Foundations of Skilled Trades (FST), CD - Laramie County Community College

LCCC Catalog 2025-2026

Apr 09, 2025

The Foundations of Skilled Trades (FST) Credit Diploma is intended to provide the opportunity for students to explore a professional career in the areas of skilled trades. The FST credit diploma program teaches skills in several areas of industrial maintenance including electrical, safety, common industry tooling and practices, and mechanical maintenance fundamentals. The FST credit diploma program is designed for the student who wishes to prepare for a career as an electrician, industrial maintenance technician, wind energy technician, or interested exploring registered apprenticeships in other areas of the skilled trades such plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Completion of the FST credit diploma is required for enrollment in Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and Wind Energy credit diplomas.

Contact Information

Contact information is available on the Trades & Technical Studies program website.

Map your individual academic plan of courses with your Student Success Coach.

If students choose to transition to another program within the Trades & Technical Studies pathway, they should be particularly aware of the choice points that indicate when a decision to branch off into another program must be made to ensure credits and time are not lost.

Coursework common to all degrees within this pathway is indicated by CAC, Common Academic Coursework, in the program map.

Competencies

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate the importance of safety in the workplace.
Describe the safe work requirements for elevated work.
Understand the basic requirements for maintaining and servicing mechanical systems
Understand the basic operating principles of AC and DC electricity
Demonstrate safe use of standard hand tools and power tools in a trades environment
Demonstrate the proper use of precision measurement tools, fastener identification, and appropriate torque procedures.
Explore career paths and professions in the trades and related careers

First Semester

Course Requirements

IST 1520 - Intro to Industrial Safety Credits: 3
IST 1560 - Trade Skills Fundamentals Credits: 3
IST 1660 - Mechanical Drives Credits: 3
IST 1710 - DC Electricity Credits: 3
IST 1712 - AC Electricity Credits: 3
STRT 1000 - Strategies for Success Credits: 3

Milestones

Completion of the Industrial Systems Technology, CD.

Program Credit Hour Total: 18 Credits

Program Comments

The information below is intended to be a guide, and does not guarantee regional job placement, job availability, or a specific wage after completion of the program. The potential jobs listed below may require completion of an apprenticeship and certification. Possible careers in or related to industrial systems technology include Lubricator, Machine Repairer, Maintainer, Maintenance Person, Maintenance Technician, Maintenance Worker, Oiler, and Overhauler.

Additional information on careers in Industrial Systems Technology is available through Career Coach.

Transfer Information

LCCC courses may transfer to institutions in addition to those with formal articulation agreements. Students are strongly encouraged to determine the degree requirements and transfer policy of the specific college/university and program to which they plan to transfer.